“On April 8, North America will experience a total solar eclipse, stretching across parts of Mexico, the U.S. and Canada, with approximately 31.6 million people living in the path of totality. According to NASA, every contiguous state in the U.S., along with parts of Alaska and Hawaii, will witness at least a partial solar eclipse. With all eyes toward the sky during an eclipse, Dr. Dawn Davis, a dermatologist at Mayo Clinic, says it’s important to protect your eyes and your skin from ultraviolet (UV) light damage. “If you would like to see the solar eclipse, you will need to have special [ISO-approved] solar eclipse glasses,” says Dr. Davis.
Tips for safely viewing the total solar eclipse:
🌕 Along with wearing special glasses, there are additional ways to stay safe during a solar eclipse.
🌔 Wear sunscreen with a high SPF and broad-spectrum protection.
🌓 Reapply it every two hours, or more often if you sweat or get wet.
🌒 Wear a hat that covers your head, face, ears and neck.
🌑 A wide-brimmed hat is ideal, as it can also shield your eyes from the sun.
🌘 Wear protective clothing that covers your arms and legs.
🌗 Choose light-colored, loose-fitting and breathable fabrics that can keep you cool and comfortable.
🌖 Seek shade whenever possible, especially during the peak hours of the sun’s intensity (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.).
🌕 Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and avoid heat exhaustion or heatstroke.”
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