No doubt running in the sunny weather is not only beneficial for our health but also good for maintaining fitness to augment our longevity. Sunny weather has different kinds of pros and cons. It is said that running in the sun is main reason of skin cancer. It has been researched that skin cancer is the most common disease found in every one out of five Americans. Doctors opine that extensive exposure of sun is really dangerous for your health and may affect your level of vitamin D.
So what’s a concerned runner to do?
Dr. Eric Whitman a famous general surgeon and skin cancer specialist suggests that “you do not need to run in extreme sun light nay you need to remain indoor”. Actually, long hours exposition to sun is the common thing for sportsmen preparing for championship, half-marathons, and marathon.
Whitman said that we do not see the potential damage caused from prolonged exposition to sun light in 5 to 10 years. But, after the passage of this time frame, runners feel as their skin is burning.
The following tips will help you if you are a runner:
- SPF of at least 30 every day should be worn with sunscreen; products with silica, zinc and titanium are best to lessen the sweat.
- You should run early morning or at the time of evening. Running between 11:00 to 3:00 is not recommended.
- Wear a hat while running and try to protect your face from sun light.
- Running shirtless is not good for your health. However, you should prefer either lightweight shirt or breathable shirt to protect your skin.
- You should get your check up from any senior skin specialist to know the degree of damage.
The above mentioned tips will grossly help you to protect yourself from skin problems. Skin cancer is a very dangerous disease. Three-time U.S. Olympian Deena Kastor had also skin cancer due to over exposition to sun light. Hence, it is of paramount importance to take care of your sun while running.
