Beach umbrellas are widely valued across the world for the cooling shade which they provide. Many people also enjoy the fact that they can be used to stake out personal area on a busy beach. On a less crowded beach, they can be used to make it easier for family and friends to keep track of where their belongings are.
Of course, their benefits do not simply end with increased comfort. In fact, what people consider their most crucial advantage is related to short term and long term safety. More specifically, they are valued for the added protection which they provide from the sun.
Sun exposure is an important part of health. It is our primary source of vitamin D. However, it doesn’t take too much time in the sun for people to get the amount of vitamin D that they need. Overexposure to ultraviolet solar rays can cause a lot of damage to the skin and eyes. This can result in the suppression of the immune system as well as cancer.
In addition to sunscreen lotions, the shade provided by beach umbrellas can do a lot to decrease such risks. This is particularly useful to keep in mind between the peak hours of sunlight. These hours start at ten in the morning and will extend to about three. In most areas it is wise to avoid being out in the sun from 10AM to 4PM just to be safe.
For many people, these limits are a little unrealistic. However, it is important to do what you can to protect yourself. This is especially true for those with fair skin, a family history of skin cancer, and/or who experienced severe sunburns as a child.
When it comes to teaching younger children sun safety, it is wise to introduce the shadow rule. The basic concept of this is as follows: If your shadow is shorter than you, then the sun is at its strongest. At these times is when the most protection should be used.
Beach umbrellas should be selected to optimize this protection. In fact, many are sold with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) similar to sunscreen. One which is rated to have an SPF ranging between 35-50 will provide basic screening. However, those which are designed to actually block the sun’s rays will often be rated at 100 SPF or more.
The weight or thickness of the material used in the canopy part of an umbrella will affect the level of protection that it offers. Of course, this will also have an effect on its weight.
Size and weight should be taken into consideration when searching for the right product. In addition to the effect such things will have on protection and durability, they will also affect its ease of transport. While large styles can provide a large amount of protection for many people, they may be too heavy or awkward to carry around for every outing. When beach umbrellas are commonly left at home or in the vehicle due to inconvenience, they are definitely a useless purchase.