Safe Sun Tips From Our Florida Beachfront Condo To Yours

If you are lucky enough to live in a Florida beachfront condo, whether that luxury is afforded you year round or for just a week or two of hard earned vacation time, congratulations! As you know, your main job now, should you choose to accept it, is to catch some rays.

But with all the news about suncreen safety and the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiencies lately, you may be standing at the screen door, quaking in your sandals. You want to accept the gig, but you don't want to kill yourself doing it. In, out, suncreen, no sunscreen: what's a beach bum to do?

Given the most recent studies, here's our best advice for enjoying the sun safely.

1. Everything begins with attitude. Respect the power of the big ball of fire that heats our planet. If the sun were a tiger, would you fall asleep with it purring at your back?

2. Don't get burned. After attitude, we'll move into what not to do. My mother used to shoo me and my sisters out of our Florida beachfront condo in the summer, saying, "Go get a good burn! You're too pale!" and not let us back in until the skin on our shoulders was red and crisp. "If you're not peeling, you're not working hard enough." She had her ways about her. She also had melanoma, and ultimately died of skin cancer. Learn from her mistakes: don't get burned.

3. 15 minutes. Everyone gets their 15 minutes of fame, and the sun is no exception. Rule of thumb: a couple times a week, take a stroll in high sun without any sunblock or suncreen on. Let your skin drink in those UVB rays and make the Vitamin D of which 65% of Americans are so woefully deficient. Even better: ask a doctor what amount of time is best for you, specifically, given your skin tone and where you live in the world.

4. After your 15 minutes of sunblock free time in the sun, protect yourself. You don't have to go inside, but if you're going to be out in the sun all afternoon, protect your face by wearing a hat, and your body with light colored, lightweight clothing. Apply sunscreen, but use one with fewer chemicals. There are lists available of the least harmful sunscreens and sunblocks. Keep yourself informed. 5. Eat foods rich in anti-oxidants and beneficial fats. Blueberries, dark, leafy greens, pomegranates--these foods actually strengthen skin cells and help protect your body from sun damage. Plus, they're better for your bikini bod than ice cream cones!

6. Take plenty of naps inside your Florida beachfront condo. Lots of rest helps you make better decisions, and if you refresh with ZZZs inside, you won't risk doing it in the sun. Wish I could have told my mom that--not that she would have listened, bless her soul!

7. Relax! Breathe deep! Enjoy! These are the secrets to the good life, however long it may be.