Let’s Get Back to Enjoying the Florida Sunshine – Sun Safety Tips for Outdoor Explorations

Now that you are vaccinated and plan to spend more time with your loved ones as safely as possible, many of us will be getting tons of fresh air and exploring the great outdoors. Before you jump into the hottest months of the year, your sunscreen isn’t the only thing that you should be grabbing for added sun protection.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, less than half of older adults protect their skin from the sun when outside for an hour or more on a warm, sunny day. This may raise the risk of getting skin cancer.

For outdoor fun, it’s important that you have proper:
Shade: Be sure to take a few moments from the sun’s rays and find shading under an umbrella or tree or take a pause in the fun to briefly step indoors.

Clothing: Don’t forget to cover up by adding long-sleeve shirts and pants to your wardrobe.

Hats: A wide-brimmed hat helps protect your face and your eyes.

Sunglasses: Ultraviolet eye protection creates added covering for the skin of your eyelids, corneas, lenses and other parts of the eye.

Drinks: Consume plenty of non-alcoholic fluids for hydration. Water is best.

Sunscreen is a must whether you are headed to the beach or on a leisurely walk in the park. The CDC recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks the sun’s rays and has an SPF of 15 or higher. In this case, lathering is your friend. It is best to reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours, and don’t forget to give yourself 15 minutes before heading outdoors for it to work at its optimum. Remember, although it has a lengthy shelf life, sunscreen can expire. Be sure to discard sunscreen after one to two years.

Taking these easy steps, and making them some of your everyday habits, can help prevent sunburn and skin cancer risk.

Safely is the best approach when enjoying the summer months. The CDC recommends that you immediately seek medical attention if any of the following occur:

• Severe sunburn, especially if it covers more than 15% of the body.
• Dehydration.
• High fever (above 101° F).
• Extreme pain that lasts more than 48 hours.

Florida Blue
Call Your Local Agent, Dell Richard: 1-352-353-3399