Body guards

No need to let UV rays and bugs drive you indoors. These products keep you safe outside.

The warm winds of spring have given way to the dazzling days of summer, and being outdoors has become a way of life. Whether you choose to garden, play sports, or savor a cozy picnic on cool grass, protecting yourself from the elements will allow you the freedom to enjoy all the warmth and wonder that the season offers.

Help for Hands

Don't forget your hardworking hands this summer. Choose well-constructed, comfortable gloves appropriate for your task. Cotton gloves are inexpensive, lightweight, and cool, and they work well for light chores. Choose styles with rubber dots on the fingers and palms if your task involves gripping or use in damp conditions. Leather gloves are more expensive but also more durable and ideal for heavy-duty jobs. Tip: Treat your hands to a soothing moisture bath while you work by applying a generous amount of your favorite hand lotion before putting on your gloves. Use a little extra under your nails. While you garden, your hands will absorb the cream. There are several brands available that are specifically designed with gardeners in mind. Burt's Bees Hand Salve and Bag Balm are two popular brands and can be found at specialty stores, drugstores, or online (www. burtsbees.com, www. bagbalm.com).

Sun Savvy

Mother Nature's sauna can soothe, but beware of her harsher side. Overexposure to the damaging rays of the sun can lead to painful burns and has been directly linked to skin cancer. Guard yourself by wearing sunscreen.

The most important factor in choosing a sunscreen is how well it shields you from UV rays. Most experts agree that a minimum SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 is required for effective protection. (Reapply at least every two hours.) Remember to look for a label that reads "broad-spectrum" or one that indicates that it blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

Bug Off

Summer insects are not only pesky-they can also spread potentially dangerous diseases. Keep an effective insect repellent on hand for your family's protection. As you scour the shelves, check product labels for an active ingredient called deet. Tests have proven that the brands containing deet last longer than ones that include natural ingredients such as herbs and/or citronella. Products by Cutter, Repel, and Off! are all good choices. (Don't use deet products on children younger than 2 years old. Older children should use repellents that contain 10% or less.) We prefer lotion and cream applications because they are easier to control than aerosol sprays, and you don't inhale the excess. If you choose to use an aerosol on your child's clothing, be sure to spray the items away from your child before he or she gets dressed.

Hats On

Because skin cancers can occur on the face, neck, and ears, a well-designed hat can significantly reduce your risk of developing them. When choosing your summer, chapeau, consider three things: fabric, style, and size. Fabric thickness, color, and weave all determine how much sunlight penetrates a hat. Look for light-colored, densely woven fabric, such as canvas, for maximum sun blockage. Purchasing the correct size will ensure that your hat fits comfortably yet stays secure, even on windy days. The hat's brim should extend about 3 inches to provide adequate protection. Though baseball caps may be stylish, they leave your neck and ears exposed to the sun.

For Your Eyes Only

Shopping for sunglasses can be frustrating because of all the choices. So when picking out new ones, take your time trying them on. The glasses should feel secure, yet still be comfortable.

Look through the lenses carefully, and if possible, step outdoors. Try to look at both light and dark areas. Ideally, the lenses should be dark enough to shield your eyes from bright lights and glares but not so dark that they compromise your vision in a low-light environment. Polarized lenses offer extra protection against glare; these are especially helpful for water activities.

Safety tip: Although sunglasses are equipped with impact-resistant lenses, which is mandated by the FDA, they are not shatterproof. Do not substitute them for appropriate safety eyewear.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jun 2003
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