(4/2023) I try to remind people how important protection from the sun's harmful rays is. We all see the advertisements on TV and hear how protecting ourselves from the sun is but do we really listen and use sunscreen? Each year we seem to hear about a new product that is suppose to be the best. I'm sure, like everything else we see and hear advertised, some things work for some people and not as well for others. Each company tries to improve or at least change their products and advertising to attract more buyers.

They also try to make the products that are not greasy or leave a film so that people will like them better and hopefully use them more often. The best products are the ones you will use. If you don't like them you will look for any excuse not to use it. Another choice for protection from the sun is a hat or clothing made to repel the sun’s rays. I bought some of the sun protection shirts for my family and my husband really likes them. He thought because of the long sleeves they would be hot to wear but was pleasantly surprised how they felt.

Since most of the time spent outside is in the sun there are several products out there to keep our skin protected from the harmful sun rays. We need to protect our skin from the sun even in the winter months but summer is the time we can burn quicker and really damage out skin. Sunscreen should be a part of our everyday routine when getting ready for the day.

Some moisturizers contain SPF but if you are going to be out for a while it is a good idea to use a sunscreen along with your regular moisturizer. Men usually don’t use a daily moisturizing cream so it is important for them to get in the habit of putting on sunscreen before they start any outside activities or work. The recommendation is to use a sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or above, a broad spectrum and is water resistant. These three items should protect our skin as well as we can. Applying every 30 to 60 minutes is something we forget about when we are out working on the lawn or just enjoying a day outside in the beautiful sunshine.

Another way to protect yourself is to work, exercise or whatever you are doing in the shade of a canopy or trees but I realize that is not usually possible. Wearing a wide brimmed hat is also a good way to protect your face, ears and back of the neck, many people don’t think about those areas. My dermatologist said he sees the most skin problems on the ears, nose and chin because these areas extend out from the face and people don’t think to protect them.

There is so much information out there today to help prevent skin problems but sometimes we don’t utilize it. There are different SPF strengths and different types of sunscreen and it really pays to do a little research to find the one that is best for you. One thing I question is the sunscreen staying on and at what strength after you have been in the water or after sweating a lot.

We especially need to remember to reapply sunscreen to the kids. They are outside playing and time passes faster than we realize. Their skin is more delicate than adult skin and usually burns quicker. There are sunscreens out there for children that claim to have a higher level of protection. Getting a child in the habit of always using sunscreen is the best way to prevent future problems for them. Kids remember things very well and if you can get them in the habit they will tell you to apply their sunscreen before they go out to play or even better, make a game out of it and let them apply their own. Thanks to research we know more about the problems sun damage can cause and we have more to protect our children from problems in the future if we train them now.

Putting enough sunscreen on is also something many of us have a problem with. Read the label so you know how much to use or check with a doctor or dermatologist to use the proper amount. Using any amount is better than nothing but you may as well use enough to give you the best protection you can get.

Eye protection from the sun is just as important as skin protection. The sun's rays are very hard on your eyes and can cause damage. Wearing sunglasses is the best way to protect your eyes from the sun. Putting your sunglasses on before leaving the house should be something you do everyday. We remember to put the sunglasses on if the sun is completely blocking our view in the windshield but we should wear them even when the sun is not shining brightly. The damaging rays are still out there.

I always want you to exercise and the summer is a great time to be working in the yard or going for a long walk to get a little extra exercise in if you can. Being outside usually makes you feel better and is a great time to be with family and friends, just remember to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays while getting the most of your exercise time. If you have any questions or suggestions you can contact me at 717-334-6009. Enjoy the summer and remember to keep moving!