Beautiful Flowers at the Farmer’s Market

The general recommendation for sunblocks and sunscreens is a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher says Donna Gauwitz in the textbook: Medication Administration.

Safe Sun Practices:

Repeated and prolonged exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer. Ultraviolet B (UBV) rays are a major factor in the development of skin cancer and sunscreen with at least 15 SPF is needed. You should also avoid being in the sun between 10am and 2pm standard time, and 11am and 3pm daylight savings time.

Some Sun Light Principles

In the Summertime, beginning June 21st is the summer solstice.

During the solstice, the sun is at its northernmost position relative to earth.

At the solstice, we have the longest daylight of the year. The sun is considered in Eastern philosophy- the yang, as it gives us energy, creating our hot and dry climate during the summer.

During this time, nature with its flowers and fruits are all around us, and our gardens are growing tall and strong. This is the time of year when we get outdoors, exercising, playing sports and hiking in our nature paths.

We should be aware of the changes of the seasons, as in Chinese health and wellness. There are 5 Elements which help to explain the changes in the seasons. Air, Fire, Metal, Water and Wood. Summer is the Fire Element, providing us with energy and light.

The summer season is time for creating harmony in our lives.

Take care of yourself during this time of year, and wear sunscreen.

Taken in part from: Gauwitz, D. (2011) Administering Medications. Minneapolis, Minn. McGraw-Hill.

and Haas, E. ( 2003). Staying Healthy With the Seasons.