Where’s your “happy place” this summer? When you close your eyes and imagine a stress-free place, do you see yourself in a tropical paradise with sand between our toes and sunshine on face?
While summertime is filled with vacations, parties, and fun, it’s also important to protect yourself and your family to stay happy and healthy.
Here are some tips:
LAY ON THE SUNSCREEN. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Apply at least every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
WEAR PROPER CLOTHES AND SUNGLASSES FOR THE OCCASION. When you know you’ll be exposed to the sun, wear light clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin. Protect your eyes with sunglasses, considering those that block at least 99% of UV light.
AVOID THE SUN AT PEAK HOURS. Limit your direct exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when UV rays are strongest. Use this time to catch up on summer reading or play an indoor game with your family or friends.
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM BUGS. Sadly, summer is the favorite season for bugs. Mosquitos, a notorious nuisance to outdoor summer events, carry several pesky illnesses and diseases. To protect yourself, use bug repellent to keep mosquitos and other critters away.
PLAN AN ACTIVE VACATION. Camping, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling are great ways to spend time in nature and get a lot of exercise. If you’re visiting a city, consider renting bicycles or taking a walking tour.
Now you’re ready to go to your real-life happy place!