Celebrate UV Safety Month This July by Staying Safe in the Sun

July is UV Safety Month. While it's one of the sunniest months of the year for those of us living in the Northeast, it's also a time of year when we should be extra conscious and aware of just how dangerous the sun can be. From causing sunburns and heat exhaustion to causing vision problems and skin cancer, the sun can be harmful to our bodies in many ways. This July, celebrate UV Protection Month by protecting yourself from the sun's dangerous rays.

How can you protect yourself while you're enjoying the summer sunshine this July? There are lots of strategies you can and should implement on hot summer days to keep your body safe from the sun.

1. Apply Sunscreen

Wearing sunscreen is key if you want to avoid sunburns, maintain healthy, vibrant skin and avoid skin cancer during the summer. Your skin is your body's largest organ - and a vital one at that. Protecting it from being damaged by the sun's powerful rays is imperative.

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2. Reapply Sunscreen

If you're spending a long day out in the sun, applying sunscreen once is not enough. Reapplying throughout the day is important to ensure that your skin is adequately protected at all times. Even sunscreens that claim to be waterproof or sweat-proof should be reapplied repeatedly. As a rule, applying sunscreen at the rate of one ounce every two hours is typically sufficient.

3. Wear Appropriate Clothing

On hot summer days, it seems like long sleeved shirts and pants are inappropriate wardrobe options. The truth is, however, these items of clothing can protect your skin from exposure to the sun. If you're planning to spend time outside, consider bringing along clothing that can cover your skin. Long sleeved shirts and long pants are good options for protecting your arms and legs, while hats are perfect for protecting your head and shading your face.

4. Wear Sunglasses

The sun's rays can damage your skin, but they can also damage your eyes. Sunglasses with UV-resistant lenses are practical and can be fashionable as well. Wearing sunglasses throughout the summer can prevent sun-related vision problems including cataracts and macular degeneration.

5. Drink Lots of Water

Staying hydrated is important on hot, sticky summer days. When the days are hot, our bodies lose water faster than they normally do. Replenish your body by bringing along plenty of water on excursions throughout the summer whether you're heading out for a couple of hours or an entire day.

6. Seek Out the Shade

While the appeal of spending summer days outside is often basking in the sunshine, be sure to seek out some shady spots as well. Sunburns are most likely to occur in the middle of the day, between 10:00am and 4:00pm. During this time period especially, it's important to spend some time in the shade to protect your body from dangerous exposure to the sun.

This July, celebrate UV Safety Month by staying safe in the sun!

By implementing these tips into your daily life, you can protect your body from the sun's harmful rays and enjoy the summer days safely.

Want more tips for protecting your skin and beautifying your body this summer? Contact Dr. Garcia Plastic & Hand Surgery today to find out how we can help you look and feel your best this summer. Schedule your consultation today!