Health Tip: Sun Safety

Limit exposure during peak hours

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(HealthDay News) -- Protecting yourself from too much sun exposure involves more than just a dab of sunscreen.

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The U.S. National Safety Council offers these suggestions to protect your skin from sun damage:

• Wear sunscreen that blocks UVA and UVB rays. Apply it properly, thoroughly and regularly, even on cloudy days.
• Protect your skin with a hat, long sleeved shirts and long pants, and sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Limit exposure to very reflective surfaces, such as sand, water, snow, tile and buildings. These surfaces can increase the risk of a burn or significant skin damage.
• Don't use a tanning bed, either at home or at a salon.
• Be careful of the hours you spend in the sun. Limit exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest.
• Remember this tip: If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun's rays are very intense. At that point, seek shade or get indoors.

-- Diana Kohnle