Most health problems caused by too much exposure to sunlight clear up after the right treatment and proper care. However, some conditions like skin cancer and cataracts are life threatening. To avoid these complications later in life, you can start observing the following practices when you have to stay under the sun for some time:

1. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and use an umbrella to provide some shade. If you are not wearing sunglasses, never look at the sun directly as this could cause permanent damage to your vision.
2. Apply sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays. Skin doctors recommend the use of sunscreen with at least SPF 15. SPF is the acronym for sun protection factor, a rating system devised to guide you in choosing the right sunscreen. A sunscreen with at least SPF 30 rating offers maximum protection as it blocks out about 96 percent of UV rays.
3. Choose the right clothing to wear. As much as possible, wear light-colored and lightweight clothes because these do not absorb too much heat from the sun. They also let your skin breathe more easily. If you can, wear shirts with long sleeves and protection for the neck.
4. Drink lots of water throughout a hot day to replenish whatever fluids you may lose from sweating. Loss of fluids can lead to dehydration.
5. Avoid staying outdoors during the midday, or from ten o’clock in the morning to four o’clock in the afternoon, as this is the time when UV rays are at their most intense.