10 Summer Hazards Nothing beats relaxing in the summer sun, but
spending time outdoors does have its risks. Here’s a look at
some common—and not so common—summer perils, and what to do if
you encounter them. Sunlight can be beneficial to your health
(think vitamin D!), but repeated or severe sunburns can cause
both immediate and long-term health problems. According to a
2007 Skin Cancer Foundation poll, 42 percent of people get
sunburned at least once per year. Mild sunburns cause slight
pain and redness, while severe burns may cause blisters or a
rash and have serious repercussions. “According to the Skin
Cancer Foundation, even one blistering sunburn in childhood or
adolescence can more than double the chances of developing
melanoma,” says Darrick Antell, M.D., assistant clinical
professor of surgery at Columbia University in New York City and
educational spokesperson for the Skin Cancer Foundation. “It
also causes aging of the skin.” The sun’s rays are strongest
between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., but your sunburn