For many of us, spending time in nature became more important than ever during the pandemic, to disconnect, reduce stress and recharge. Some of The Skin Cancer Foundation’s team members share shots of their recent outdoor adventures, from wilderness to urban — plus a few tips about sun protection along the way.
Dan lives near the Jersey shore, where he hikes with his sweet 10-year-old retriever, Tundra, who, he says, motivates him to get outside and be active more often. Dan is consistent about his sun protection (including hat, sunglasses, clothing, sunscreen and seeking shade) whether walking with Tundra, chopping wood in his backyard or seeing friends at the beach. — Dan Latore, executive director
At the Golden Circle in Iceland, Daisy (with her daughter) said it was so cold that part of the waterfall was frozen. Still, they slathered sunscreen on their few parts not covered. “Even though I was born in the Dominican Republic and personally love the sun,” Daisy says, “my mom taught us to always protect our skin. Her skin is beautiful, and she was right!” — Daisy Justo, finance administrator
Staci’s dogs, Mei and Sen, are excited to head outside for a day of hiking in the Catskills. The dogs can’t wait to hit the trails but are firmly strapped into the Jeep for safe travel. As for sun safety, Staci wears a visor and sunglasses, applies her sunscreen before getting dressed and carries a stick version to reapply. — Staci Pierson, senior director of strategic partnerships
Rich was making his way down a narrow path on the south end of the Grand Canyon when this view of “infinite vastness” mesmerized him. A couple from mainland China captured the shot. “It gave me a deeper sense of my place in the world,” he says. And he always keeps his sunscreen packed for the next adventure! — Rich Baidal, strategic partnerships manager
Victoria loved celebrating her bride-to-be daughter on a pre-wedding cruise in Cape May, New Jersey. The two are often active outdoors and believe in hats, sunglasses and tons of sunscreen. Victoria, who has had two skin cancers, takes the sun seriously and provided sunscreen for all the guests onboard. — Victoria Kopec, director of marketing communications
David (and his wife) savored the mountain air and view of the Hudson River near Cold Spring in upstate New York on a beautiful fall day. They loved discovering the good local ice cream, chocolate and (to his surprise) empanadas. No matter what’s on the menu, he always carries a hat and sunglasses with him. — David Naranjo, digital marketing & analytics manager
Ali lives in Midtown Manhattan, where “you take your outdoors how you can. Rooftops are our backyard, and often the sun beats down and there is no shade. I used to be a little shy about wearing a super large-brimmed hat in the city, but I ended up loving this one and taking it to the beach and other places. Finding a style that works for you is key.” — Ali Venosa, marketing communications manager
Julie was grateful for Central Park as a nearby nature refuge during the pandemic, but she knows how vulnerable redheads of Celtic heritage are to sun damage. She says her hot-pink bamboo parasol protects from various angles, prevents hat hair, fits easily in her tote and is a fun conversation-starter, too. — Julie Bain, senior director of science & education
Paul is a passionate cyclist who races to raise money for MS. He wears UV-blocking wraparound sunglasses and the latest high-tech UPF 50+ gear for athletes (protective yet breathable). During this 55-mile ride in Upstate New York, he’s crossing the Walkway over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie. He religiously rehydrates and reapplies his high SPF sunscreen. Then he continues to test his mettle on the pedal! — Paul Melia, director of education operations
Nancy says taking a walk to commune with nature in Carl Schurz Park near Gracie Mansion on the east side of Manhattan during the pandemic helped her to recharge and de-stress. She has been known to lean against (OK, hug) trees to share their energy. She always applies SPF 30 or higher, with a CC sunscreen cream to her face and sunscreen lotion on other exposed skin. — Nancy Helman, corporate development manager
Stephanie traveled to Alaska to meet up with her son (in photo) and husband, who had been backpacking in Denali National Park. They stayed in a yurt and spotted orcas in the wild from Humpy Cove in Resurrection Bay. No matter what the weather, she says, “Start wearing sunscreen as young as possible to avoid aging — and wear a hat!” — Stephanie Ogozalek, science & education program manager
Isha recently earned her master’s degree in public health from Boston University. Between her graduation and stressful but exciting move to New York City, she hasn’t had much time to commune with nature. She has, however, become more mindful of using and reapplying sunscreen, especially while clicking Instagram-worthy pictures with her family in the hot sun! — Isha Vedantam, communications coordinator
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