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By Stuart Gow
Skin damage from sun, sand and wind can be a real problem, whether you're outdoors everyday like the Mad Fish Dive Centre crew; or on an adventure at any time of the year in Fiji. Here are a few ideas to help you beat the heat and prevent sun damage.
- Don't wear sunscreen only to the beach and before going out! Wear it from the time you get up in the morning until sunset. Get used to wearing a sunscreen to protect your skin throughout the day. You’ll be outside most of the time during your time in fiji (or you should be!).
- Look for a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher. The Fiji sun can be very strong, especially in summer, and at any time of the year between 11am and 3pm.
- Some medications can make you sensitive to sunlight. Be sure to check the label or ask your doctor before taking any medication if you’re coming to Fiji on and adventure. This is especially important with children and people with very fair skin.
- A simple way to cool your body down is to run cold water over your ankles or wrists. Do not place ice directly on your skin.
- Be sure to apply sunscreen at least twenty minutes before going out in the sun. For best results reapply about every two hours.
- Toss away last year's sunscreen because it can become inactive. Buy a fresh supply for your Fiji adventure. My recommendation is Coppertone SPORT Dry SPF 15 or SPF 30
 (love and swear by the stuff).
- Be aware that SPF 30 only supplies about 4% more protection than SPF 15. It is NOT double the protection.
- When out kayaking or on the boats on the water use a SPF 30 stick or balm for your nose and ears. They somehow seem to catch more sun that the rest of your body put together!
- The sun can damage eyes and contribute to the formation of cataracts, so it's important to wear glasses that provide 100% UV blockage. Make sure that children have sunglasses that provide protection too, not just dark toy glasses.
- The color of lenses is a personal choice, but choose them based on how they will be used. Gray or smoke colored lenses will allow you to see the truest color. Brown and green lenses can increase the contest between light and dark. So there you have it, some sun tips that will keep you safe all expedition long.
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