Hat Trick: Staying Safe in the Summer Sun

Summer is officially underway! It’s time to get outside for picnics, beach trips or just sitting in the park, sipping on sun tea and reading this summer’s best-seller.

When you’re making your way out the door this summer, don’t forget your hat. It’s one of the easiest (and in my opinion, most fashionable) ways to stay safe in the sun. But how does it actually help, you may wonder?

It all starts with selecting the right hat. Here’s a checklist of criteria to consider when buying a hat.

• Choose a light color. Dark colors absorb heat and light ones reflect it, so stick to lighter colors and keep your cool this summer.
• Make sure the hat has a wide brim (at least three inches) all the way around. This will give you enough coverage to protect your face, neck and ears.
• Select a hat that has ventilation holes woven into the pattern. This will allow for better air circulation on your head.

As you can imagine, a hat is not the only sun protection measure that you’ll want to take. You should still slather on a good sunscreen and avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day (about 11:30-2:00, maybe go inside or sit under an awning for lunch). A hat is just another layer of protection from those summer rays and here’s how it can help:

• UV protection for your hair and scalp. Yes, your hair needs protecting too!
• Reduces glare on your eyes. Even with sunglasses on, you’ll still want to protect your eyes from sun glare.
• Provides shade for your head and shoulders, while the ventilation allows for heat to escape. Overall, this can help to keep you cooler.

So, next time you’re on your way out the door, stop and grab a hat. It’s a small step to a healthier you….and you’ll look snazzy!

This is part of the Small Steps Series, where I share little things that you can start doing today, to be your best and most vibrant self.