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4 SPF 30 It's summer! That means it's time for beach vacations, trips to the pool, backyard barbeques and a whole lot of sun. Sounds like fun, right? Not so fast. Summer fun can have its downsides. e ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can lead to accelerated aging, burns and even cancer if too much is absorbed by the skin, and the sheer heat of summer can lead to other complications, such as dehydration and heat exhaustion. "I would never want to prevent anyone from going out into the sun," says Justin Vujevich, MD, Chief of Dermatology at Washington Health System. "Being outdoors can promote an active lifestyle, and the exposure to sunlight can release endorphins, which can help people feel good and relax. All I ask is that people acknowledge the risks involved and take appropriate precautions." PREPPING FOR THE OUTDOORS Whatever you do, don't let the dangers of the summertime sun get in the way of your fun. Following these tips will help you stay safe while enjoying the season. "I always tell my patients to make sunscreen application a part of their morning routine," Dr. Vujevich says. "If you plan on spending hours outdoors, you just need to remember to reapply as appropriate." ยป NEED A MOLE CHECKED? CALL OUR PHYSICIAN REFERRAL LINE AT (724) 250-4310 TO FIND A DERMATOLOGIST. Safe A BRIGHT, SUNNY DAY HAS ITS DARK SIDE. Summer SUN 1 2 3 TIP 4: USE SUNSCREEN. Even if you're going outside for just a few minutes, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. TIP 2: TIME IT RIGHT. e rays from the sun are strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. So, try planning your outdoor activities before or aer this time. TIP 3: STAY HYDRATED. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to protect yourself from dehydration. Feeling thirsty is a sign you are becoming dehydrated. And don't forget, pets get thirsty too. TIP 1: AVOID OVERHEATING. Wearing light-colored, loose- fitting clothing can help keep you cool and prevent heat exhaustion. As an added bonus, buy ultraviolet protection factor-certified clothing and hats to ensure they're completely blocking the sun's harmful rays. connections | S U M M E R 2017 14 whs.org