Newsletters: July - August 2007

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Sun Care for the Whole Family

By Bridget Kamke

Here in Florida the sun's rays can be intense. It's important to find a balance between getting outside enough to get your Vitamin D and overexposing yourself to the sun.

Staying out of direct sunlight is one way to avoid sunburns. Enjoy outdoor activities in the morning, when the sun isn't as high and it isn't quite as hot outside. Spend time under trees to keep cool and shaded, especially if you have babies.

If you must be outside midday, lightweight pants and breathable long sleeve shirts help keep your skin free of sunburns as well as bug bites. Wear brimmed hats and sunglasses. Sunhats with a strap under the chin are a bit easier to keep on babies. Make a fashion statement by carrying a parasol or a funky umbrella. If you are going to the beach, a large umbrella creates much needed shade. Serve lunch or snacks underneath, to get the kids out of the sun for awhile.

Hydrate yourself. Always carry enough water with you when on the go. Take EmergenC packets to add to your water for electrolytes on long days outdoors.

Apply and reapply your sunscreen throughout the day. We have something for everyone at New Leaf Market. For children, Aubrey Organics has a 25 Sun Protection Factor (SPF), Alba Botanica has 30+ for kids, and Avalon Organics has a Baby SPF 18 sun block. For the folks with sensitive skin, Alba Botanica has an SPF 20 for faces and Natures Gate has fragrance free lotion. Natures Gate, Alba Botanica and Aubrey carry water-resistant and sports sun blocks ranging from SPF 15 to 30+. Alba Botanica has the most vast selection of SPFs, including 10,15,18,20,30 and 30+. Pure Life carries a carrot sun block SPF 45 and carrot tanning oil SPF 2 for the adventurous folks who don't burn easily. Nature's Gate 15 has a lotion that features both a dry finish and anti-aging properties. If you don't get much sun but still want to look tan, try Alba Botanica's sunless tanning lotion.

Don't forget to cover your lips with balms containing sunscreen. Our coop carries a range from Moistic SPF 15 to Alba Botanica SPF 18 and Super Lysine+ SPF 21.

If you do get too much sun, aloe vera and lavender essential oil are some of the best things for sunburns.