UV rays are a well-known problem, as summer approaches and we start spending more time outdoors. We all want to spend as much time with our family as possible during these months, but we also need to be mindful of the danger that comes with over-exposure to the sun and its damaging rays. There are plenty of precautions we can take to protect ourselves and those we love!
Solutions For The Backyard
One of the most common mistakes people make is forgetting about protection for their backyard. Most yards don’t have a lot of shade, but that doesn’t mean you should be unprotected from harmful UV rays. Umbrellas provide excellent shade during the day, while awnings offer great coverage throughout the entire day. Providing shade is necessary, especially in places like Atlanta where the summers are hot and muggy, as it can protect you from sun damage to your skin and eyes. You can consider buying a retractable awning in Atlanta for your backyard so that you can have different backyard coverage depending on the time of day. It’s also a good idea to invest in a high-quality backyard tent. These tents come with UV protection of up to factor 50, which is more than enough for normal exposure.
Planting Big Trees In The Yard
You can also plant big trees in your yard. These plants will not only provide shade during the day, but they’ll also give you a little bit of extra protection. Make sure that you choose shady trees with wide leaves or needles instead of thin leaves if possible. While these are good for shade, make sure to check up on them throughout the summer. If they get too much shade, you won’t be able to see your lawn or plants underneath them. You also want to make sure that the trees don’t provide too little shade. That can cause some pretty severe sunburn on anyone who spends time in the yard on a sunny day.
Wearing The Right Outfit
When you’re in the backyard or any shaded area, remember to wear an extra layer of clothing. You can choose long-sleeve T-shirts and pants for men, while women have more options. They can opt for longer skirts or full dresses with leggings underneath. The best choice, however, is a full-body swimsuit. These are designed to protect your skin from the sun while you’re swimming in the water, but they also work great for lounging or playing on a sunny day. Some of them even come with SPF protection of their own!
Solutions For The Beach
If you’re going to spend time at the beach, you need to make sure that you have some kind of protective clothing with you. If possible, cover yourself with a long-sleeve shirt and pants so that harmful UV rays don’t get a chance to touch your skin. Others will want to use a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses while getting in some time on the sand. You can read a book, play in the waves, or just take a nap when you’re in the shade. Just as important as protecting your skin and body from harmful UV rays is protecting your eyes. More than 90% of temporary eye damage comes from unprotected eyes that are exposed to the sun for too long! Sunlight reflects off the water and other surfaces, so it’s easy to get blinded when you’re outdoors. Sunglasses are a must-have if you’re going to be spending time in the sun, and they need to have dark tinting for maximum protection. Wearing sunglasses that have been treated with an anti-reflective coating is even better!
Driving In The Sun
Driving is a necessity for most people, and that means they have to deal with being exposed to harmful UV rays. However, there are some things you can do to protect yourself from this problem. The best thing is to invest in car window film. This temporary solution allows you to drive without worrying about sun damage while getting all the benefits of fresh air coming into your car during sunny days! It also protects your skin from potential damage whenever you’re stuck in traffic on the way home from work. Also, it’s possible to buy car window film wherever you live so you have the option of protecting yourself on the way to work as well.
The Importance of SPF
Almost everyone has heard of some kind of SPF protection before, but not many people know what it is or how it works. It’s best to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 when you’re going outside on a sunny day. You only need to apply the sunscreen once every two hours as well, so you don’t have to worry about reapplying throughout the day if you find yourself sitting under a tree for too long! SPF needs to appear on the label of any sunscreen you purchase. If it doesn’t, then that means that it isn’t offering your skin the protection that you need!
Keep A Close Eye On The Weather
Every sunny day doesn’t mean that you and your family need extra sunscreen or protective clothing! You should only go outside when the weather is cloudy or overcast if possible. If there isn’t a cloud in the sky and it seems like there will be one soon, make sure everyone has some kind of sunscreen on their skin before stepping outside. Not only will you be protecting yourselves from harmful UV rays, but you’ll also be preventing skin cancer!
While there are plenty of things to keep in mind when it comes to protecting yourself and your family from harmful UV rays, the most important thing is not to let these dangers keep you cooped up indoors. It’s still incredibly important for children to get some natural sunlight so their bones can grow properly, so try taking them out for a walk on cloudy days or even just after dinner before bedtime. If everyone takes the right precautions, including using sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 15 whenever necessary, then you should have no problem spending time outside without worrying about being exposed to dangerous levels of UV radiation!