A blazing hot week in the Charlotte region (again) has folks running for cover – and the air conditioning. The sun overhead feels like a spotlight following us wherever we go.
We know a lot more about the dangers of sun than we used to, and the statistics are staggering:
- More than 5 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer are treated every year in the U.S.
- More than 175,000 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year
- one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70
- One person dies of melanoma every hour
- UV radiation is a proven human carcinogen
(stats from skincancer.org)
But we don’t have to hide from the sun completely! Experts at Jesse Brown’s have these great tips for staying “Sun Safe” this summer:
Cover up!
Shirts with sun protection built in, both long- and short-sleeved styles, will hide your skin from the sun’s hot rays. Brands like Tasc use a bamboo blend, while Patagonia, Columbia, and Simms use poly blends that are lightweight and offer evaporative cooling along with 40+ UPV protection.
Put a Lid on it!
Wide-brimmed hats will keep your face and neck in the shade, even more than a traditional ball cap. Try a Tilley Endurable, which comes with a warranty and a legacy of durability, and UPF 50+ sun protection.
It’s a Wrap!
Sun gaiters — “tubes” of lightweight fabric that can cover the head or neck — are great, fuss-free sun and wind protection, and can help regulate body heat.
Eyes, too!
Don’t forget to protect your eyes! UVA + UVB rated, polarized glasses cut glare to keep eyes comfortable in the bright summer sun, and protect them from damage. Although many inexpensive glasses provide UV protection, bad optics can leave your eyes feeling blurry by the end of the day. Good brands like Costa del Mar provide the best of both — while protecting both your eyes and eyelids!
Sunscreen that Protects You & the Environment
Stream2Sea sunscreen is an SPF 30 that is water resistant for 80 minutes, and is made without the chemicals known to harm humans, oceanic plants and animals, and the water. The Sun & Sting Relief Gel is great for healing burns and stings.
Water Water Water!
We can become overheated and dehydrated before we even know we’re thirsty. CamelBak Reservoirs for extended outdoor activities, bottles from Nalgene, and tumblers and coolers from Yeti keep the cool sips close by.
And the best place to find the relief you need is at the cool, air conditioned indoors of Jesse Brown’s in Sharon Corners at SouthPark. We’ve got you covered from hat to foot!
