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Yes, You Should Wear Sunscreen Year-Round
We tend to associate the sun – and the need for sunscreen, sunglasses, hats and other sun protective measures – with summer vacations and long days at the beach or on the water. But sun exposure, which can lead to sun damage, happens year-round, even during the winter months.
You can’t really judge the strength of the sun based on weather conditions because the sun’s rays can cut through clouds, light clothing and windows. And sun damage is cumulative; so, every time your skin is exposed to dangerous ultraviolet (UV) rays, the damaging effects of those rays increases. That means things like driving to work, walking the dog or waiting with your child at the bus stop all add up – even when it’s cold and cloudy outside.
To protect your skin year-round, follow these tips:
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (one that protects against UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF of 30 or higher to any exposed skin. Do this no matter the season or if you think that you’re less likely to burn. The sun’s rays are strong, even during the cooler months.
- Seek out shade when you can. UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so if you need to be outside during that timeframe, protection is key. Sunlight is particularly strong when it reflects off bodies of water, sand, snow and pavement, which can increase your chance of sunburn or hurting your eyes.
- Wear protective sunglasses. Look for lenses that have a UV400 rating, which provides 100% UV protection.
- Take time each month to look at your skin for any signs of changes. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends looking at your skin and moles.
For more information about skin safety, speak with your primary care team or your on-site clinic provider.
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Take a Vacation!
You work hard – for your family, a house, a car, something special you’ve been wanting; or maybe it’s just to keep up with your monthly bills. You may want a vacation, but did you know you actually need one as well? Vacations provide a long list of benefits for your overall well-being.
Time away from work helps you:
- Recharge your brain: When you’re working non-stop your brain can overheat, much like an engine, making it hard to concentrate, remember things and solve problems. A little rest and relaxation can put you back on top of your game.
- Unclutter your mind: Taking time off; really taking it off – i.e., no checking email, no calling, no thinking about work – clears your mind, opening the way for creative thinking.
- Cut stress: Ongoing stress can cause anxiety, depression, burnout and increase your risk for heart attack, stroke and other health problems. Stress can also cause memory problems and make some tasks harder to do. Vacation time replaces stress with calm and a feeling of well-being and better health overall.
- Catch up on sleep: When you don’t sleep enough, you’re more likely to feel sad, angry, frustrated and irritable. Vacations give you the chance to catch up on much needed sleep and set new habits. With more sleep, you can think more clearly and improve your mood and mental outlook.
- Develop new perspectives and resilience: When you separate from the seemingly endless churn of your day-to-day commitments, you give yourself a chance to relax and recharge. This helps you see things differently, which can lead to a new point of view and the ability to meet any challenges you may be facing.
- Reconnect with what matters most: Vacations provide the opportunity to reconnect with who you really are. Without the noise and distractions of work, you can consider the things that give you joy and what is most important to you. You might even try a new activity. This can help you develop inner peace, making you feel more prepared for whatever comes your way.
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Webinar: Pediatric Mental Health
May 21, 2024, 12 pm EST
With Maven, you and your partner can access unlimited 24/7 virtual appointments and messaging with over 35 types of doctors, specialists, and coaches. You can use Maven to get expert support, day or night, with:
- Handling tantrums
- Managing sibling dynamics
- Identifying speech issues
- Navigating food allergies
- Managing emotional and mental health—both yours and your child’s
- And more!
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