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SPORTS & FITNESS

Mountain Views-News Saturday, July 6, 2024

SUN SAFETY FOR ACTIVE 
LIFESTYLES

When we think about fitness, images of regular 
workouts, healthful diets, and structured training 
regimens often come to mind. However, one critical 
aspect that’s frequently overlooked is sun protection. 
For outdoor fitness enthusiasts, safeguarding the 
skin from harmful UV rays is as essential as the 
right pair of running shoes or a balanced post-
workout meal. Prolonged sun exposure can lead 
to severe consequences, including skin cancer, 
premature aging, and sunburn. Take a few minutes 
to remind yourself of the importance of sunscreen 
for exercising outdoors and note practical tips on 
sun safety to keep you performing at your best 
while protecting your skin.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is a known 
carcinogen, responsible for most skin cancers, 
including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and 
squamous cell carcinoma. When you workout 
outdoors, and spend significant time training 
under the sun, you face a heightened risk. UV 
rays can penetrate the skin, causing DNA damage 
that may lead to cancer. Too much sun exposure 
accelerates skin aging, leading to wrinkles, dark spots, and loss of elasticity. Things we definitely 
don’t want to help hasten.

Not all sunscreens are created equal and choosing the right one can make a significant difference 
in your sun protection regimen. Ensure your sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection, 
which shields the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deeply into the skin, 
causing long-term damage and aging, while UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn. The 
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) indicates how well the sunscreen protects against UVB rays. An SPF 
of 30 or higher is recommended for active individuals that spend a good deal of time outdoors. 
SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about 98%. Outdoor exercisers often 
sweat profusely, and many engage in water sports. Look for sunscreens labeled “water-resistant,” 
which provide protection for 40 to 80 minutes of swimming or sweating. Remember to reapply 
after towel drying or extended periods in the water. Sunscreens come in various formulations, 
including lotions, creams, sprays, and sticks. Choose a product that suits your activity and skin 
type. For instance, stick sunscreens are convenient for quick applications to the face and ears, 
while sprays can cover large areas quickly.

Proper application is crucial for sunscreen efficacy. Most people apply too little sunscreen, 
significantly reducing its effectiveness. Use at least one ounce (about a shot glass full) to 
cover your entire body. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, or immediately after 
swimming, sweating, or towel drying. Keep a travel-sized sunscreen in your gym bag for easy 
access. Don’t forget often-missed spots like the ears, back of the neck, tops of the feet, and the 
scalp if you have thinning hair. For lip protection, use a lip balm with SPF. Sunscreen needs 
about 15 minutes to fully absorb into the skin and start working. Apply it before heading outside 
to ensure you’re protected from the moment you step out.

While sunscreen is a critical component of sun safety, it should be part of a broader strategy 
to protect your skin. Long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats provide excellent 
protection against the sun. Look for clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) 
rating, which indicates how effectively the fabric blocks UV rays. Whenever possible, train in 
shaded areas, especially during peak sun intensity hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If shade 
isn’t available, create your own with portable umbrellas or tents. Protect your eyes from UV rays 
with sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. This helps prevent cataracts and other 
eye damage. Sun exposure and intense physical activity increase the risk of dehydration. Drink 
plenty of water to stay hydrated, which also helps maintain healthy skin.

Consistent sun protection offers significant long-term benefits. By reducing your risk of skin 
cancer and preventing premature aging, you can maintain healthier skin and a more youthful 
appearance. Moreover, protecting your skin allows you to continue enjoying outdoor activities 
without the worry of sun damage. As an active adult spending considerable time outside, your 
skin is constantly exposed to the elements. Incorporating sun protection into your fitness routine 
is not just a precaution; it’s a necessity. By choosing the right sunscreen, applying it properly, 
and adopting additional sun safety measures, you can protect your skin while achieving your 
fitness goals. 
Remember, 
the effort you 
put into sun 
protection 
today will pay 
off in healthier 
skin and a 
reduced risk 
of skin cancer 
in the future. 
Stay safe, stay 
active, and 
enjoy the 
great outdoors 
responsibly.


Michele Silence, M.A. is a 37-year certified fitness 

professional who offers semi-private/virtual fitness 
classes. Contact Michele at michele@kid-fit.com. 
Visit her Facebook page at: michelesfitness Visit 
her Facebook page at: michelesfitness.

LITTLE LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIPS

PASADENA HOSTS SOCAL LITTLE LEAGUE 
CHAMPIONSHIP JULY 3-12

Tournament is a Stop on the Way to the 2024 Little League Intermediate 50/70 World 
Series; Come Root for Local Teams and All Stars from Across SoCal

Baseball fans and anyone looking to enjoy a quintessential summer day are encouraged 
to attend the 50/70 Intermediate Southern California State Championship Little League 
tournament in Pasadena from July 3-12. The tournament is a stop on the way to the 2024 
Little League Intermediate 50/70 World Series. Admission is free.

The tournament consists of 19 games, which will be played every day July 3-12 except for 
July 4. Games will be played at Victory Park, 2575 Paloma St., Pasadena, CA 91107, which 
is next to Pasadena High School. See schedule below.

The tournament will consist of Intermediate level (13U) Little League All Star teams, 
which mostly consist of 13-year-olds, and which hail from Santa Barbara to the border. 
The tournament is hosted by Pasadena American Little League (PALL) and Little League 
District 17, which represents Altadena, Arcadia, Monrovia, Pasadena, San Marino and 
Sierra Madre. 

By a large margin, California produces more Major League ballplayers than anywhere 
else, noted PALL President Chris Jervey. 

 

“Fans will see some of the best youth baseball players in the state, and we might catch a 
future big-leaguer or two. There will be hot dogs right off the grill, a taco truck, and the 
snack bar is stocked with candy. I can’t think of a better way to spend these long summer 
days,” Jervey said.

 

“We are grateful that this will be District 17’s fourth straight year hosting a state-level 
baseball or softball tournament. We are excited to welcome this level of talent to Pasadena 
and Victory Park,” said District 17 Administrator Sean Diaz. 

 

The tournament will feature a 50-foot pitching distance and 70-foot base paths (hence 
“50/70”). Younger Little Leaguers often see a 46-foot pitching distance and 60-foot base 
paths, while Major League ballparks have a pitching distance of 60 feet, 6 inches and 90-
foot base paths. 

 

The winner of this tournament will go on to play in the 50/70 West Region Tournament 
in Nogales, AZ. Southern California Little League is divided into 39 districts, more than 
any other state. Given this size and scale, the Southern California tournament champion 
goes directly to face off against state champions in the West Regional Tournament. The 
winners of the nation’s various Region tournaments will face each other until a U.S. 
champion is named. That team will face an international champion that emerges from a 
similar tournament structure that spans the globe in the Intermediate 50/70 World Series.

 

Game Schedule:

 

July 3rd - 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM

July 5th - 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM

July 6th - 9:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM & 6:00 PM

 

July 7th - 12:00 PM & 3:00 PM

 

July 8th - 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM

 

July 9th - 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM

 

July 10th - 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM

 

July 11th - 6:00 PM

 

July 12th - 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM

 


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com