Summer in the Upper Peninsula means long days outside enjoying the lakes, trails, and fresh air—but it also means stronger UV rays that can put your skin and health at risk. Whether you’re hiking, boating, or simply relaxing by the water, understanding how to protect yourself from sunburn, heat stroke, and long-term skin damage is key to enjoying the season safely.
Why Sun Protection Matters
The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause skin damage in as little as 15 minutes. Even on cooler or cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate the clouds and reflect off surfaces like water, sand, and concrete, increasing your risk of sunburn. In fact, water reflects up to 10% of UV rays, which means you can burn more quickly when you’re on or near the lake.
Prolonged sun exposure without protection can also lead to premature aging, sunburn, and an increased risk of skin cancer. That’s why applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 is so important, and don’t forget to reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
Watch the UV Index and Know the Signs of Heat Stroke
The UV index is a helpful tool that indicates how strong the sun’s rays are on a given day. When the UV index is 3 or higher, sun protection is essential. Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon when UV levels are higher, and seek shade whenever possible.
High temperatures and sun exposure can also lead to heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Watch for symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, rapid pulse, and confusion. If these occur, move to a cool place, hydrate, and seek medical attention if necessary.
Sun Safety Tips You Might Not Know
In addition to sunscreen and staying hydrated, here are a few lesser-known tips to protect yourself from UV damage:
- Don’t rely on your car windows: Most windshields block UVB rays, but side windows may not block UVA rays, which cause premature aging and skin damage. Apply sunscreen even for long drives.
- Check your medications: Certain antibiotics, acne treatments, and even over-the-counter pain relievers can make your skin more sensitive to the sun.
- Wear sunglasses with UV protection: Your eyes can get sunburned too. Protect them with sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
- Reapply lip balm with SPF: Lips are one of the most sun-sensitive areas and often forgotten during sun care routines.
- Dark clothing offers more protection: Darker, tightly woven fabrics absorb more UV rays than light, loose fabrics.
- Mind the reflective surfaces: Water, sand, concrete, and even grass can reflect UV rays, increasing your exposure.
Bringing Dermatology Services to The Upper Peninsula
At Helen Newberry Joy Hospital (HNJH), we care about keeping your family healthy all year long. That’s why we’re excited to announce that Jonathan Hayward, PA-C of Lily Dermatology is now seeing patients once a month right here at HNJH.
With over 19 years of experience in medical dermatology, Jonathan has performed tens of thousands of skin cancer screenings and treats a wide variety of skin, hair, and nail conditions—including acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, warts, and moles. Known for his compassionate, patient-focused care, he’s bringing Upper Peninsula dermatology services closer to home for our community.
Whether you’re looking for a routine skin check or need help with a chronic condition, Jonathan is here to serve patients of all ages.
Your Local Family Clinic for Skin and Health Needs
HNJH is proud to be your trusted family clinic and community health clinic in the Newberry area. From primary care to specialty services like dermatology, our team is dedicated to providing exceptional care to the Newberry Upper Peninsula community. We also offer virtual appointments, you can learn more about our telemedicine services here!
Stay Safe in the Sun This Summer
Protecting your skin today helps you stay healthier tomorrow. Make sun safety part of your daily routine and schedule a skin check with Jonathan Hayward, PA-C at Helen Newberry Joy Hospital.
