by Claire Davis | Mar 1, 2025
As the warmer months approach, many of us can’t wait to spend time outdoors with our loved ones, enjoying the sunshine and making lasting memories. Whether you’re planning a family vacation to the beach or mountains, a backyard BBQ with friends and family, or a simple picnic in the park, the outdoors offers endless possibilities for fun and adventure. However, as we bask in the sun’s warm rays, it’s essential to remember the importance of sun safety.
Sun safety should be at the top of your priority list, just as you would prioritize packing sunscreen, comfortable clothing, and bug spray for your outdoor excursion. Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can increase the risk of skin cancer, premature aging, and other health issues, making it crucial to take proactive steps to protect your skin. The sun’s UV rays can penetrate clouds, glass, and even water, making it difficult to avoid exposure altogether. In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology estimates that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70, making sun safety a critical consideration for individuals of all ages.
In this article, we’ll explore the importance of sun safety and provide you with practical tips to protect your family’s skin. We’ll cover the risks associated with UV exposure, discuss the benefits of sun-protective clothing and accessories, and offer advice on how to choose the right sunscreen for your family’s needs. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and strategies necessary to ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience for everyone.
The Risks of UV Exposure:
UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds can cause damage to your skin in just a few minutes. Prolonged exposure can lead to:
1. Skin Cancer: Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is on the rise worldwide. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.
2. Premature Aging: UV exposure can cause wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots, making your skin look older than it is.
3. Eye Damage: UV rays can cause cataracts, macular degeneration, and eye irritation.
4. Weakened Immune System: UV exposure can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses.
Practical Tips for Sun Safety:

Proper sunscreen application is essential to protect skin from harmful UV rays. (Photo source: Adobe Stock)
1. “Slip, Slop, Slap”: Use these three simple words to remember how to protect your skin: Slip on a shirt, hat, or other protective clothing; Slop on a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher; and Slap on a lip balm with SPF.
2. Seek Shade: Whenever possible, seek shade, especially during peak sun hours (10 am – 4 pm).
3. Wear Protective Clothing: Choose clothing with a tight weave, as loose weaves can allow UV rays to pass through. Look for clothing with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of 50+.
4. Use a Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher.
5. Don’t Forget Your Eyes: Wear sunglasses with UV protection to prevent eye damage.
6. Check the UV Index: Plan your outdoor activities according to the UV index, which is a measure of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.
Additional Tips for Families:
1. Make Sun Safety a Family Affair: Educate your children about the importance of sun safety and involve them in the process of protecting their skin.
2. Create a Sun Safety Routine: Develop a routine that includes applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade.
3. Be Mindful of Reflective Surfaces: Be aware of reflective surfaces like water, sand, and snow, which can increase UV exposure.
4. Don’t Rely on Clouds: Up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can pass through clouds, so don’t rely on clouds to protect your skin.
By following these practical tips and making sun safety a priority, you can protect your family’s skin and reduce the risk of skin cancer, premature aging, and other health issues. Remember, sun safety is a habit that’s easy to develop and maintain, and it’s worth it to protect the ones you care about!
An Equal Opportunity Institution
NOTE: During the preparation of this work the author used the AI tool NaviGator to create an outline for this article. After using this service, the author reviewed and edited the content as needed and takes full responsibility for the content of the publication.
by Marie Arick | Jun 24, 2024

(Photo source: Marie Arick)
A great beach outing includes more than just grabbing the sunscreen and a towel on the way out the door. A bit of quick planning can really aid with a successful beach outing that doesn’t require too much effort.
Staying hydrated is important. Freezing bottles of water, sports drinks or fruit drink pouches is one trick to packing a smaller cooler or an insulated grocery bag. It is dual purpose. It can aid with keeping snacks (apple slices or watermelon in resealable bags) cool and when melted, a cool drink to enjoy.
Snacks are a also good idea. Fruit, animal crackers, or pretzels are easily packed and not too difficult to manage. Another tip is to bring a trash bag to keep the beaches clean and to limit your trips to the public waste receptacle.
