Use ‘sun sense’ when outdoors

In the summertime, we spend a lot of our time outdoors, whether that be swimming, working in the garden or playing with our pets in the yard. One thing we must be mindful of if we stay out in the sun too long is the possibility of getting a sunburn. No one wants to stay inside when the sun is shining. So, when you are outside, using a little “sun sense” can protect you and your family from getting too much sun.

First, check the UV Index daily. This information can be found on the weather app on your phone or the television station where you get your weather forecast. On days when the UV Index reaches 3 (moderate) or more, you need to be extra careful to protect your skin. Try to reduce your time in the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Next, seek shade. If your shadow is shorter than you, it is time to find some shade. Choose to sit under a tree at the park or under an awning on a restaurant patio. If you cannot find shade, create your own. Take along an umbrella, that way you can have shade wherever you need it. If you can see the sky from your shady spot, you still need to cover up with clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Another tip is to cover up. Cover up as much of your skin as you can with tightly woven or UV-protective labeled clothing. Clothes provide better protection than sunscreen. Wear a hat with a wide brim that covers your head, face, ears and neck. Hats like baseball caps will not give you enough protection. Many skin cancers develop on the face and neck. Therefore, these areas need extra protection. Put sunscreen on your ears, chin and neck even when you are wearing a hat.

Furthermore, wear your sunglasses. It is important that everyone from children to adults wear their shades! Sunglasses do not have to be expensive to be effective.

Lastly, use sunscreen properly. Use sunscreen along with the shade, clothing and hats, not instead of them. Remember that sunscreens are not meant to be used so that you can stay out in the sun longer; they are meant to increase your protection when you must be outside. Sunscreen should be used on any exposed skin not covered by clothing. If you are in the water, make sure your sunscreen is water-resistant.

It is also important to know how to apply sunscreen properly. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen. Do not forget your ears, nose, neck, the backs of your hands and the tops of your feet. The average adult needs about two to three tablespoons of sunscreen to cover their body and a teaspoon to cover their face and neck. If you are using spray aerosol sunscreen, do not spray directly onto your face. Spray the product in your hands and then carefully rub it over the face, avoiding the eyes and mouth.

If you forget to put sunscreen on before going outside, it is not too late! Put it on as soon as you can and reapply according to the directions, especially after swimming or sweating. Use a lip balm with SPF and reapply when needed. Your lips need protection, too.

Sunscreens have an expiration date that is usually visible on the container. Sunscreens contain chemicals and they should not be used after the expiration date because they may not work as well. Sunscreens can be affected by extreme changes in temperature. If it has been frozen or overheated, throw it out. If the sunscreen has changed color or smell, throw it out.

Hopefully, next time you go outside, you will use these “sun sense” tips to avoid getting a sunburn!

4-H information

There are several 4-H Clubs for Garland county youths who are 5 to 19 years old. For more information on all the fun 4-H activities that are available, call Carol Ann McAfee at the Extension office at 623-6841 or email cmcafee@uaex.edu.

Master Gardener information

Master Gardener meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at the Elks Lodge. They’re open to the public and guests are welcome. For more information, call the Extension office at 6236841 or email Alex Dykes at adykes@uaex.edu.

EHC information

Are you interested in joining an existing Extension Homemakers Club? EHC is the largest volunteer organization in the state. For information on EHC, call Alison Crane at 623-684 or email acrane@uaex.edu.