Summer 2015 Health Tips: How to Protect Your Eyes, Skin & What to Eat on the Beach

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Summer is almost synonymous to beach. Everyone goes to the beach at least once every summer. Below are some important facts to know and tips on how to make a day at the beach both fun and healthy.

Probably the most important beach product is sunscreen. Recently more and more people have been conscious about applying sunscreen for skin protection. While most people buy sunscreen, very few people are really knowledgable about the skin products they purchase, says a study conducted by researchers at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Dr. Roopal Kundu tells Time that most people only look at the SPF number of sunscreen, thinking it implies all the protection that the product can provide to them.

However, SPF measures a sunscreen's ability to protect against UVB rays. People do not usually know about or account for UVA ray protection, Dr. Kunds said.

He explains the UVA rays are similar to UVB rays except that they are around everyday and can even penetrate through glass windows. In order to protect against UVA rays, people must buy sunscreens that have "broad spectrum" on the label.

Other than skin, MSN states that people should also protect their eyes while on the beach. Like the skin, eyes can also be damaged by the sun, so wearing sunglasses is important to eye health. According to a study conducted by the Vision Council, 1 in 4 Americans either do not or rarely wear sunglasses while on the beach.

Dr. Melissa Barnett, an optometrist with the California Optometric Association, does not reccommend wearing cheap glasses since they usually do not have UVB or UVA protection. Dr. Barnett recommends buying sunglasses with polarized lenses, since they can block out prominent light rays.

MSN adds that hats are not a good substitute for sunglasses. Hats do not protect against the light rays that bounce off surfaces, explains the site.

While it is important to protect the skin and the eyes, it is just as important to stay healthy while on the beach. Just because it is summer does not mean there are no healthy options.

Fitbie suggests an array of healthy beach snacks which includes: spicy roasted chickpeas, homemade energy bars, cantaloupe bowl with blueberries and yogurt, cucumber slices with laughing cow cheese, and hummus with fresh veggies, among others.

To see the full list, click here.