Here Comes The Sun.....   Being Cautious Outdoors in the Elements

   Well, Summer is officially here, and the Sun is strong and bright, and hot. It is a welcome change after Winter, and a somewhat cold Spring here in the U.S.  During the month of May it was even necessary to turn the heat on a few times, which is most unusual weather for us.

   So now the Sun is here, and the days are getting progressively hotter, and it finds us spending more time outdoors, whether it is just walking, sitting outside in the yard, or engaging in sports, or spending time by our oceans, bays, lakes or rivers. It is a part of being connected to nature, and sometimes it is easier in Summer than in Winter when there is extreme cold or snow, unless you enjoy winter sports.
   In northern climates, ancient peoples would worship the Sun, while is southern climates or hot climates, ancient peoples would worship water.
   The Sun is the source of life and growth. Without it vegetation could not live, nor would there be life without the warmth of the Sun. And yet it can be a double edged sword, for example, like the rose has its thorns, too much exposure to the Sun can be harmful. As in everything, there needs to be a balance.

   So it is important to be careful of how much exposure your skin gets to the Sun, and it is important to wear sunblock. With so many choices out there, how do you choose? And which products are more natural, and which are possibly more toxic?

   I am always reading about the differences in sunblocks online. Most commercial sunblocks contain not only chemicals for blocking the sun, but have additives like parabens. Unfortunately parabens are toxic. In women, additives like parabens or chemicals can combine with estrogen and make a woman's estrogen levels too high, and is thought to possibly be a link to breast and other cancers. So read labels, do your research, and try for organic sunblock found either online or in health food stores. The least harmful blocks for the sun seem to be titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. I do not believe there have been any studies done on the effects of these ingredients, but they are certainly better than some of the products out there. 

   The minimum sunblock protection should be an SPF of 15, but SPF 30 is what is recommended. And your sunblock should protect you from both UVA and UVB rays from the Sun. Be advised as well that even on cloudy days you can get a burn, so wearing sunblock is essential for daily use. I have found certain brands to be less effective than others, and sure enough when I researched them online, many people had the same conclusion. If you are still getting burned even with sunblock, check your sunblock and change it. Read the reviews of people who have used the products out there on the market, both the positive and negative.

   As well, hats, clothing and umbrellas can reduce extreme exposure. There is clothing available now that blocks the sun's rays. More and more I see children wearing shorts and long sleeve shirts in the water which is a great protection.

   In general, clothing provides an SPF of about 6, so you might want to put sunblock on under clothes before leaving the house.

   Of course the hours when the Sun is strongest is between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Most days I take my walks early in the morning, and if I go to the beach I am usually home early. And if I do gardening or yard work I wear a hat. Sunglasses to are important to protect your eyes.

   I love nothing more than to be in the great outdoors and enjoy the summer and all it has to offer, but I am still cautious. I worked in the field of Dermatology for many years and have heard all the precautions, and heard about and seen patients with melanoma and less serious skin cancers.

   And it doesn't matter if you live in a northern climate. Recently a young girl of 18 passed away from melanoma and she lived in England. Her mother always made her children wear sunblock when they were away on vacation in sunnier climates, but not at home. And it does not matter if you have fair skin, or darker skin, everyone has the potential for skin cancer.

   As much as I love the outdoors, I respect nature including the strength of the Sun. As well as storms and high winds. We tend to think we are invincible, but even we must obey Mother Nature! 

   Be careful when boating, and follow the rules and regulations of the water, and always wear a life jacket as well. Last night there was a forecast for severe thunderstorms, yet some men went out on a boat at 8 p.m., just when it was getting dark, and the storms were already swirling around nearby. Their boat reportedly lost power, and they were rescued by the Marine Police Unit who happened to spot their boat on radar. The question is, why would you venture out on to deep waters if there were dark clouds and thunderstorms predicted?

   Also when boating or hiking, make sure people know where you are going and always have a cell phone with you. Stay on marked trails. Bring pepper spray for possible bears, especially in late Spring and Summer when mother bears are protective of their young. Wear natural insect repellents for mosquitoes and ticks if they have them in your area.

   Summer is all too short. I try to be outdoors as much as possible, even at night when the weather allows. Money cannot buy the simple pleasures of a sunrise or sunset, or a blanket of stars in the night sky. Some day I would love to see the Northern Lights. Nature's firework's display!

   But in all things, and all adventures we still need to be practical so we can be safe.

Hoping you will be well and safe

Maery