Tag: checklist

  • The Spots Sunscreen Often Misses: A Head-to-Toe Summer Checklist

    Most of us apply sunscreen the same way every time: a quick pass over the face, the arms and maybe the legs, then out the door. The trouble is that a few spots get skipped again and again, and by the end of a long July day they are often the ones that feel tight, warm and pink. Here is a head-to-toe checklist of the places people commonly miss, with a few simple fixes.

    Head and face

    • The tops and backs of the ears. Ears stick out into the sun and are easy to forget. A sunscreen stick makes them simple to cover.
    • The hairline and the part in your hair. A wide-brimmed hat is the easiest answer. Some sunscreens are made for the scalp, including powders and light sprays.
    • Around the eyes. Many people avoid this area because sunscreen can sting. A stick or a formula labeled for the eye area can help, and sunglasses do the rest.
    • The lips. Look for a lip balm with SPF and reapply it after eating and drinking.
    • Under the jaw and the sides of the nose. These areas tend to get a quick swipe rather than a full coat.

    Neck, chest and arms

    • The back of the neck. It is fully exposed when you garden, read on the porch or walk with your head bent toward a phone. Collared shirts and hats with a back brim help.
    • The chest and neckline. Open collars, sundresses and swimsuits leave this area out in the sun for hours.
    • The backs of the hands. Hands are washed often, which removes sunscreen. Reapply after washing, especially when you are driving or gardening.
    • The shoulders and upper back. These are hard to reach on your own. Ask for help, or choose a shirt or swim top that covers them.

    Legs and feet

    • The backs of the knees and legs. Easy to skip and easy to burn, especially when lying face down at the pool or the beach.
    • The tops of the feet. Sandal season means bare feet in the sun all day. Apply sunscreen to the tops of the feet and the ankles, and reapply after swimming or walking through wet grass.

    Habits that make it easier

    Coverage is less about the perfect product and more about routine. Apply sunscreen before you dress, so the edges of your clothes are covered too. Use a generous amount, following the directions on the label, and reapply as the label advises, especially after swimming, sweating or toweling off. Check expiration dates and replace bottles that are old or have spent the summer baking in a hot car.

    Shade, hats, sunglasses and lightweight long sleeves all help, and on the brightest days they do much of the work. Planning outdoor time for the early morning or evening keeps you out of the strongest midday sun.

    A note on sunglasses and skin checks

    When choosing sunglasses, look for a label that says they block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays, sometimes listed as UV400. Darker lenses alone do not guarantee protection.

    Summer is also a natural time to notice your skin. If you see a spot that is new, changing, itching or bleeding, or anything that simply worries you, talk to your doctor or a dermatologist. Sun care is one of the simplest forms of self-care, and a few extra seconds on the ears, lips and feet make it complete.

  • A Calm Travel Kit: Small Comforts Worth Packing for the Road or the Air

    A Calm Travel Kit: Small Comforts Worth Packing for the Road or the Air

    Travel asks a lot of the senses. Bright airports, rumbling highways, dry cabin air and unfamiliar rooms all add up, even on a trip you have been looking forward to. A small kit of familiar comforts will not change any of that, but it can make each part of the journey a little softer. Many frequent travelers keep one packed all summer so it is ready to grab.

    For resting anywhere

    • An eye mask. Useful on planes, in the back seat and in hotel rooms where the curtains never quite close.
    • Earplugs or headphones. Foam earplugs weigh almost nothing. Noise-canceling headphones cost more, and many travelers find them worth it.
    • A light scarf or wrap. Planes, restaurants and hotel lobbies are often chilly in summer. A wrap doubles as a pillow or a blanket.
    • A neck pillow, if you sleep sitting up. Try it at home first to be sure it suits you.

    For staying comfortable

    • A refillable water bottle. On a flight, carry it empty through security and fill it at a fountain on the other side.
    • Lip balm with SPF and a small moisturizer, since cabin air can feel very dry.
    • Travel-size sunscreen for the moments between car and destination.
    • Tissues, hand wipes and a small bottle of hand sanitizer.
    • A few snacks you know you like, so a delayed meal is not a crisis.

    Liquid limits for carry-on bags can change, so check the current rules at tsa.gov before you pack toiletries for a flight.

    For calm moments in between

    • A paperback, or an e-reader loaded before you leave home.
    • Downloaded music, podcasts or a guided relaxation recording, in case there is no signal.
    • A small notebook for lists, thoughts and the details you want to remember from the trip.
    • A familiar scent just for you, such as a lavender sachet tucked into your bag. Skip anything strong in shared spaces like planes and buses, where others may be sensitive.

    For the road trip

    Driving brings its own list. A windshield sunshade keeps the car cooler during stops, and a small cooler with water and cold snacks means fewer detours. Plan regular breaks to get out, stretch and walk around for a few minutes. Remember that a parked car in a Georgia summer gets very hot very fast. Do not leave sunscreen, essential oils, medications or electronics sitting in it, and never leave a child or a pet in a parked car, even briefly.

    Keep any medications with you, in your carry-on or the front of the car rather than in checked luggage or the trunk, and talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about traveling with them.

    Once your kit is assembled, keep it stocked. Replace what you use when you get home, and it will be waiting for the next trip, one less thing to think about on the morning you leave.