Reduce Skin Damage With Exterior Shade
Wednesday, 28 July 2010 07:29 | 
Written by Roberta Spencer |
Skin cancer has been on the continual rise in the Western world. The reason for this rise is not clear, but is thought due partially to increasing life spans, as well as reduced intake of anti-cancer nutrients such as vitamin D. However, what is clear is that UV radiation is one causative factor of DNA damage which in turn leads to genetic changes that lie at the heart of skin cancer.
Skin cancer has been on the continual rise in the Western world. The reason for this rise is not clear, but is thought due partially to increasing life spans, as well as reduced intake of anti-cancer nutrients such as vitamin D. However, what is clear is that UV radiation is one causative factor of DNA damage which in turn leads to genetic changes that lie at the heart of skin cancer.
One way to block UV radiation is to use sun screen. But many people worry about applying chemicals directly onto skin. Artificial chemicals may cause other problems especially for people with very sensitive skin. The alternative is to increase use of shade items such as hats and exterior shading.
Astute homeowners know that attaching permanent outdoor shades to the house yield three kinds of benefits. One, the resale value of a home is increased by both the addition of more material and also the increase in usable space. Two, outdoor shades improve entertainment and lifestyle by providing space for such activities to take place. Third, outdoor shades are one way to stave off health-related issues stemming from overexposure to sun.
The diversity of possible outdoor shades means that there's a choice for any price, labor or material requirement. Some shades are temporary, easy and cheap. Others are permanent, bulky and expensive. The trade-off naturally for cheap shades is durability and functionality. Expensive shades will tend to last longer, add more value to the home, and protect the home occupants or guests under a greater variety of conditions.
Lightweight temporary shades come in various types, one of them being the freestanding awning. Unlike regular awnings which are affixed over a window or door, freestanding awnings sit on a base with wheels so they can be pushed around to where they are needed most. They are useful for protecting the skin of children who might play in different areas around the house on any given day.
Heavy duty fixed outdoor shades come in many varieties also. The most widely known ones are side-post umbrellas that can be put anywhere around the house. Outdoor umbrella accessories increase the functionality. Lesser known shades are pergolas that partially shade gardens or yards. Pergolas are made of beams or lattices but usually don't have any fabric, thus allowing some passage of light and wind as befits a garden. Arbors are similar to pergolas but on a much smaller scale.
The cost of the simplest shades start near the hundred dollar level, and rise steadily from there. A full gazebo system or other fairly complex structure may cost well over ten thousand dollars, and requires a substantial investment of free space in the garden or backyard. However, the benefit of protecting one's skin from irreversible aging or even cancer is close to priceless.
Skin cancer has been on the continual rise in the Western world. The reason for this rise is not clear, but is thought due partially to increasing life spans, as well as reduced intake of anti-cancer nutrients such as vitamin D. However, what is clear is that UV radiation is one causative factor of DNA damage which in turn leads to genetic changes that lie at the heart of skin cancer.
One way to block UV radiation is to use sun screen. But many people worry about applying chemicals directly onto skin. Artificial chemicals may cause other problems especially for people with very sensitive skin. The alternative is to increase use of shade items such as hats and exterior shading.
Astute homeowners know that attaching permanent outdoor shades to the house yield three kinds of benefits. One, the resale value of a home is increased by both the addition of more material and also the increase in usable space. Two, outdoor shades improve entertainment and lifestyle by providing space for such activities to take place. Third, outdoor shades are one way to stave off health-related issues stemming from overexposure to sun.
The diversity of possible outdoor shades means that there's a choice for any price, labor or material requirement. Some shades are temporary, easy and cheap. Others are permanent, bulky and expensive. The trade-off naturally for cheap shades is durability and functionality. Expensive shades will tend to last longer, add more value to the home, and protect the home occupants or guests under a greater variety of conditions.
Lightweight temporary shades come in various types, one of them being the freestanding awning. Unlike regular awnings which are affixed over a window or door, freestanding awnings sit on a base with wheels so they can be pushed around to where they are needed most. They are useful for protecting the skin of children who might play in different areas around the house on any given day.
Heavy duty fixed outdoor shades come in many varieties also. The most widely known ones are side-post umbrellas that can be put anywhere around the house. Outdoor umbrella accessories increase the functionality. Lesser known shades are pergolas that partially shade gardens or yards. Pergolas are made of beams or lattices but usually don't have any fabric, thus allowing some passage of light and wind as befits a garden. Arbors are similar to pergolas but on a much smaller scale.
The cost of the simplest shades start near the hundred dollar level, and rise steadily from there. A full gazebo system or other fairly complex structure may cost well over ten thousand dollars, and requires a substantial investment of free space in the garden or backyard. However, the benefit of protecting one's skin from irreversible aging or even cancer is close to priceless.
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