6 Spring is often thought of as a time of renewal — especially after the dark days of winter. This spring, take the time to refresh your commitment to a safe and healthy life with the following tips from the National Safety Council (NSC), National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other safety and wellness experts. Spring into wellness Stock up on sunscreen Since you’ll be spending more time outside, it’s important to remember to wear sunscreen to reduce your risk of skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you buy sunscreen that has broadspectrum protection, has an SPF of 30 or higher, and is water-resistant. But don’t count on sunscreen alone to protect your skin. You should also: • Seek shade whenever you can, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. This is when the sun’s rays are strongest. • Wear a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt; long pants; a wide-brimmed hat; and sunglasses when you will be in the sun for long periods of time. Dust off your walking shoes Walking is one of the easiest ways to get the physical activity you need for good health. And when the weather is warmer and the sun is out longer, it’s a lot more pleasant to do. Health experts recommend that you get at least 30 minutes of moderately intense exercise most days of the week. You should aim for a total of 150 minutes per week. Walking at a brisk pace counts as a moderately intense activity. Test your in-home smoke and carbon monoxide alarms The switch to daylight saving time is a good reminder to check, and maybe change, the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. According to the NSC, smoke alarms should be installed in every bedroom and in the common areas on every floor in a home. Carbon monoxide detectors should be installed outside each bedroom and on every floor of a home. This is also a good time to check the outdoor vents of your gas appliances to make sure they are clear of snow or blockage.
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