Staying+Safe+in+the+Sun!

Summer is finally here and you'll be spending lots more time outside! So you have to be careful about how you protect yourself in the sun.

There are three types of UV rays from the sun. (UV stands for ultraviolet.) There are UVA rays, UVB rays, and UVC rays.


 * UVC rays are the most dangerous but they do not affect us because they cannot penetrate the Earth's ozone layer. It absorbs them.
 * Then there are UVB rays. Most of them do not penetrate the Earth's ozone layer either, but the ones that do are also dangerous. UVB rays can cause sunburn, immune system damage, and cataracts. Cataracts are clouding of the eye lenses and impair sight. UVB rays also can cause skin cancer, such as melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. You should be very cautious about not getting severe sunburns at this age because most often, melanoma is caused by bad sunburns before the age of twenty.
 * All UVA rays penetrate the ozone layer, and they also are harmful. Some people think getting a slight tan from UVA rays from the sun or a tanning bed is okay, but they also can cause skin cancers, such as melanoma, and skin aging and wrinkling.

It's even more important for people who have; fair skin and and hair, a family history of skin cancer, and people who have moles on their skin. People who have any of these should be extra careful out in the sun because they have a higher risk of getting burned which in some situations results in skin cancer.

Now I'm not saying don't go out in the sun at all. Your body needs the suns rays to get Vitamin D which helps you absorb calcium and calcium gives you strong and healthy bones.

You must be asking yourself, How can I stay safe in the sun this summer? Here's your answer:

If you want to be safe in the sun, don't stay outside in the sun for pro longed periods, especially from 10:00 a.m - 4:00 p.m. If you happen to be out in between these two hours make sure to wear extra sunscreen. And remember, just because the cloud may be cloudy UV rays are still being transmitted the the ozone layer and through the clouds. Don't think that you can't be burned with no sun, because you can.

Another way to protect yourself in the sun is to coverup and conceal yourself. If it isn't too hot out, try wearing a light shirt or light pants that won't make you too hot. Wear wide brimmed hats that get the sun off your face. Also try bringing an umbrella along to keep the suns rays from getting to you. Being out in the sun too much can make you irritable and tired so if you get the chance escape indoors for bits in between being outside. The most important thing to remember is to always wear sunscreen. reapply sunscreen after any exercise or swimming. Apply sunscreen about half an hour before you go outside so it has time to form and get ready to protect your skin. Also reapply sunscreen every two to three hours to be safe.

If you do get a sunburn: If you happen to get a sunburn stay in the shade or indoors until it heals, you want to do this because if the sunburned skin gets exposed once again while already burned, the original burn will get more severe and will be more painful for you. You could also have a cool bath or get a cool cloth to put on the burn to ease the pain. Aloe Vera gel will also ease the pain and heal the burn so you get back outside and enjoy the sun again!

Take all these tips into consideration and this summer **be safe in the sun!**

By: Georgia Coles