By Debra Staton, Wellness Coordinator for the Arkansas Health Network

And the abundant sunshine during the warm summer months is a good time to remind ourselves about the importance of protecting our skin while we’re in the sun.

I love the sun! Recently, while visiting the beach, I found a cute sign that sums up my feelings: ‘I Was Made for Sunny Days.’ Being outdoors in the sun makes me feel good!

We all need some sun exposure, but too much unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can be harmful. It can cause skin damage, eye damage, skin cancer and immune system suppression.

Here are a few helpful tips to protect yourself from the sun’s damaging effects while enjoying outdoor activities:

• Wear protective clothing, like wide-brimmed hats, shade protective clothing and UV radiation protective sunglasses

• The sun’s most intense radiation occurs between 10am – 4 pm
• Make sure to use a sunscreen with a high SPF and apply it often when sweating and swimming
• Wear sunscreen even on cloudy days
• Be careful around water and sand; these surfaces can reflect the damaging rays of the sun
• Stay hydrated

Use these tips to stay safe and have fun in the summer sun!