It is August and it is HOT. There is no doubt about that. Across the nation, we deal with the heat as best we can. At no time of the year, is the presence of the sun more obvious. Why not take advantage of the opportunity to talk about the steps we can take to protect ourselves from the UV rays of the sun throughout the year.

How can we protect ourselves from the sun?
The best way to protect yourself is to prevent the sun from making contact with your skin. The UV rays of the sun can travel through clouds, fog, haze and glass. That is why health professionals recommend applying sunscreen as part of your "everyday wardrobe." The Australians have a charming prescription for protection from the sun. They promote the "Slip, Slop, Slap" slogan, which is translated to slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen and slap on a hat. All of these create a protective barrier between you and the sun.

What is the difference between sunscreen and sunblock?
Sunscreen absorbs UV rays and scatters them. The shorter length of the rays makes them less dangerous. They are available in creams, gels and lotions, and once applied, aren't noticeable. Sunblock reflects UV rays. At one time, the only form sunblock came in was a white, opaque gel, and it was noticeable from far away. More recent sunblock has active ingredients that are smaller and so no longer obvious when applied.

Does sunscreen work?
When applied properly, it offers the best protection possible aside from no exposure at all. Sadly, sunscreen is seldom applied the way it was intended. The lighter skin you have, the more often you should reapply lotion. If you are outdoors or in the water, you should use a water-proof lotion or re-apply lotion every two hours. Even water-resistant suncreen loses its efectivness after 80 minutes. You should apply lotion liberally. A good rule of thumb is 1 teaspoon for your face and a tablespoon for each arm and leg.

What are UVA and UVB rays?
UVA rays cause premature aging of the skin. UVB rays cause sunburn and are considered a factor in developing skin cancer. Be sure to use broad spectrum sunscreens to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

What is SPF?
SPF means Sun Protective Factor. A rating of SPF 30 means that if you stay in the sun 30 minutes, you receive the equivalent of only 1 minute of unproctected UVB rays exposure.

How much SPF do I need?
Use products with the hightest ratings you can find. At a minimum, use a product rated 15 or higher. Products made for babies and children typically have the highest ratings.

Are tanning beds a good alternative?
Sid Kirchheimer, a medical writer for WebMd.com, was quoted as stating that visiting a tanning salon once a month could increase your risk of cancer by 55%. That's a pretty significant chance to take for a sun tan. The increased risk doesn't sound worth the tan.

Resources for additional information:
Summer Buyer's Guide: Sunscreen
What should you look for in a sunscreen?
Do sunscreens really work?
Are tanning salons safe?
Can you get a sunburn on a cloudy day?
Sunscreen, Skin Cancer, and UVA
How does sunscreen work?
Slide show: How the sun damages your skin