Importance of Sunscreen

You know you should be wearing sunscreen, but choosing the correct one may be overwhelming. With different SPFs and different UV rays, you’re bound to get confused! The Lifeguard Store is here to help you choose the best one to protect you and your family.

Ultraviolet Radiation

Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation comes from too much sun exposure from the sun and other sources such as tanning beds. Too much of this exposure can lead to sunburn, premature aging, skin cancer and even eye damage. UV Radiation is the primary cause of skin cancer.

 

Reduce your Risk

The best way to reduce your risk of exposure is to limit being outdoors during mid-day hours. The most hazardous times for UV exposure are between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Some simple ways to reduce your risk to this radiation include staying in the shade, wearing a hat and sunglasses, avoid indoor tanning, and always wear sunscreen.

Choosing the right SPF

Sunscreens are determined by SPF which is the Sun Protection Factor. This is a measure of a sunscreen’s ability to prevent skim damage. The most common SPFs include 15, 30 and 50; however, there are also higher SPFs available. The Skin Care Foundation claims:

•          SPF 15 filters out approximately 93 percent of all incoming UVB rays
•          SPF 30 filters out approximately 97 percent of all incoming UVB rays
•          SPF 50 filters out approximately 98 percent of all incoming UVB rays

 

Application

In order to get the full SPF exposure, sunscreens need to be applied thick enough. Always remember that sunscreens should be applied 15 to 30 minutes before exposure. It is advised that sunscreen should be applied every 2-3 hours.

Further Protection

In addition to sunscreen application, there are also other precautions you can take. There are many SPF Lip and Nose Balms to protect even your most sensitive areas.

Product Spotlight: Water Aerobic Equipment

Are you looking to tone up without the havoc on your joints? If so, water aerobics is a great way to get a full body workout! Resembling traditional barbells, these weights can give you quite the workout! 

Benefits

One of the major benefits of water aerobics is that there are fewer burdens on your joints and muscles. Because of this, there is less of a chance you will get injured or have muscle soreness. Typical exercises like running and lifting weights are known to be hard on your joints. If you are having trouble with regular exercises, you will find relief with water aerobics. Another great benefit of water aerobics is that your heart rate is roughly 17 beats per minute less than regular exercising. While this means good things for you heart, you will also increase your lung capacity and increase your flexibility! 

Water Aerobics Equipment

• Jog Belts – Helps with balance and buoyancy in water
• Resistance Gloves – Used to enhance the natural resistance of water
• Resistance Hand Bars – Used above water for support and stabilization. Used underwater for resistance.
• Swim Bar Floats – Used for balance and stabilization.
• Wrist/Ankle Weights – Adds resistance for aqua aerobics or therapy.

Common Water Aerobic Exercises

• Water Walking – Use the resistance gloves and walk across the pool in waist-height water, swinging your arms while you walk.

• Pool Plank – While standing on the pool floor, hold a noodle or a swim bar float with both hands. Press it into the water and lean forward until your body is at an incline. This is a great ab exercise!

• Bicep Curls – Hold hand bars in each hand at your hips with palms facing up. While keeping your elbow near your body, bend your arm until your arm reaches shoulder height. 

Other Items

If you are a pool owner, you may need some other items such as a storage system or other H20 Equipment such as a treadmill or stepper.