Dressing to Beat the Sun

by Paul
(USA)

Having survived malignant melanoma caused by excessive exposure to UV rays, I am a staunch advocate of dressing in a way to minimize the risk of sun exposure.

This is not to say one oughtn't to go out and enjoy the sun. The sun is beautiful, sunny days are a joy and a pleasure, and no one should have to forgo that pleasure entirely. It's man's birthright.

We have got to be careful about it, though. We don't have to wear driving gloves every day, or carry a Sun Protection Umbrella with us any time we take a walk. There are reasonable measures one can take.

I always wear sunglasses. These not only protect my eyes from the sun's harsh rays, but they protect the sensitive skin tissue that surrounds the eyes.

One should check with his doctor for a recommendation about which sunglasses are best.

Another piece of clothing I like is the sun protection hat. I now enjoy donning a sun hat before any long day out of doors, and I'm admired in my neighborhood for my fashionable collection of sun hats and other hats.

Now, long-sleeve shirts might seem to be asking too much. After all, it is hot in the summer sunshine.

I can't disagree with that, but I still believe one ought to consider wearing long sleeve sun protective shirts and long pants, on very sunny days. The risk is simply too great otherwise.

Of course, while it's not clothing, I would always advise sun-worshippers to use sunblock, and to try and not be out during the hours of 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. in the summer, when the sun is at its most dangerous.

I was young once, too; it resulted in skin cancer. Please don't repeat my mistake.