Sunny Side Up

Okay, so today’s brightness in New Hampshire may not last long before we receive some liquid sunshine, but there’s another reason I mention the big yellow orb we’re rotating around.

Sun protection.

Unlike that fabled son of Krypton—who draws unlimited power from the biggest star in our galaxy—many of us fair-skinned humanoids can experience its negative effects. We all need the sun to survive, of course, but for folks like me, we need to balance our solar activity.

While I haven’t slathered on baby oil or held up a mirrored panel to direct more of the sun’s rays toward my body during my nearly six decades on this rock, I do possess fair skin and have spent enough unprotected time outdoors to cause skin damage that is now rearing its ugly head in the guise of skin cancer.

Luckily, I’ve experienced the “good kind” of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma) thus far, but it’s still required some not-so-fun surgery to remove this crap. Even though I can’t reverse any previous damage, my UV avoidance routine has become more important than ever, in order to prevent the scarier forms of the C-word from gracing my epidermis.  

With that said, here is your seasonal PSA for you all consider in your own lives. The following is a list of ways to protect yourself from damaging UV rays, all of which I employ each day.

• Big hats

  • Yep, never thought I’d be the wide-brimmed/chin strapped kind of dude, but here I am, rocking the jungle explorer vibe. My wife says I look good in them, but they do make me wonder how long it’ll be before I start yelling “Stay off my lawn!” to passersby.

• Sunscreen

  • While I have a love-hate relationship with the aforementioned headgear, I really don’t like plastering sunscreen over my exposed flesh either. I know it works, and I do apply it when I have no choice. I wear SPF level 50 and prefer the mineral-based kind, if you must know.

• UV-blocking shirts

  • Remember when you were a kid, and you’d shake your head at older guys wearing long-sleeve button-down shirts as they strolled around in the bright summer sun? Well, I’ve taken steps toward becoming that guy! Granted, my long-sleeve shirts are much more stylish and are of the lightweight, breathable variety, but there are times I feel silly wearing long sleeves in the summer. Still better than sunscreen…and cancer, lol.

• Trees!

  • Ah, that’s better. Sitting in a comfortable chair, sipping a cool beverage, reading a book. That’s the kind of sun avoidance I’m talking about. Our plentiful leafy friends allow me to hang out with my sun worshipping counterparts while staying safe. Heck, I can even ditch my long-sleeve shirts in favor of a wicked cool Star Wars t-shirt!

• Staying inside

  • Yeah, I’m the guy who prefers hanging out indoors rather than sitting in the sun, but I’m also a writer. so indoors is where I usually ply my trade. I can still sit near an open window to enjoy the fresh air, hear the birds, and daydream some new worlds into existence.

Okay, I think I’ve given you enough reasons and remedies in regard to sun protection. I’ll let you decide which fits your lifestyle best. I hope I’ve given you something to ponder, regardless of your age or level of exposure.

Until next time, whatever you are, cover up and be a good one!

-Dave