Avoiding the burn Things you may not have known about keeping safe from the sun Compiled by John Stanowski

Vacation at the shore and being under the sun go hand in hand. Beach and water activities expose our bodies to the sun's rays more than usual. Even activites as simple as sightseeing and walking the boards put us at risk even though we may be fully clothed.

Sometimes applying sun screen isn't enough to shield us from the UV rays of the sun. The following list can educate you to some well-known facts about protecting you and your family, as well as some items you may not have been aware of.

The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Minimize your exposure during this period.

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays and has a Sun Protection Factor (SBF) of 15 or greater before every exposure to the sun. Reapply frequently and liberally every two hours for as long as you stay in the sun.

Lips need protection too. Use a lip balm with an SPF of 15 or greater.

Always reapply sunscreen after perspiring heavily or swimming - even if the product claims to be waterproof.

Certain drugs & cosmetics such as Tetacycline, diuretics and major tranquilizers could increase your susceptibility to sunburn. These products contain substances that cause the skin to absorb more of the sun's radiation. These reactions may also be caused by birth control pills. Your doctor or dermatologist can advise you about medications that can cause these problems.

Clothing doesn't necessarily protect you from the sun. Loose weaves will allow the sun's rays to reach your skin. Instead take care to wear tightly wooven materials. Fair-skinned people may wish to consider applying sunscreen even under clothing.

Older skin is thinner, more delicate and in need of sun protection.

Overcast days are no guarantee of sun-protection. The sun's rays are just as damaging and sunscreens are still a must.

Sand, water, and even concrete will reflect the sun's rays back up to your skin. If you're walking on the beach, 17% of the sun's rays are being reflected off the sand back at you from below. Enjoying the pool exposes you to a whopping 80% reflection, almost like being exposed to two suns! Protect yourself completely from sunburn with generous applications of sunscreen and don't forget to coat the underside of your nose, ears, chin.

There are specially formulated sunscreens designed to appeal to children. They work on the assumption that the more the children enjoy applying it, the more likely they are to wear it.

If you're wearing sunglasses, make sure they are UV protected. Sunglasses let your pupils open up a little due to the dimming of the sun's light, however, your just setting them up to recieve all the more damaging UV radiation.

A daily issued UV Index is available from most media sources (newspapers, news) to advise you on the intensity of the sun's UV rays in your region. A higher UV Index rating indicates higher UV radiation coming from the sun.

A UV Index rating from 0-2 means it will be about an hour before you may burn unprotected by sun screen. A rating of 11-15, however, is very high and you will get burnt within 10 minutes of unprotected exposure to the sun!

Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun when the UV Index is over 7. Avoid the sun altogether between 10am and 2pm when the index is 11 or higher.

Note: On one occasion I found myself making rounds in The Wildwoods. I was only out for a few hours and came back to the motel with a burned scalp! I was quite surprised as I do have a full head of hair. I had been wearing styling mousse and apparently this parted my hair into thicker strands which in turn allowed more sun to hit my head!