When it's time for fun in the sun, remember to play it safe. Too much sun can lead to some very serious health problems, such as melanoma and cataracts. Just be sure to take the right precautions and you can enjoy summer fun – now and into the future.

• The sun is strongest between 10:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M., so plan to spend at least part of that time indoors or in the shade.
• Remember to apply sunscreen 30 to 45 minutes before going outdoors.
• Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, especially when you've been in the water or perspiring.
• Slather on a thick coating of water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more.
• Use sunscreen even when you think it's not necessary, such as on cloudy days, late in the day, or in the spring or early summer. Be aware that ultraviolet (UV) radiation can go through clouds, light clothing, windshields, and windows.
• If you have sensitive skin use a sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which both block UV radiation.
• Cover up with loose fitting, full-length clothing. The fact is, you can still get sun damage while fully covered because most clothing has an SPF of only 5 to 9. Cotton clothing with a tight weave can provide more protection.
• Wear a hat with at least a three-inch brim.
• Wear sunglasses all day. Look for a label saying the sunglasses give 99 to 100 percent UV protection. Choose sunglasses that wrap all the way around the temples. If you wear UV-absorbing contact lenses, you should still wear sunglasses.

Cool Ways to Beat the Heat

High temperatures increase the risks of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. To stay cool and safe this summer, just follow these tips;

• Wear light-colored clothing to keep cool – dark colors absorb the sun's heat.
• Wear a hat.
• Keep drinking water or juice, even if you don't feel like it. Don't drink alcohol and caffeine; they dehydrate the body. And remember to drink water or sports drinks before, during, and after exercising.
• Keep cool by spending time in air-conditioned places.
• Limit physical exertion to early mornings and evenings.
• Decrease levels of physical exertion.
• Never leave children in hot cars! Temperatures inside cars can rise dramatically, causing heat stroke – or even death – within a very short time.
• Call 911 if you see someone with signs of heat stroke. What to look for: high temperature, vomiting, unconsciousness or semi-consciousness, fast and weak pulse, rapid and shallow breathing, and damp or red, hot, and dry skin. Heat stroke can be fatal, so it's important to get immediate medical attention.
• Here's how to help someone with heat stroke: After calling 911, lay the person down in a cool place. Raise the legs. Lower the temperature with water and wet towels or sheets. Put ice packs wrapped in towels on the neck, wrists, ankles, and armpits to lower the temperature of the large blood vessels

Water, water everywhere!  

• Learn to swim.
• Teach kids to swim. Experts say that once kids reach age 4, they’re ready to learn how.
• Never swim alone.
• Supervise kids. Make sure children are always supervised in and around the pool, no matter how shallow the water is.
• Stay within arm’s length of kids under 4 years old – even if they’re in an inflatable wading pool. Staying close can save a child’s life.
• Make sure pool covers are completely off – kids can get trapped under covers.
• Go in feet first. Dive only in places that are marked for diving. Because aboveground pools are shallow, always go in feet first. Never dive from the side of an in-ground pool or from the sides of a diving board.
• Make sure safety equipment is by the pool, such as life preservers, life jackets, a shepherd’s crook, a pole, and a rope.
• Keep a phone by the pool for calling 911, if necessary.
• Learn CPR.

Barbecue Safety

Grilling burgers, hotdogs, and vegetables makes for savory summer fun. To keep your cookouts safe, follow these tips:

• Prevent fires and explosions. Check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Make sure the tubes where the air and gas mix are not blocked.
• Don’t overfill the propane tank. Overfilling can cause an explosion.
• Clear 10 feet around the grill. Don’t grill near trees or branches. Rake leaves, twigs, and anything else that may be flammable to make a clear area around the grill.
• Grill outside. Grilling can produce carbon monoxide, a dangerous gas, so never grill in enclosed areas.
• Be careful with lighter fluid. Don’t add lighter fluid to an already lit fire. This can cause an explosion.
• Don’t wear loose clothing while grilling.
• If your clothing catches fire, cover your face and stop, drop, and roll. Call 911 if a burn needs serious medical attention.
• Pour plenty of water over hot coals, and stir the coals to ensure the fire is out. Never place hot coals in plastic, paper, or wooden containers.

Stay Safe and have a great summer