Go Granny Go

Wow, what a heat spell we had in July. It can bring out the cranky in everyone. Being a grandma does not give me an excuse to avoid the heat, considering I am a young 56-year-old granny.

Of course, safety in the heat and sun is important for everyone. I recently was told to stay out of the sun during the peak hours of 10am to 4pm by my doctor. My response was, “I can't. I live on the beach, bike, play tennis, swim and, most importantly, play with my grandchildren.”

Well, here is my advice to everyone: Wear sunscreen! Just as you put moisturizer on every morning, wearing sunscreen daily is crucial. If you get your children to adopt this habit young like everything else in life, it becomes a way of life.

Molly is going to camp this summer, and I am worrying as most grandmas do. Do the camp counselors reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming and sweating? Are the counselors offering drinks before sports and every 20 minutes thereafter to keep children hydrated? Is my granddaughter wearing a hat?

I have often wondered why some people have magnificent skin and use umbrellas in the summer. Now I know why. Years of playing in the sun and even using a reflector and baby oil back in the day was not protecting me. Now I have to be treated for pre-cancer cells.

If you don't protect yourself, who will? Stay hydrated, eat healthy and be healthy. Be a role model for good health. It is never too late.

Frankly, this Bea is not going to be buzzing as much by her garden without light colored clothing, SPF 15 or higher sunscreen and a hat and sunglasses. But, I still will play with my grandchildren.