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The sun is out, the trees are brilliant shades of green, and the day is full of promise. Millions of people throughout the United States venture outdoors to engage in healthy activities and temporarily escape being confined indoors. Nature beckons as beaches are bustling, campgrounds are booked solid, and parks everywhere are teeming with happy faces.
Yes, being outdoors on a clear day is a beautiful thing to experience. How satisfying it is to face upward with eyes closed and bask in the warmth of the sun. Unfortunately, too much exposure to the sun can be harmful. According to the Centers for Disease Control, as little as 15 minutes of unprotected contact with the sun is considered unhealthy. Harmful UV radiation can continue to damage the skin hours after an exposed person moves into the shade. Additionally, it can take up to 12 hours for a person to show effects of sun exposure, so if a child looks pink while playing in the sun, he or she already could actually be burned the following day (CDC.gov). Each year, there are more cases of melanoma (skin cancer) diagnosed than all of the new cases of lung, breast, colon, and prostate cancer combined. Sadly, one American dies from skin cancer every hour (skincancer.org).
Be Proactive
Although the health facts concerning UV exposure are alarming, the solutions are simple. It is possible to go outside and enjoy a warm, sunny day without being in danger. No matter if you are at the beach, the ball field, or a local park, consider three important practices: