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Tips and technologies for keeping skin safe in the summer sun

By Paula Wolfson

WASHINGTON — After a winter that would not end, the first big beach and pool weekend of the year is finally here. And that means it’s time to slather on the sunscreen.

Actually, it is important all year long, since the ultra-violet rays of the sun reach the ground no matter the season. But in the warm days of late spring and summer, the sunlight tends to be more intense — and water only intensifies the effect.

The Centers for Disease Control says the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. are the most hazardous for sun exposure in the continental United States. The CDC also warns that this time of year — the last days of spring and the first weeks of summer — is when those UV rays are most intense in North America.

Dr. Andrea Morris, a dermatologist with the GW Medical Faculty Associates, says the most important way to protect yourself against the sun is to use a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher every day. She says, “If you are going to be out in the sun for extended periods, reapplying sunscreen every two hours is what we recommend.”

That is especially true when it comes to protecting children from the sun’s rays. The big exception is newborns, who cannot tolerate the ingredients in sunscreen.

Morris, the mother of a new baby boy, says sunscreen isn’t recommended for infants six months and younger. She will keep her baby out of the sun this summer, using an umbrella for shade when needed and making sure he wears a wide brimmed hat.

There is also a new, more high-tech way to protect kids and adults. Timna Understein, a two-time melanoma survivor, is the blogger who launched the Facebook page “Respect the Rays.” She says some clothing companies are creating garments with sunblock built right into the fabric.

She says they are a boon for people who don’t want to deal with the hassles of applying and reapplying sunscreen, and are a good option for kids. Understein says hats and sunglasses are also a must. And she advises the best sunscreens are those that provide both UVA and UVB protection and are titanium or mineral-based.

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Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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