BALANCE
Everybody in the Pool! 1. Rethink swimming and age. Jilian says they teach everyone from babies to people in their 80s. “There’s no right or wrong age for swim lessons or gaining confidence in the water,” she adds. To become proficient, Mary estimates about three months of lessons a few times a week.
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2. Use the buddy system to watch your swimmers. Take turns watching your kids or group, especially in a crowded pool or in the Gulf. Even if there’s a lifeguard, Mary points out, “their eyes can’t be on everybody and every situation.” 3. Use the buddy system to swim. You shouldn’t swim or dive on your own. “If you do swim laps at home by yourself, be smart about it,” says Jilian. She suggests bringing your phone to the edge of the pool or being able to tap your smartwatch to send a text or call 911 if you start feeling out
of breath or lightheaded. 4. Take a CPR course. It’s easier than ever to learn CPR. “There’s a lot of options out there,” says Jilian. You can find courses both in person and online. Then, Jilian explains, “if something happens, you’re able to step in.” 5. Keep calm. If you or someone else gets into trouble in the water, it’s vital to
be prepared and stay levelheaded. “If somebody gets hurt, if somebody’s actively drowning, it’s about the instinct kicking in and not panicking,” Jilian says. “Know you have the skills to respond, or that you have the ability to get yourself out of that situation.”
SKIN CARE
SUNSCREEN SMARTS Sunscreen is vital for healthy skin, but how do you choose the right one? First, understand the two main types. “Chemical sunscreens use various chemicals to absorb UV light, whereas the physical or mineral ones use metal oxides like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide,” explains Dr. Keith A. Harris, a board-certified dermatologist at Harris Dermatology (harrisdermatology.com), which has locations in Fort Myers and Naples. “They both do the same thing; they just do it in different ways.” Chemical sunscreens tend to blend better, but their ingredients can be absorbed into the bloodstream—though Harris points out that no negative effects have yet been found. Mineral sunscreens aren’t absorbed into the blood, but often leave a white sheen on the skin. Harris says what really matters is using a sunscreen that is water-resistant, broad-spectrum (meaning it protects against UVA and UVB rays), and at least SPF 30. Check if your sunscreen fits those requirements or try one of these:
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Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 from Colorescience comes in four shades and can be brushed onto your bare face or over makeup. Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, this mineral sunscreen includes antioxidants and hyaluronic acid to protect and hydrate your skin. (colorescience.com)
First sold in Cocoa Beach, Australian Gold offers a variety of sunscreens containing ingredients from Australia. Its Plant Based SPF 50 Lotion offers chemical sun protection while nourishing your skin with coconut oil and aloe vera. (australiangold.com)
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Bare Republic’s Mineral SPF 50 Sport Sunscreen Spray in Vanilla Coco provides a fully mineral sunscreen in an easy-to-use spray bottle. This reef-friendly, dye-free sunscreen that’s made in the U.S. also includes hydrating grape and carrot seed oils. (gobareoutside.com)
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