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Tips for Young Lawyers

DON’T Feel the Burn
By:  Laura A. W. Pratt

Here in Texas, you don’t have to spend too much time outside to know that the summer sun is out in full force.  Weather experts are predicting widespread areas of above-normal temperatures for the summer months.  Even though most summer hours for attorneys are spent indoors, who doesn’t love an occasional cook-out, day at the lake or beach, or swim?  However, the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. are considered the most hazardous for sun exposure, and overexposure to UV rays can lead to severe sunburns, premature aging of the skin, wrinkling, and skin cancer or melanoma.  It’s important to balance fun in the sun with a healthy dose of proper sun protection.  Good news is there are several quick and easy options for proper sun protection.

1. SUNSCREEN
One of easiest ways to prevent overexposure to UV radiation is to wear sunscreen with a sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher and both UVA and UVB, i.e. “broad spectrum” protection.  SPF 30 is even better.  Apply sunscreen frequently and liberally, even to areas you would not normally consider like along your hairline or the tops of your feet.  Sunscreen also has an expiration date, so it is recommended to buy new sunscreen every summer.

2. Proper Clothing
Even though tank tops are tempting, wear clothes to protect exposed skin.   Loose-fitting shirts and light-weight pants are best, but probably not very practical for all summer activities.  At least consider T-shirts or beach cover-ups as good options to minimize exposure.  A typical T-shirt has an SPF rating lower than 15, so it’s always better to double up with other types of sun protection.

3. Hats
Those Texas cowboys got it right. Hats are a great option for limiting sun exposure to the face, head, ears, and neck.  For the most protection, a hat with a brim all the way around is recommended, and a tightly woven canvas provides more protection than a straw hat.  Again, combine sunscreen with a good hat for the best protection.

4. Sunglasses
Sunglasses are an easy way to protect our eyes from UV rays and decrease the risk for cataracts.  They can also protect the sensitive skin around the eyes.  Wrap-around sunglasses provide the most protection, and its best to look for sunglasses that block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays.  Most sunglasses sold in the United States, regardless of cost, meet this minimum standard.

5. Shade
Seek shade during outdoor activities as much as possible, but especially during the midday hours.  Utilizing shade from an umbrella, tree, or other shelter can greatly reduce your risk of skin damage or skin cancer.  It can also provide some much needed relief from the heat or higher temperatures.

These summer sun safety tips are an easy way to make sure you’re not getting too much of a good thing.

-LAURA PRATT is an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Lubbock.  Although specializing in environmental compliance, she regularly advises the City on various municipal law issues, including employment, oil and gas, civil service, metropolitan planning, health care, and immigration law issues.  The opinions expressed in this article are not the official opinions of the City of Lubbock.