Ready for the beach? Well, it’s waiting for you and your family. With sun and sand and waves, water sports and fishing and lots of beach games. BUT are you ready to stay safe? You don’t want to get SUNBURN! It’s painful and can lead to various skin disorders, including CANCER. Here are some facts — some fun but mostly serious — and a few tips you need to know:

Sunburn is a type of radiation burn that alters tissue like skin. This alternation comes from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, usually from exposure to the sun. Your skin will turn red or reddish and feel hot to the touch; this may include general pain, fatigue and some dizziness. Too much UV radiation can be life-threatening! Lower exposure of the skin to sunshine UV radiation often gives you a nice suntan — if your skin is not too light!

• Sunburns greatly increase your changes of getting melanoma, a very serious types of skin cancer. People who have suffered from five or more sunburns DOUBLE their chances of developing this type of skin disease.
• If you are prone to sunburn, you can get sunburned in under 15 minutes when in the sun!
• Medications can increase your changes of getting a sunburn. Everyday over-the-counter drugs like as Motrin or ibuprofen can cause this effect.
• Did you know that sunscreens can “expire.” Their effectiveness usually ends after a year.
• The best sunscreens are water proof (or at least water resistant) and should filter out ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.
• Contrary to what many people believe, you can definitely get sunburned on a cloudy day since UV rays penetrate clouds.,
• The middle of the day, which makes sense, is the time you are most likely to burn — so GO INSIDE between the hours of about 11:00 to 3:00. Or at least cover up well.
• Did you know that sunscreens with a higher SPF of a product cost more? So if you get one with a lower SPF, be careful and use more of it.
• Sunscreens should be applied at least 30 minutes before to going in the sun to give the product time to absorb into skin. Be sure to reapply at least every two hours.
• People in areas close to the equator or to a mountainous area have a greater chance of getting sunburn.
• Animals — such as pigs, walruses and light-colored horses — can get sunburnt. If you have a pet with light skin and thin hair, don’t let them spend much time in the sun!
• Finally, children can be especially in danger from excessive time in the sun. So keep your children covered in sunscreen and covered up or in the shade as much as possible.

NOT ENJOY YOUR TIME ON BEACH!!!