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Sun Exposure in the
Mountains |
Exposure to the sun is 40% greater above timberline and 75% greater
if there is snow on the ground! Why?
The best filter
for the burning ultraviolet rays, both type A and B, is the atmosphere and at
10,000 feet there is 40% less atmosphere. Snow reflects nearly 85% of the sun's
damaging rays thus increase your chances of sunburn.
Recently this advice appeared in an internet
news group message:
- Bring and wear sunscreen.
- Bring and wear suntan lotion.
- Bring and wear sun block.
- Don't leave your bare skin exposed to the sun.
There is a lot of truth in the above advice.
To decrease your exposure:
- Avoid the sun between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M., when its rays are
strongest.
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor
(SPF) of at least 15 that shields both UVA and UVB rays.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors, even on
cloudy days.
- Wear protective, tightly woven clothing, such as a
long-sleeved shirt and pants.
- Wear a hat with a four-inch-wide brim and sunglasses, even
when walking short distances.
- Stay in the shade whenever possible.
- Avoid reflective surfaces; they can reflect up to 85 % of the
sun's damaging rays.
- Protect your eyes by wearing quality sunglasses that filter
both UVA and UVB rays.
- Protect children by keeping them out of the sun, minimizing
sun exposure, and applying sunscreens beginning at six months of age.
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