Yup, that big old round thing hovering overhead is not a light bulb from Big Tex’s condo. It’s old man Sol, who evidently took the month of May off. But now with June and summer underway, the sunny days and holi-daze are here. And while the drought is history and lower-than-usual electricity bills are arriving, there are some real downers up ahead along with the sunshine. Two are highly preventable. They are the “sk’s” — skeeters and skin cancer. Here are some tips to overcome the twosome:
- Skeeters —
- They’re itty bitty bloodsuckers that bring West Nile with their hunger. You can turn them off from using you as a buffet. In addition to your perfume, douse yourself with DEET.
- Don’t stroll the baby or walk the dog at dusk or dawn. Sure, they’re the nicest parts of the days, but the mosquitoes know that, too.
- Dump any standing water. There’s plenty of it after the past month. Make a game of it with the kids and see who can spot the most little ponds of water.
- Skin cancer —
- Along with mosquito repellent, add a healthy cover of sunscreen. Today’s SPF’s are remarkable. They’re not that old greasy stuff that smells yucky. There are spray-ons that are as light as cologne. Really focus on that cute face especially the nose and those adorable ears.
- For the top of the head, wear a hat or try out one of the products that are both good for the hair and include sunscreen. Really!
- Sure, tans can look cool today, but they may end up having a surgeon carve out the damage.
- Beauty tip: If your manicurist hasn’t made the suggestion, put some sunscreen on the back of your hands and tops of your feet. Did you know that “the presence and appearance of age spots are exacerbated by the sun, and UV rays can damage the fingernails”? Today’s tan is tomorrow’s rawhide.