| What outdoor activities did you do this past | | | | Whenever possible, limit exposure to the sun during |
| summer? Maybe you went on a vacation to the | | | | these hours.2. Wear a Hat - A hat with a wide brim |
| beach. Maybe you spent some time playing your | | | | offers good sun protection to your eyes, ears, face, |
| favorite sports such as baseball, golf, or tennis. | | | | and the back of your neck - areas particularly prone |
| Maybe you went swimming or had a barbeque in the | | | | to overexposure to the sun.3. Cover Up - Wearing |
| backyard with family and friends. Regardless of the | | | | tightly woven, loose-fitting, and full-length clothing is a |
| outdoor activities you did over the summer, most | | | | good way to protect your skin from the sun's UV |
| likely you were aware that it was important to | | | | rays.4. Wear Sunglasses that Block 99-100% of UV |
| protect yourself from sun while outdoors.Now winter | | | | Radiation -Sunglasses that provide 99-100% UVA and |
| is approaching. I am turning my attention to putting | | | | UVB protection will greatly reduce sun exposure that |
| away my summer items to make room for the | | | | can lead to cataracts and other eye damage. Check |
| winter ones; long sleeve shirts for short sleeve ones, | | | | the label when buying sunglasses.5. Always Use |
| corduroy pants for shorts, and boots for sandals. | | | | Sunscreen - Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with |
| Most of the sports equipment I have been using is | | | | a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 or higher |
| going to get put away as well. But what about those | | | | liberally on exposed skin. Reapply every 2 hours, or |
| items I have been using to protect myself from the | | | | after working, swimming, playing, or exercising |
| sun? Things like my sunscreens, sunglasses, and sun | | | | outdoors. Even waterproof sunscreen can come off |
| protective hats and clothing.You may be putting | | | | when you towel off, sweat, or spend extended |
| these items away and not using them during the | | | | periods of time in the water.6. Avoid Sunlamps and |
| winter. The National Council of Skin Cancer Prevention | | | | Tanning Parlors - The light source from sunbeds and |
| reported in their January 2003 newsletter that | | | | sunlamps damages the skin and unprotected eyes. |
| research shows only 3 percent of Americans | | | | It's a good idea to avoid artificial sources of UV |
| routinely wear sunscreen during the fall months, and | | | | light.7. Watch for the UV Index - The UV Index |
| only 2 percent during the winter months. However, | | | | provides important information to help you plan your |
| you can still get a sunburn and snow blindness during | | | | outdoor activities in ways that prevent overexposure |
| these months. The colder temperatures do not block | | | | to the sun. Developed by the National Weather |
| the UV rays and reflections off the snow and higher | | | | Service (NWS) and EPA, the UV Index is issued daily |
| altitudes can make matters even worse. You may be | | | | in selected cities across the United States.I am going |
| causing yourself significant, long-term damage by not | | | | to keep my sun protective items out to use this |
| properly protecting yourself.How do you protect | | | | winter. I am trusting that you will do the same so |
| yourself from the winter sun (or any other season)? | | | | that you can enjoy the outdoors while in the cold, on |
| Follow these simple sun safety action steps | | | | the ice, or in the snow. Have a terrific and safe |
| recommended by the US Environmental Protection | | | | winter!Roger Carr lives in Fredericksburg, Virginia and |
| Agency:1. Limit Time in the Midday Sun - The sun's | | | | is a contributing author to the Sun Clothing, etc. |
| rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. | | | | monthly newsletter. |