Today’s blog post is sponsored by Priority Health. Please read our disclosure policy for more information. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Good Life Detroit!


Summer is in full swing and we’ve been enjoying many Detroit festivities and outdoor adventures! The weather hasn’t been too bad this summer, either. I was pleasantly surprised by the weather at the beginning of the summer. It was very comfortable and made outdoor play for the kids more enjoyable.

The early summertime weather was fairly warm during the day and cool during the evening time. It was perfect weather for me because don’t care for dry, humid weather! Sadly, my perfect summertime weather didn’t last long. Once July hit, the temperatures went up (and so did my electric bill)!

Priority Health
Summertime isn’t over with yet. Practicing summer safety is important!

Travis and I have been making sure to be mindful of making smart choices when taking the kids out in the sun. From using sunscreen regularly to taking cool water with us, we know it’s important to practice summer safety in the sun.

I know the stores have already started putting out Fall decor, but we’re still in the thick of summer! As you anxiously wait for Fall’s arrival, don’t forget to keep practicing sun safety for the rest of the summer!

Sterling Heights Splash Pad
We’re enjoying summertime in the D!

#PRIORITYHEALTHSUNSMART SUMMER CAMPAIGN

Priority Health is also helping Michiganders stay safe in the sun. This summer, the Michigan-based, nonprofit health plan is running a “Sun Smart” campaign. The campaign focuses on raising awareness and increasing skin cancer prevention.

Priority Health is encouraging Michiganders to share the sun smart choices you are making this summer by posting photos on social media of you and your family being “sun smart!”

Your photo can be a photo of you putting on sunscreen at Belle Isle, wearing your favorite pair of sunnies, or even sitting in the shade enjoying a refreshing ice cream cone.

For every photo posted using the hashtag #PriorityHealthSunSmart through Sep. 2, Priority Health will donate $1 to the American Cancer Society. The money raised from the social media challenge will support cancer research, including initiatives specific to skin cancer.

staying sun smart
Here are six tips to help you make sun smart choices!

SIX TIPS TO STAYING SUN SMART THIS SUMMER:

1. Wear sunscreen when the sun is out and when it is cloudy. Just because it’s cloudy outside, doesn’t mean you’re “safe” from the sun. You are still at risk for sunburn in the shade or on a cloudy day.

UV rays reflect off of surfaces like sand, water and even grass. You can’t see or feel UV rays, so even if it’s cooler outside, you are still at risk for sunburn.

2. Sunscreen isn’t always effective all of the time. To be truly protected, you should put on sunscreen 30 minutes prior to being in the sun to allow it to soak into the skin.

Then, reapply one ounce of sunscreen every two hours. It’s also important to take other protective measures, such as wearing a wide-brimmed hat, UV sunglasses and tightly woven clothing in dark colors.

Sterling Heights splash pad
The boys enjoying the splash pad.

3. Apply the kids’ sunscreen before you leave the house. I like to apply sunscreen to my kids before we leave so that I way I don’t forget about it later. Plus, they get super antsy once we arrive to a fun place. Having their sunscreen already on helps us get them ready for playtime faster!

4. Set a timer for reapplying sunscreen. Sunscreen doesn’t last all day. For full protection, you have to reapply sunscreen throughout the day. If you plan on staying outside for more than two hours, then set a timer on your phone to remind you to reapply sunscreen.

Experts say as long as you’re using at least SPF 30 and reapplying every two hours, you will be protected. The difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 and higher is actually very minimal. The general rule of thumb is for a full-body application, adults should apply a shot glass worth of sunscreen.

Sterling Heights Splash Pad
Zechariah loves the splash pad!

5. Over 5 million cases of skin cancer are treated in the U.S. every year. 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers and 85 percent of melanomas are directly associated with repeated exposure to UV radiation from the sun.

As a preventive measure, it’s a smart choice to see a dermatologist once a year for a professional skin exam, and this may be a covered benefit within your health plan.

Sterling Heights splash pad
Zephaniah loves exploring the splash pad.

6. Use a UV sticker to ensure skin is protected in the sun. A UV sticker is a fun and interactive way to make sure you and the family’s skin is protected. We used Priority Health’s UV stickers when we went to the splash pad and it was very helpful with determining reapplication.

It’s really easy to do. Simply place the sticker on your skin (back of the hand is recommended). Then apply sunscreen over the sticker and to your body as instructed by your sunscreen label.

Priority Health
Use a UV sticker to ensure skin is protected in the sun.
Priority Health
Priority Health has also been handing out sun smart solutions at events across Southeast Michigan and the Grand Rapids area this summer.

When sunscreen is dry, the sticker will appear white or pink. When the sticker begins to turn darker, it means it’s time to reapply. Once you reapply, the color will lighten. Repeat this throughout the day to ensure maximum sun protection.

Priority Health has also been handing out sun smart solutions (including sunscreen and sunburn alert UV stickers that change color when it’s time to reapply) at events across Southeast Michigan and the Grand Rapids area this summer.

You can see the full list of events on the Priority Health Facebook page: www.facebook.com/PriorityHealth.

Good Life Detroit
Happy Summer!

Priority Health’s network of health care providers features 97% of primary care doctors in Michigan and more than 900,000 health care providers nationwide. You can learn more about additional coverage benefits at www.priorityhealth.com. Follow Priority Health at @priorityhealth on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest updates.

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    Written by

    Jennifer Hamra

    Freelance creative Jennifer Hamra created her blog Good Life Detroit in 2015 after relocating from Tennessee to Southeast Michigan.

    Inspired by her love for personal blogging and photography, Jennifer likes to share her favorite Detroit things, from cool places to visit (the hidden gems are her favorite!) to the amazing people she has connected with over the years.

    When she's not busy juggling family life and her creative projects, you can find her at an art gallery, community event, farmers market, or spending quiet time at home with a good book and cup of tea.

    Jennifer lives in the metro Detroit area with her husband Travis and their six children.

    Connect with Jennifer on social media @goodlifedetroit on all social media platforms or via email at [email protected].