Playing tennis this summer…Are You Protected?

Sunglasses

Have you tried to use sunglasses when you are playing tennis? Sunglasses aren’t just fashion accessories anymore. They are a necessary protection for your eyes. Most consumers know about the danger of sun exposure to the skin, but many are unaware that the sun’s rays can damage the eyes. To correctly shield the eyes, the consumer has to know how to select the right type of sunglasses, since wearing the wrong brand actually causes more damage than not wearing glasses at all.  “Tinted glasses without UV protection cause more harm than wearing no glasses at all”.

Individuals can protect their eyes by simply wearing sunglasses that block out 99 to 100 percent of UV. Such glasses protect the eye from both UVA-and the more harmful-UVB rays.

Here is a list of tips for purchasing sunglasses:

1. Check for the OSHA label with 99 or 100 percent UV protection.

2. Look for sunglasses that are close-fitting. These will prevent UV rays from filtering in.

3. Look for comfort.

4. Don’t be misguided by price — higher priced sunglasses usually reflect fashion or durability, not UV protection.

5. Dark-colored sunglasses don’t necessarily provide better protection. A clear chemical coating applied to the lens is responsible for UV protection, not the lens color.

It is never too early to wear sunglasses. In summer, get in the habit of put them when you play tennis.

Sunscreen

If you are planning to play tennis this summer there are many things that you must considerate. Even using hats, sunglasses or long sleeve clothes you must protect also your skin.

Yου can pick up an expensive sun cream bottle at the high SP factor thinking it would be protecting you against all the sun’s rays.

Try and find sunscreen harvest with the several UVA protection elements such as UVB sun protection. It is also always worthwhile looking for a waterproof sunscreen given that this protection last significantly longer.

Sunscreens are best if they are broad spectrum and have a SPF 30+. You should also know that all sunscreens should be applied 20 minutes before being exposed to the sun and should be reapplied every two hours while exposed

What is SPF?

SPF, an abbreviation for sun-protection factor, is a number such as 15, 30, or 50 that indicates the degree of sunburn protection provided by sunscreens. SPF is related to the total amount of sun exposure rather than simply the length of sun exposure. It is a common mistake to assume that the duration of effectiveness of a sunscreen can be calculated simply by multiplying the SPF by the length of time it takes for him or her to suffer a burn without sunscreen.

Are all sunscreens equally effective against UV radiation?

No. Some sunscreens protect against only one type of ultraviolet radiation: ultraviolet-B (UVB). Others protect against both types of ultraviolet radiation that reach earth’s atmosphere from the sun: ultraviolet-B and ultraviolet-A (UVA). Sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB, and are thus classified as “broad spectrum,” are recommended for everyone.

Do water or perspiration wash off sunscreen?

Yes. Therefore, sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours when staying outdoors for a prolonged period and after swimming bathing, perspiring heavily, or drying off with a towel or handkerchief. Water- and perspiration-resistant sunscreens are available. However, even their protection will not last indefinitely.

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