Hi, everyone! So, here we all are again, walking down this unchartered road to ???? I think that’s what’s most unnerving to all of us… the unknown! I feel that most of us are taking responsibility and doing the necessary things to stay well and keep our families safe. Most of us are staying home or maybe taking time to cool off in these high temps by gearing up for pool-time activities. As such, we still need to be vigilant about exposure to the sun and why properly applying sunscreen is so important.
Always choose a sunscreen that provides both UVA and UVB protection. Choose an SPF30 or higher and look for ones that have zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. People make the mistake that with a higher SPF you can stay out in the sun for longer. Not true. Apply sunscreen early and liberally. Reapply every 2 hours. Aim to apply 1 oz (size of a golf ball) to every part of your body exposed to the sun. But sunscreen alone is not enough. Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water. Adult beverages are not your friends in the blazing sun and heat. Use a protective lip balm, wear a wide-brim hat, wraparound sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing. Remember, 10 AM to 4 PM is when the sun’s rays are strongest.
When I was little, growing up in western PA, we did not have a pool. Pools were only in Hollywood. Also, we all wanted that “Coppertone” golden glow. Wow, have things changed now. A fun time in the sun meant inviting my little pals over to frolic through the wonderful garden hoses with special sprinklers that my dad set up for us. As we shrieked, laughed, and ran back and forth through the water, we thought we were “king of the hill” and no one had it better than we. Then as we drip-dried in the sun, we felt a slight chill when the wind blew, and we wrapped up tightly in our towels. We had worked up an appetite and couldn’t wait for our hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob, and watermelon. On special occasions, my grandmother would make delicious peach cobbler made from scratch. It was her grandmother’s southern recipe. OMG, I can even smell it now and remember every scrumptious bite. What I wouldn’t give for another bowl made with her loving hands.
But one day, our “world” will return. Through our sunny days, windy days, and rainy days, remember the sun continues to rise every day regardless of the weather below it. Hope is making efforts to cause the sun to rise in our hearts under any circumstances.
In closing, my husband used these 7 words to close all his correspondence. They have now become “my” sign off. Read them well.
“Until the next time, remember this time!”