Dear Shirley:
I am working at Mt. Hood coaching up on the glacier. I head to Prince William Sound to fish the first of August. I am wondering can an individual have too much sun and too much fun?
Timbo.
Dear Timbo:
I have checked around and the consensus is that you can NEVER have too much sun and too much fun! However, the intensity of the sun beating down on you on the glacier can be misconceiving. It may seem like you are fine, but sunburns at altitude have a built in delay factor. At high altitude the sun rays are not filtered as well as at lower elevations. Cooler temperatures combined with increased light may slow the onset of a sun burn. It is always better to use precaution.
Sun Smart Advice:
• Avoid direct sunlight from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Wear sun block; Use15 + increase up to 45+. Carry it with you to reapply every few hours.
• High Altitude and Cold Weather Cream is recommended; use Zinc Oxide for the lips.
• Cover up – wear a light T-shirt; wide brimmed hat; and UV protection sunglasses.
Alaska is having stellar weather. When you are out on the boat wearing your rubber gear is hot but it also protects you from excess UV rays. The reflection from the water on to your skin intensifies the effect of the sun.
John Roach of the National Geographic News (2005), asserts tanning is just like the physical rush experienced by endurance athletes. He interviewed sun tanners who reported feeling a “buzz” after a long day at the beach. Research indicates those who regularly expose themselves to UV rays in order to get a tan are at an increased risk of developing skin cancer. Arielle Kauvar, Assistant Professor from New York University School of Medicine contends the driving force behind sunbathing is the notion ‘a tan is a sign of health and beauty.’
Girdwoodians are soaking up the sun because we know it will not last. Why not have too much fun?
Play is an important part of social development, characterized by the fact that it is pointless. Animal play expert, George Burghardt, Ph.D. Professor at University of Tennessee, says play is to be pleasurable, spontaneous, voluntary, and fun. Initiated when in a relaxed, low stress state, and repeated. It must be different in structure or time and not confused with an expectation for serious behavior. Take my dog Eli he thrives on retrieving a stick, bringing it back over and over again, or chasing rabbits in the meadow with his canine friends.
Recently published animal research indicates “We need play to hone our social skills, which may effectively strength the function of our pre-frontal cortex (the thinking center of our brain). Play is a primary function that helps us learn new skills and adapt socially
Enjoy healthy doses of Vitamin D and play on—for good health and happiness.
Always,
Shirley
“Ask Shirley” questions can be focused on any topics involving sport psychology, competition, health, fitness, clinical questions, substance abuse, or personal issues. Please, email your questions to Askshirl@gmail.com . All questions may remain anonymous.
Shirley K. Durtschi is a Certified Consultant in Applied Sport Psychology (CC-AASP), with a Ph.D. and M.S. in Sport Psychology, is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and a Chemical Dependency Counselor II (CDCII) for the State of Alaska
