Ready Set Go s1

READY • SET • GO! COVER-UP CLOTHES

READY:

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING? WHAT’S THAT?

Although you might not realize it, protective clothing is your first line of defense against the sun’s harmful rays. The fabric and styles of clothing can play an important role in sun safety. Here are a few things to think about next time you head out the door on a sunny day:

·  Have you ever tried on a lightweight, long sleeve shirt that hides your skin from the sun, keeping it nice and cool? If not, TRY IT – you might like it! If you have, you know how nice it feels to keep your skin protected from those hot rays on your skin! Long pants can serve the same purpose, protecting your legs from too much sun as well as scratches, insect bites or other injuries.

·  The type of fabric can make a difference in the way the shirt or pants feel and how they work to protect your skin. Fabrics with a tight weave (like cotton or denim) will protect your skin better than fabric that is loosely woven (like lace). The tighter the weave, the better.

·  Sunglasses and hats are easy to have on hand and can be great tools for protecting you from harmful UV rays. Sunglasses help protect your eyes against macular degeneration and cataracts, two UV-related eye diseases that can lead to impaired vision and even permanent blindness. Look for sunglasses that screen between 95-100% of UVB and 60% of UVA.

·  Not all hats are created equal. In fact, a hat is only as good as the brim it has to offer. When looking for a hat, think about the “Hat Safety Index.” Hats that have a wide brim (one goes all the way around) are high on the safety index and are the best protection for your cheeks, nose, head, ears, and neck – providing about 50% protection from direct exposure. Tennis or fishing hats are next, protecting your ears and neck, but leaving small areas of your face unprotected. Baseball hats provide some protection for your face, but leave your ears, cheeks, and neck open to the sun’s fury. So pay attention to the brim and choose wisely!

SET:

PLAN IT OUT!

With all the choices available for protective clothing, you should have no problem finding the right clothes and accessories for a sunny day. If you have a coat rack, decorate it with a variety of hats that are high on the “Hat Safety Index.” Try keeping a hat and other protective clothing in your car. The next time you are in need of these items, you’ll be ready to go in no time. The most important thing is to make sure you are set with the proper protective clothing to make all your sunny days happy and safe.

GO!

PROTECT YOURSELF THE EASY WAY BY COVERING UP WITH PROTECTIVE CLOTHING!