Sunscreen is a necessity even on a cloudy day. A sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more by is recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Applying sunscreen before leaving home allows time for adequate absorption into the skin. Remember to reapply at least every 2 hours. Using an umbrella or a tent is a great way to escape the sun’s direct rays. Wearing a hat or other protective clothing can help protect from those harmful UV rays.
Have kiddos? Bringing a few toys to aid with building sandcastles keeps the creative mind going. A few simple safety rules for playing in the sand are: do not bury one another in the sand, avoid throwing sand at anyone as it could harm one’s eyes, and avoid digging deep holes. Safety is paramount and an article published in the New England Journal of Medicine by a Harvard Medical School researcher noted burying a person in the sand is dangerous as the weight of the sand may lead to suffocation. As recently as February 2024, at Lauderdale by the Sea, two children were involved in a beach hole collapse, as reported in the Miami Herald. While digging in the sand is fun, be mindful and create structures that are safe for the kids.
Finally, know your beach flags and where to locate the current beach conditions. The National Weather Service as well as the MOTE Marine Laboratory are great sites providing beach conditions, including water current risk level, UV index, and thunderstorm potential. Local beaches often have social media pages that provide specific data for that area, including the current conditions and flags. Remember, not all beaches post flags and not all beaches have lifeguards on duty.
A day at the beach is an excellent opportunity for a fun-filled day. While this may not be an inclusive list, it does cover many of the basics of a good beach day. Spending a few minutes to determine the beach outlook, gathering the day’s supplies, and following some safety rules can greatly enhance your beach day.
An Equal Opportunity Institution.
by Laurie Osgood | Feb 6, 2019

Regular vehicle maintenance can help you avoid expensive repairs. Photo credit: UF/IFAS Northwest District
A car is one of the biggest investments we will make. With proper car maintenance, you can increase safety, improve performance, and save money in the long run. According to AAA, big improvements in powertrain technology, lubricant, and rust prevention have led to improvements in automobile reliability, longevity, and durability. With proper care, almost any car can make it well past the 100,000-mile mark.
TIPS FOR PROLONGING THE LIFE OF YOUR CAR
• Do some research and purchase a safe, reliable vehicle
• Stick to the recommended car maintenance schedule
• Buy high quality parts: engine oil, battery, tires, etc.
• Keep your car clean, inside and out
• Know what to look for if your car is beginning to show signs of trouble
WARNING SIGNS THAT YOUR CAR MAY BE HEADED FOR TROUBLE
You know your car, and, therefore, you are the best judge of when it’s acting differently. There are signs your car may exhibit that will warn you of a potential problem. It could be a light, a sound, or an unusual smell. Consumer Reports recommends at the first sign of trouble, you should take your car to a reliable mechanic.
WARNING LIGHTS
Lights that appear on your dashboard are connected to sensors that monitor everything your car does. If your car senses that something isn’t quite right, the computer will use these lights to tell you what it is. If any of these lights appear, your mechanic will be able to hook up your vehicle to a diagnostic scan tool to identify the trouble and find out exactly what’s prompting the light to turn on.
Pay attention to these warning lights, as they could indicate a problem with your vehicle:
• Check Engine
• Check Oil/Oil Level Low
• Oil Pressure Low
UNUSUAL SOUNDS
You know your car and the sounds it normally makes, but new or different sounds can be a sign of trouble. These sounds can be a clue to what’s going on under the hood. GEICO Insurance offers a list of these sounds and their possible causes.
Sounds and Possible Causes
- A sound like a coin rattling inside a tin can: Could be a loose lug nut inside the hub cap.
- Brakes squealing or grinding: Your brake pads or shoes might need to be replaced. Pads may be worn, and the sound is metal on metal.
- A snapping, popping, or clicking sound when you turn a corner: One or both of the constant velocity (CV) joints on your front axle could need to be replaced.
- A rhythmic squeak that speeds up as you accelerate: This could indicate a problem with the universal joints (U-joints) in the driveshaft.
