The Sun provides us with light which is the fuel that plants use for photosynthesis. This is the process by which plants create their energy. We, in turn, depend on plants for the food we eat and the oxygen we breathe. The sun's infrared rays keep us warm and its visible light is what we use to see by.

The sun also generates Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) which is also useful but, at the same time it can be very dangerous to us. It is the cause of most skin cancers, many cataracts and 90% of the changes we see in our skin as we get older. (Nobody wants to look like an old saddle when they get older). UVR is divided into 3 different bands: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Virtually all of UVC is filtered out by our atmosphere, so that none actually reaches the earth's surface. UVB and UVA both reach the earth in significant amounts. UVB is stronger than UVA having a greater ability to cause skin damage. There is about 100 times as much UVA as UVB. Despite UVA being weaker, it's still dangerous!

Sunburn! OUCH!!! Being outside on a warm, sunny day is one of life's great pleasures, but getting too much sun can be dangerous. Excessive sun exposure can result in painful sunburn, but can also lead to other serious health problems. Sunburn is caused by overexposure to Ultraviolet radiation, mostly UVB. During a sunburn the skin turns red, swells and, in severe cases, blisters. A sunburn continues to develop for 12 to 24 hours after exposure.

The following recommendations come from various expert organizations, including the American Academy of Dermatology, American Cancer Society, American Academy of Ophthalmology, Skin Cancer Foundation, American Academy of Pediatrics, National Cancer Institute, National Weather Service, and the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA regulates many items that are related to sun safety, including sun screens, sun blocks, sunglasses, and any sun-protective clothing that makes medical claims. Hear are some steps for safer sunning:

	Wear Sunglasses that Block 99-100% of UV Radiation Sunglasses can help protect your eyes from sun damage. The ideal sunglasses don't have to be expensive, but they should block 99-100% of UVA, and UVB radiation. Check the label to see if they do. If there's no label, don't buy the glasses. Don't go by how dark the glasses are because UV protection comes from an invisible chemical applied to the lenses, not from the color or darkness of the lenses. Large-framed or wraparound sunglasses are best because they can protect your eyes from all angles. Children should wear sunglasses starting as young as one year old. They need smaller versions of real, protective adult sunglasses--not toy sunglasses.
	Wear a Hat A hat with a wide brim offers good sun protection for your eyes, ears, face, and the back of your neck - areas that are particularly prone to overexposure to the sun.
	Protect Other Areas with Clothing Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes as much as possible. Most materials and colors absorb or reflect UV rays. Tightly woven cloth is best, but any clothing is better than none at all. Avoid wearing wet clothes, such as a wet T-shirt, because when clothes get wet, the sun's rays can pass more easily through. If you can see light through a fabric, UV rays can get through too.
	Always Use Sun screen When Outside on a Sunny Day A sun screen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 blocks most harmful UV radiation. Apply sun screen liberally and reapply every 2 hours when working, playing, or exercising outdoors. Even waterproof sun screen can come off when you towel off sweat or water.
	Avoid the Midday Sun as Much as Possible The sun's UV rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm To the extent you can, limit your exposure to the sun during these hours.
	Watch for the UV Index The UV Index, developed by the National Weather Service and the Environmental Protection Agency, provides a forecast of the expected risk of overexposure to the sun and indicates the degree of caution you should take when working, playing, or exercising outdoors. The UV Index predicts exposure levels on a 0 - 10+ scale, where 0 indicates a low risk and 10+ means a very high risk of overexposure to the sun.

Preventing and treating heat related illnesses

Normally, the body has ways of keeping itself cool, by letting heat escape through the skin and the evaporation of sweat (perspiration). If the body does not cool properly or enough, the victim may suffer a heat-related illness. Heat-related illness usually comes in stages. A signal of the first stage is heat cramps in muscles. The treatment for heat cramps include: Stop activity and rest. If victim is fully awake and alert, have them drink small amounts of cool water or a commercial sports drink. Gently stretch the cramped muscle and hold the stretch for about 20 seconds, then gently massage the muscle. Repeat as necessary. If the victim has no other signs or symptoms of heat-related illness, allow the person to resume activity after the cramps stop. The signals of the next, more serious, stage of a heat-related illness (often called heat exhaustion) include: Cool, moist, pale skin (the skin may be red right after physical activity) Headache Dizziness and weakness or exhaustion Nausea The skin may or may not feel hot The signals of the late stage of a heat-related illness (often called heat stroke) include: Vomiting Decreased alertness level or complete loss of consciousness High temperature Skin may still be moist or the victim may stop sweating and the skin may be red, hot and dry This late stage of heat-related illness is very serious and can be life threatening. Call 911 or your local emergency number. General care for a heat-related illness include: Stop activity and have the victim lie down in a cool place with their legs slightly elevated, about 6-12 inches Fan the victim If the victim is alert and fully awake have them drink small amounts of cool water Loosen tight clothing, and remove any clothing that is soaked with perspiration Apply cool, wet cloths to the skin or ice packs in the armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin Watch for breathing problems Regardless of the stage of heat-related illness, if the victim refuses water, vomits, or begins to lose consciousness or becomes less alert, CALL 911 or your local emergency number.

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