Parades Inspire Energy, Fun and Sometimes a Sunburn
Aside from the Vernal Equinox itself, nothing comes closer to representing the Gateway to Spring than St. Patrick’s Day. It’s the first opportunity of any new year for thousands of people to throw open their doors and head outside for some fun community revelry. parades abound; each overflowing with a Sea of Green completely befitting a celebration of the Emerald Isle.
In the northern states, weather-wise each year is like Forrest Gump’s mom’s proverbial “box of chocolates”; “you never know what you gonna get.” It might be 70 degrees and sunny, or 20 degrees with sleet and snow. In the northeast, March doesn’t always see fit to go out like a lion.
We think that outdoor parades to honor a man from a land noted for its fair-skinned people that takes place in all kinds of weather, is an absolute perfect occasion for discussing the importance of sunscreen. In fact, today’s post could almost write itself. (But we’ll help it along.)
When either watching or marching in a parade, you’re being subjected to hours of potential sun skin damage caused by harmful UV ray exposure. It doesn’t matter if it’s cloudy, cold, snowing, sleeting or raining, either. UV rays are always present whether the sun is visible or not. UVA/UVB rays are invisible and cause damage well before you see it physically.
During events such as this, it’s imperative to apply sunscreen before attending. And it’s just as vital to continually re-apply it throughout the day. If you’re going with a group, perhaps bring a big bottle that everyone included can access as needed.
One organically helpful sun-safety aspect to this holiday, at least as far as wardrobe is concerned, is the popularity of those huge, green, wide-brimmed leprechaun hats. Coincidentally, they’re just the type of hat you should be wearing for sun protection. So if you have one, wear it with pride.
Remember too that these parades typically take place entirely between the sun’s peak hours of 10a.m. and 4p.m., so it’s even more important to remember that sunblock. It you’d like to make keeping track easier, wear a Sundicators UV monitoring wristband. Through a simple change of colors, this all-weather band will tell you at a glance when it’s time to add more.
However you celebrate this March 17th, please do it safely and responsibly so that you can cheer on the Green for many years to come.
Happy St. Patrick’s to all!
Sundicators: The Best Skin-surance Under the Sun!
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