- A howling, whining, or even “singing” sound: Bearings, which are small metal balls that help parts rotate smoothly, may not be properly working.
- A rhythmic clunking, tapping, or banging from under the hood: This could indicate a problem with valves, pistons, or connecting rods. Rough, bumpy motions could be caused by faulty spark plugs, clogged fuel lines, or a bad fuel filter.
- A squealing sound from under the hood at start-up or when accelerating: This sound could be caused by worn or loose accessory belts for the power steering pump, air conditioner compressor, alternator, or the serpentine belt.
FOUL SMELLS
Toxic gases such as carbon monoxide are contained in a car’s exhaust system. If you smell a foul or strong smell while inside your car, this may be a sign of a serious problem. You should have it checked by a mechanic as soon as possible. If oil or coolant is leaking, this may mean hazardous exhaust gases are entering the interior of your car.
The smell of rubber burning could be a signal that your car’s drive belts or accessory belts underneath the hood are damaged, worn, or loose. These belts will need to be replaced as soon as possible to prevent more problems.
SMOKE
Smoke can come from the front or back of your car. Smoke coming from beneath the car’s hood most likely means your engine is overheating, and you should bring it to a mechanic right away. The color of the smoke coming out of your exhaust pipe can give you a clue about what may be going on inside your engine.
Blue Smoke: This could mean oil is escaping from somewhere within the engine and is being burned along with the gasoline. If you see blue smoke, your mechanic should look for damaged or worn seals in the engine.
White Smoke: May mean antifreeze or water condensation may have mixed in with the gasoline. You should have it checked out as soon as possible.
Mechanics agree that preventive maintenance, including regular oil changes and belt replacement, can help to extend the life of your car. Car maintenance can be an inconvenience that requires time, planning, and effort. But, in the long run, the benefits of driving a safe car outweigh the cost and aggravation.
For more information on how to save money by properly maintaining your car, contact your local UF/IFAS Extension Office.
Sources:
AAA: https://magazine.northeast.aaa.com/daily/life/cars-trucks/benefits-maintaining-vehicle/
Consumer Reports: https://www.consumerreports.org/car-repair-maintenance/make-your-car-last-200-000-miles/
GEICO: https://www.geico.com/more/driving/auto/auto-care/car-noises/?utm_source=geico&utm_medium=email&utm_content=newsletter&utm_campaign=feb2018
by Melanie Taylor | Jun 23, 2018

Always supervise children closely around water.
Photo credit: Marie Arick
Summer is here! As the long, hot days of summer move forward there are many things to consider when it comes to children and water safety. Each summer we hear of tragic incidents of children drowning in pools, spas, and other bodies of water. These tragedies may be avoided by following a few simple tips to keep your child safe while letting them enjoy their summer break.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is the agency charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. In addition to Pool and Spa Safety, the CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC launched the campaign, PoolSafely.gov, which provides Pool Safely: Simple Steps to Save Lives, a national public education campaign to reduce childhood drownings, submersion injuries and entrapments. Review these tips below.
Tips from PoolSafely.gov and CPSC:
- Never leave a child unattended in or near water.
It is recommended to designate an official “Water Watcher”, this is an adult assigned with supervising the children in the water. This should be their only task – they should not be reading, texting or playing games on their phone. Have a phone close by at all times, in case you need to call for help, and if a child is missing, check the pool first. Even when a lifeguard is present, parents and caregivers should still take the responsibility of being a designated “Water Watcher”. When the lifeguard chair is empty, the other lifeguards may not be able to see the entire pool and when lifeguards are sitting in low chairs; other people in the pool can block their view.
- Teach children how to swim.
Swimming is fun, great exercise and it is a lifesaving skill, so why would you not instill this skill in your child? Be sure to enroll children in swimming lessons – the earlier the better. A few swimming lessons may just save their life.
- Teach children to stay away from pool drains.
Show your children where the pool drain is located and remind them of the dangers of those drains. Remind them not to play or swim near drains or suction outlets, especially in spas and shallow pools, and never enter a pool or spa that has a loose, broken or missing drain cover. Sadly, children’s hair, limbs, jewelry or bathing suits, etc. can get stuck in a drain or suction opening. When enjoying time in a spa, be sure to locate the emergency vacuum shutoff before getting in the water.
