Summer Safety

Despite what the weather may be telling us, summer is here and thoughts for many will be turning to time off from work and the school holidays.

Here is plenty of advice to help keep you safe through the holiday period, and the hottest months of the year, whether you are at home, work or play.

> The first -and best- line of defense against harmful ultraviolet radiation (UV) is avoiding sun exposure by covering up. Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours which is between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

> You should wear: a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that provide 97% -100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays), and clothing with a tight weave.

> On both sunny and cloudy days, use a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or greater that protects against UVA and UVB rays and be sure to apply enough sunscreen (about one ounce per application for a young adult). You should reapply sunscreen every two hours, and after swimming or sweating.

> You should always use extra caution near water and sand as they reflect UV rays and may result in sunburn more quickly than just direct exposure to the sun.