Sun Protection

Being outside on a warm, sunny day is one of life's greatest pleasures, but getting too much sun can be dangerous.

The sun produces good things like light and heat, but it also produces ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can damage human skin and eyes. Being exposed to too much UV radiation can cause sunburn and even more serious problems like skin cancer and cataracts.

Following the instructions below will help you avoid UV-related health problems now and when you're older. If you follow these steps all the time, they will become easy and won't bother you any more than fastening your seat belt every time you get into a car.

Wear sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB radiation. Ordinary sunglasses don't protect your eyes very well, but sunglasses that block 99-100% of UV rays greatly reduce your eyes' sun exposure. Check the label when buying sunglasses.

Wear a hat. A hat with a wide brim protects your eyes, ears, face, and the back of your neck -- areas that can easily get too much sun.

Protect other areas with clothing during long periods in the sun. Tightly-woven, loose-fitting clothes are best, but any clothing is better than bare skin.

Always use sunscreen when outside on a sunny day. A sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 blocks most harmful radiation. Apply lots of sunscreen before you go outside, and reapply every two hours if you have been sweating or swimming. Even waterproof sunscreens can come off when you wipe off sweat or water. Children under six months old should never have sunscreen applied to their skin. They should be protected by avoiding too much time outdoors.

Avoid the midday sun. The sun's UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Try to limit your sun exposure during those hours.

Watch for the UV Index. The UV Index predicts the risk of overexposure to the sun and indicates how careful you should be outdoors. You can find the UV Index for the day in newspaper, TV, and on-line weather reports.

Remember to use these "sun wise" precautions!