- Ensure all pools and spas – both in your backyard and any public pool you may visit – have compliant drain covers.
The powerful suction from a pool or spa drain can even trap an adult, let alone a child. The Pool and Spa Safety Act is named after Virginia Graeme Baker, a child that tragically died from drowning due to a suction entrapment from a faulty drain cover. Do to this act, it is now required by law that all public pools and spas must have drain grates or covers that meet safety standards to avoid incidents like the one that took Graeme’s life.
- Install proper barriers, covers and alarms on and around your pool and spa.
One of the biggest dangers with pools or spas is when they are left open without any proper fences, barriers, alarms and covers. Each of these can be lifesaving devices. A fence of at least four feet in height should surround the pool or spa on all sides and should not be made of a climbable material. The pool should only be accessible through a self-closing, self-latching gate. Teach children to never climb over a pool gate or fence. Always remove portable pool ladders when not in use, just so your child is not enticed to enter the water. It is also highly recommended to install a door alarm from the house to the pool area, and keep pool and spa covers in working order.
- Know how to perform CPR on children and adults.
CPR can be the reason a drowning victim survives. With all of the possible locations of CPR trainings, why not get CPR certified as an extra precaution in case there is a water emergency? CPR classes are available through many hospitals, community centers, or by contacting your local American Red Cross. Once certified, be sure to keep the certification up to date.
- Finally, take the Pledge!
Before heading to the water with your family, remember to take the Pool Safely Pledge. This online call to action is a reminder to stay safer around the water. This pledge for you and your child can be found at https://www.poolsafely.gov/pledge/. The pledge is supported by CPSC and the PoolSafely.gov initiative and Olympic swimmer Michael Phelp along with over 60,000 other pledge takers. Parents, you can also download coloring sheets and other fun PoolSafely.gov child friendly apps and songs.
With the large variety of water related summer activities available it does leave a chance for risky incidents. Some work and preparation ahead of time will make for a less anxious and more fun-filled summer. Planning for risk will lessen the high-risk stakes and make sure everyone is prepared in case of an emergency. So remember, Simple Steps Save Lives. Enjoy a safe, fun, and water filled time this summer!
Resources: For more information be sure to visit Pool Safely: Simple Steps Save Lives – https://www.poolsafely.gov
by Marie Arick | May 21, 2018

Always supervise children closely around water.
Photo credit: Marie Arick
Do you have firm water safety practices? Are you a strong swimmer? Do you know Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)?
Each May, as the temperature rises, the gravitation to fun outdoor water activities begins. Numerous partners, including the American Red Cross and National Recreation and Park Association, promote Water Safety Month each May.
Encouraging conversations regarding water safety and swimming rules is just part of the resources provided to the public. Promotion of swimming lessons and the use of life jackets as well as basic CPR training is also encouraged. “Florida leads the country in drowning deaths of children ages 1-4 years,” according to the Florida Department of Health. The USA Swimming Foundation states “no child is ever water safe,” rather, they promote swimming lessons to aid in making a child safer in the water. Children should always be supervised by CPR-trained and strong swimming adults while playing in or around water. If you are not a strong swimmer, ask another adult that is to accompany you.
As the supervising adult, create a set of water safety rules and enforce them. NO EXCEPTIONS! Educate yourself and children regarding water safety and do not allow horseplay. If children are not strong swimmers, have them wear a swim vest and request they stay in an area close to you for additional ease of supervision. If you, as the adult, need a bathroom break, everyone needs a bathroom break, meaning everyone exits the pool/water area and no one is left behind. Learn basic CPR and keep a cell phone available to call for help if necessary. Never assume other people are watching as well.
Being proactive can prevent a tragedy. Remember, the basics of water safety and having a plan can be lifesaving. Establish your water activity rules, review them prior to each outing, enforce them, and enjoy a safe summer full of fun water activities.