Whether you're moving to Florida, or you're already here, anyone who has spent any time in Florida during the summer, knows how sweltering the heat can feel. But the feel of the heat should be the least of your concerns. Here's some important information that everyone should know; even those who are long-term residents of Florida.

• If you're going to spend any time in the sun, you may want to invest in a good pair of sunglasses, to protect your eyes.  Large lenses will protect your eye lids and the surrounding skin. Polarized lenses are usually recommended by opthamologists, since they will deflect the glare. You should ask if this is embedded in the lens, rather than just coated on them, as it will last longer.
• Skin cancer is at a record high, with more than one million new cases reported each year (these are nationwide statistics, not only in Florida) As a Florida native, I've known this for many years, but for some reason, the media doesn't do enough coverage on this subject. It only takes one serious sunburn, with blisters, as a child, to double your risk of skin cancer.
• All sunblocks are not created equally! You need both UVA and UVB protection! Many only carry UVB protection, while UVA is actually the most damaging.
  
• Your best course of prevention is to stay out of the sun, but that is really not even possible, considering the damaging rays enter through your car windows, your clothing, and even your sun block. Dermatologists recommend a minimum SPF of 15. I personally wear a minimum of 45, just to go out and show houses.

Now for the good news. There are many people who are able to enjoy our warm climate and many outdoor activities without concern. You just need to take a few precautions. Follow the links I've included in the post, to learn more about the different types of sun's rays and how to protect yourself. There is even a special type of fabric that will give you even more protection from the sun's damaging rays.

One more tip. For those of you who have heard that the sun is a source of vitamin D for our bodies, you are correct with that information. However, it only takes 10 minutes a day to get all the vitamin D your body needs for that day, and that doesn't even include what you get from your food.

Don't let this information stop you from making your move to Florida. Where else can you find the warmth, friendliness, theme parks, culture and more, that Florida has to offer? I was born and raised in the Daytona Beach area, and have no intention of moving. But I do feel that it's part of my job to help educate my potential clients, on all the things they may want to know, as they make this important decision to buy a house in Daytona Beach Florida or the surrounding areas.