So what are you doing this summer?

Of course, most everyone loves the beach, but lots of people these days are planning a “staycation” and doing things in their own town that they have not had a chance to experience yet.

Here in Canada, we tend to go hogwild and overdo our time in the sun, since we are deprived of sunshine for most of the year.

If you are going to the beach this summer, make sure to take lots of sunblock (preferably a non-chemical one with zinc and titanium dioxide), an umbrella, hats and coverups. Also, stay out of the sun in the middle of the day.

Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noonday sun. (Rudyard Kipling)

It pains me to see people frying themselves to a crisp and turning lobster red. The present pain they will experience is nothing in comparison to the risk of skin cancer later on.

On the other hand, some sun (probably about 15-20 minutes) on unprotected skin is good for us, helping our bodies to produce Vitamin D.

I still advocate sunblock on the face, for vanity reasons. I wish I had heeded this advice when I was younger. At that time baby oil, not sunblock, was in vogue. Also, laying out in the sun and tanning was a summer vocation for most young people.

Trust me, you will regret it immediately if you burn and later on if you have spots, wrinkling or even skin cancer. The sun is much stronger today than in years past, with the ozone layer being wrecked and all. Just say no!

If you must have a tan, use a self-tanner. They actually work pretty well now – no more orange streaks if you apply it carefully. Another option is a spray tanning booth. This takes only a few seconds and you come out looking nut brown and healthy. Just don’t wear white clothing! I worry a little about inhaling the mist, but I think any adverse effects will be minimal if you use the booth one or two times a summer.

Have fun and enjoy the warm weather!