Highway To Health: Sun Safety

As summer approaches and temperatures warm, everyone is likely excited to get outside in the sunshine. Spending time in the sun has been proven to improve mood and increase Vitamin D levels. However, it is important to protect yourself because too much sun exposure can cause problems like sunburn, wrinkles or even skin cancer.

Here are tips to protect yourself when you are out in the sunshine:

• Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours.
• Wear protective clothing like long sleeves, hats and sunglasses.
• Seek shade, particularly during peak sun hours (typically 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
• Routinely examine your skin, and have any concerning areas looked at by a medical provider.