This is indeed New England's most glorious season. For a few months, we get to play outdoors just like those in more temperate climes. But it's important to take steps to protect our skin and our lungs when the sun shines brightest and humidity levels rise.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays appears to be the most important environmental factor involved with developing skin cancer. During the summer months, UV radiation tends to be greater."
Among the measures it recommends:
r Seek shade, especially during midday hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), when UV rays are strongest and do the most damage.
r Cover up with clothing to protect exposed skin. A long-sleeved shirt and long pants with a tight weave are best.
r Get a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears and neck.
r Grab shades that wrap around and block as close to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.
r Rub on sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection.
Meanwhile, the stifling humidity poses additional problems.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued an air-quality alert yesterday, recommending that everyone, but particularly those with respiratory ailments, limit strenuous outdoor activity. (Interestingly, the American Lung Association was out with a release this week claiming that the EPA is too slow to issue these alerts, and there have actually been 41 "unhealthy air quality days" so far this year in contrast to the 14 announced by the federal agency.)
Certainly, no one disputes the hazards posed by high ozone and particulate levels that can aggravate lung and heart problems.
So enjoy the weekend, but keep an eye on the kids — "Just a few serious sunburns can increase your child's risk of skin cancer later in life," according to the CDC — and make sure elderly relatives are taking it easy.
