Crystal clear turquoise waters, endless white sand beaches,
perfect temperate weather- a vacation in the Bahamas is
heavenly. It is easy to wile away the hours of the day under the
hot Bahamas sun, reading a book or sipping a cocktail.
Unfortunately, your dream vacation can be less than perfect if
you do not take certain precautions while basking in the sun.
The islands of the Bahamas have earned their reputation as
popular tourist destinations in large part due to the weather.
The islands have a temperate climate of 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit
throughout the year, and the sun is almost always shining. To
enjoy your trip to the Bahamas to the fullest, it is wise to be
aware of the dangers of the sun and protect yourself from its
potentially dangerous ultra-violet rays.
Short of staying out of the sun completely, the best method of
sun protection is to wear sunscreen. Dermatologists recommend
that you wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 8, but an SPF 15
is generally thought to be ideal. Sunscreen should be applied
liberally 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and should be
reapplied throughout the day. Different skin types will handle
the sun’s rays in varying degrees. Ensure yourself that the SPF
protection in your sunscreen will suffice by carefully assessing
your skin and its needs. Be aware that the sun’s rays are
hottest between the hours of 11 am and approximately 3 pm.
During this time, it is wise to give your skin some time out of
the sun; perhaps you can take refuge under the shady palm trees.
In addition to sunscreen, you should always wear a hat with a
brim wide enough to offer sun protection. Do not forget to
sufficiently cover your body with a light-weight cotton
long-sleeved shirt when you suspect that your skin has had
enough sun. Finally, be sure to provide your body with an
adequate amount of water. Becoming dehydrated in the hot Bahamas
sun can make you very ill and can cost you a day of your
vacation.
Beware, aside from a nasty sunburn or dehydration, the outcome
of over-exposure to the sun can be much worse. Skin cancer is
very serious and if left untreated can be fatal. Watch for signs
of skin cancer on your body, notably, irregular or discolored
moles or sores that bleed and do not heal. You should be
checking yourself from head to toe and do not forget the top of
your head!
Sunscreen helps build a barrier against the sun’s harmful
ultra-violet rays; it not only decreases your chances of
sunburn, but also helps safeguard your body from skin cancer. It
takes little time and preparation to safely enjoy the wonderful
rays of the Bahamas sun!
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