What Are The Best Ways To Stay Safe In The Sun?
May Newsletter
Stay Safe In The Sun
Sunshine has plenty of health benefits, but it’s also important to keep your skin safe while spending time outdoors. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. (CDC), with harmful sunrays increasing your risk of melanoma. The good news is you can safely be outside with the proper preventative measures:
- Use the correct sunscreen (and reapply it!) – When spending time in the sun, lather on SPF 15 or higher to block UVA and UVB rays. Make sure you’re covering any place that will get sun exposure, and that you’re reapplying every two hours. Sunscreen can expire – make to check your bottle’s expiration date as well!
- Stay in the shade – Balance long durations in the sun by seeking out shade as needed. This might look like bringing an umbrella to the beach or sitting under the shade of a tree rather than in direct sunlight while reading a book.
- Prepare with proper clothing – When spending long days in the sun, prepare accordingly. For example, if you’re visiting the pool, bring a cover-up or t-shirt so that you can give your skin a break from direct sun. Paired with sunblock and shade, wearing the proper clothing can help keep your skin healthy.
4 Essential Ways To Boost Your Mental Well-Being
Spring is the perfect time to start fresh. As you re-organize certain areas of your life, consider implementing daily practices that not only benefit your physical health but your mental health as well. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, here are four ways you can increase your happiness and well-being (Healthline):
- Get moving – You’ve heard it before. Exercising regularly not only benefits your body but works wonders for your mental health too. Whether it’s walking or joining a gym, find what works for you and stay active.
- Acknowledge stress – When you’re feeling sad, upset, or overwhelmed, don’t bury your feelings. Accepting that something is challenging can be a good step toward managing your feelings in a healthy way. Consider talking to a loved one, therapist, or your doctor.
- Plan ahead – Staying organized can help reduce stress. Whether it’s writing in a planner, setting reminders on your phone, creating a new budget, or setting goals, planning for the short-term and/or long-term can help you feel accomplished.
- Get enough sleep – Experts recommend the average adult gets at least seven hours of quality sleep per night. Neglecting this habit can impact your focus, productivity, and mood.
Watch this video from Mayo Clinic on why getting enough sleep can drastically improve your health.