Base tan, schmase tan
Real quick before school lets out, one last lesson: Some of your summertime knowledge might need some updating.
Do mosquitos just leave some people alone? Will lunch right before a jump in the deep end spell your doom? Is the first burn of summer actually a “base tan”? No, no and no. Read on:
Myth: The more spf, the better!
Facts: SPF 100 sunscreen keeps 100% of those burning rays off, right? Wrong. It’s complicated, but for a bunch of reasons, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends SPF 30—TWO TABLESPOONS (you read that right) applied every two hours starting half an hour before heading outside. If you’re swimming or sweating, you’re looking at even more.
Myth: If you’re really thirsty, any drink will do.
Facts: Is there anything better than an ice-cold carbonated Coke when you’re super hot? Is it just us? It might feel good going down, but it’s actually making you more dehydrated, we hate to report. Water, man. Stick with water.
Myth: Don’t swim right after eating, you’ll get a cramp and die!
Facts: Um, no. That is a lie perpetrated by the moms of America for some reason. At worst, you might get a little not-done-digesting-yet tummy ache. So knock yourself out with the pool snacks.
Myth: Stay away from that kid with poison ivy.
Facts: If he’s gross, sure. But you won’t catch the maddeningly itchy, oozy rash from someone who has it. You can only catch it directly from the plant and its “contagious oils”—which we do not recommend. So itchy.
Myth: Start the summer with a “base tan.”
Facts: Burn first so you tan the rest of the summer? Such a bad idea, light-skinned people. A burn is a burn is skin damage, pure and simple. And dark-skinned people—you still need a sunscreen! Let’s all try to be wrinkle (and skin cancer) free old folks, yes?
Myth: Only kids and elderly people need to worry about heat strokes.
Facts: Yes, they are more susceptible. But there are so many other factors—like pregnancy, obesity, high blood pressure and more—that it’s best if everyone is aware of the symptoms: passing out, confusion, a super high temperature and more.
If you suspect someone is suffering from heat exhaustion or worse, call 911 and make that person as cool as possible while you wait.
Myth: No OFF! for me, the bugs leave me alone.
Facts: Between mosquitoes (West Nile virus) and ticks (Lyme disease), do you really want to risk it? These are illnesses with long-term consequences. So, look for a repellant with 30% DEET, including for the kids (but no more than that).
Myth: I’m a great swimmer—no life vest for me!
Facts: The CDC is not famous for being the bearer of good news, and here’s another example: “Of those under age 30 in the U.S., drowning is one of the top three leading causes of death by unintentional injury.” Another (not) fun fact: About 80% of those drowning victims are men.
So, skip the risky behavior (that includes the excessive waterside drinking), put on the flotation device and enjoy your fun in the sun without ending up on a CDC statistic list.
OK, happy summer!