07/01/2026
UV Awareness Month
July is UV Awareness Month! This national campaign was established to urge everyone to prioritize sun protection during outdoor activities. Protecting your skin and eyes will allow you to make the most of your time outside!
Sunscreen – Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen 15-20 minutes before going outside and reapply at least every two hours. Apply more often when getting in and out of a pool or during sweaty activities. The SPF of sunscreen measures how much it can protect you – for example, SPF30 should protect your skin 30 times longer than using no sunscreen.
Clothes – Lightweight, loose clothing in light colors help reflect the sun’s rays. For extra protection choose sun shirts specially made with UV blocking properties.
Sunglasses – Choose sunglasses that block 100% of UV-A and UV-B rays. This is not determined by how dark the lenses are or how much they cost. From drugstore to designer, many brands offer this protection in lots of styles.
Hydrate – while it won’t protect you from sun, hydration is key to regulate body temperature and replenish fluids lost through sweat.
Summer tip for dog owners!
If the sidewalk or roadway is too hot for you to hold your hand firmly against it comfortably for seven seconds, it is too hot for your pups’ paws! Plan walks and bathroom breaks for early morning and evening after it cools down or invest in dog booties. Remember, it is as important for dogs to stay cool and hydrated during the summer heat as it is for us! 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
