Category: entertainment

Holidays are here and its fun having lots of free time and being out of doors. 

But look at these photographs . 

It’s a lovely sunny day but everywhere is very quiet.  There’s no one in the garden.  The playground is deserted. The beach empty . 

Why ? 

Well, that’s because this is Italy where the summers  are very hot and the people who live here know that it’s not sensible or cool to be out in the afternoon sun.   But the UK can also be hot too. 

The sunshine is great and very important because without the sun we wouldn’t be here . In fact there wouldn’t be any life on Earth. It gives us light and keeps us warm. It helps plants grow. It helps our bodies make Vitamin D which is needed to absorb calcium which keeps our bones and teeth strong.

But too much sunshine and being out in very strong sunshine is not good. In fact it’s really silly ! 

Sunlight contains invisible UV or ultraviolet rays. Too much of these and you get SUNBURN which hurts!! 

It also makes you go red and then your skin blisters and peels.  

It’s not a very COOL look is it?  All red and blotchy like a lobster!!

AND it is likely to make you go all wrinkly as you get older or, even worse, lead to skin cancer. 

Just because we can’t see the sun doesn’t mean that it’s not there!  We can still burn on a cloudy day! 

So, how can we stop stay looking and feeling good and still enjoy the summer sun? 
How can we protect ourselves from those damaging UV rays? 

Well, it’s important to use a sunscreen which has a SPF rating of 30 or higher and apply EVERY day before going out in the sun. You will need to reapply it every  couple of hours or even more often is you are sweating a lot or when you are in the water. 

If you have very pale or fair akin or blonde hair then you will burn more quickly so protection is even more important. 

Don’t stay in the sun for too long either. Even half an hour even with protection in the afternoon can be too much if you are fair or you are out in strong sunlight for the first time. 

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Wear a hat to protect your head and to shade your face and eyes. 

Don’t forget the water !  

We lose lots of water by swearing in hot weather. If you  don’t drink more water then you will become dehydrated and could be very ill. 

Always carry a bottle of plain water especially if you are going for a walk. 

Don’t forget your eyes need protection from the sun’s rays too so always take your shades and WEAR them! They won’t do much good stuck on top of your head !  

But!  Before you buy a pair check that the label says that they will protect your eyes from UV rays. 

Lastly keep out of the midday and afternoon sun. This doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors. Just make sure you are in a place where there’s  lots of shade.  If you want to go on the beach then go in the morning or evening when the sun isn’t as strong BUT! You still need protection! 

So. Enjoy the summer! 

STAY COOL! 

                                                                         STAY SAFE IN THE SUN!