Have a Sun Safe Fourth of July

While summer means fun in the sun, make sure you’re not getting too much of a good thing.

Published 7/1/2015


Over the Independence Day weekend who doesn’t want to be outside, sunbathing, swimming, playing catch on the beach or just barbequing in the backyard?

While summer means fun in the sun, make sure you’re not getting too much of a good thing. Avoid consequences of overexposure to the sun like sunburns, premature aging of the skin, wrinkling and skin cancer, including melanoma by practicing proper sun protection. 

Protect yourself from the sun between 10 AM and 4 PM. 
 
  • SPF—Use sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection.  
  • Don’t be shy—Reapply sunscreen if you stay out in the sun for more than two hours, after you swim or do things that make you sweat. 
  • Cover up—Wear clothing to protect exposed skin. 
  • If the cap fits—Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck.  
  • Sport those shades—Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays to protect your eyes and the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure. 
  • Shade it—Seek shade, especially during midday hours under an umbrella or tree.

New Hampshire has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the country. So play it safe this Fourth of July and protect yourself from a preventable disease.