It’s nearly impossible to live in the Sunshine State and completely avoid the sun, and who wants to, anyway? Summer is a great time to relax, take a vacation and spend time with the family. We don’t want to rain on your parade, but it’s important that before you hit the beach or barbecue, you protect yourself from the sun and dangerous UV rays.

Exposure to the sun not only can damage your skin — in other words, cause wrinkles or sunspots — but it also can increase your risk of skin cancer and diseases of the eye.

Protect yourself during our long, hot summer by taking these simple precautions:

Use sunscreen: Put it on any exposed skin before you go outside, and reapply it every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Don’t forget areas like ears, the back of your neck and tops of your feet.

• Consider UV protective clothing: People who burn easily might invest in sun protective clothing, such as swimwear, shirts, etc.
• Don’t depend on water: You may feel cooler when you’re in the pool or ocean, but water and sand reflect and intensify the rays of the sun, which increase your risk of sunburn. When you’re at the beach or spending a day by the pool, be extra vigilant about reapplying sunscreen.
• Take a midday break: Remember that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. That would be an ideal time to head indoors or into the shade for lunch or a nap.
• Wear your shades: Studies have proven that long-term exposure to bright sunlight may increase the risk of cataracts or even cancer of the eyes. Make sure your sunglasses have 100% UV blocking lenses and wear a broad-brimmed hat.
• Check your skin: Knowing your skin and moles, and watching for changes in them, is the key to detecting skin cancer in its earliest and most treatable stages.

These few steps can help you enjoy a sunny and safe summer.

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