Going to the Beach?

If you're going to the beach this summer, use these resources to help you plan ahead:
Beach Safety -- Learn about rip currents and other beach dangers to be aware of.
Sun Protection -- Use sunscreen, clothing, and sunglasses to protect your skin from the dangerous and aging effects of UV radiation.
Coastal Water Temperatures -- Find out how warm (or cold) the water will be in the area you'll be visiting.
Weather Forecast -- Check the forecast as it may affect your beach plans.

You received

Consumer Reports re sunscreen.

As ABC News reported, most sunscreens that protect against UVB rays that prevent sunburn do little to nothing against UVA rays that could lead to skin cancer. The link provides a lists the best buys for products that protect against both types of rays.

EWG's 2010 Sunscreen Guide

The Environmental Working Group's 4th annual analysis of sunscreens includes safety and effectiveness ratings for 1,400 SPF products, including sunscreens and SPF-labeled lip balm, makeup, and moisturizer. Our ratings are based on an in-house compilation of standard industry, government and academic data sources and models that we have constructed over the past six years, and on a thorough review of the technical literature for sunscreen. We have incorporated sunscreen ratings from this investigation into our Skin Deep cosmetic safety database, an online consumer tool available at www.cosmeticdatabase.com.

You'll have to register, but it asks only for your e-mail and your ZIP Code.