Beat the Heat With Simple Shade Solutions

[Enlarge Photo]

Everyone looks forward to summer fun in the sun, but too much of the sun can be harmful. We all know that it's wise to load up on sunscreen, but did you know that shady spaces also help you escape the nasty effects of UV rays?

If you don't have a tree-filled lot, create your own shade with a product like Easy Gardener's Sun Screen Fabric. This lightweight mesh covering can be used to make a UV protective tent or canopy over your children's play areas. You can use it around patios and porches and even hang it like a Roman shade in sunroom windows.

The breathable fabric lets heat escape and reduces the temperature in the shaded area up to 15 degrees. Installing the fabric is easy, even for those who aren't "do-it-yourselfers." Every roll of Sun Screen Fabric comes with project suggestions and instructions.

The fabric comes in a variety of colors: heavy black, smoke blue, saddle tan and heavy green. Rolls are six feet wide and come in lengths from 20 feet to 100 feet.

Easy Gardener accessories make installing the shade fabric a breeze. Look for wood fasteners, snap grommets, locking clips and locking ties next to Easy Gardener Sun Screen Fabric at your local gardening store or chain retailer. If you can't find it, contact the company at 1-800-EASY-INC or visit www.easygardener.com.

When you're planning protection for yourself, don't forget the four-legged family members. Your pets need sun protection, too. Dogs and cats that spend a lot of time outside are at high risk for skin cancer.

Veterinary experts say that for every 100,000 dogs, 450 are diagnosed with some form of subcutaneous tissue cancer -- that's the structure just below the skin. For every 100,000 cats, 120 are diagnosed. Just like adults, it is the fairer version of our furry friends that are most affected.

So keep Fido and Fluffy and the rest of your family safe from the summer sun. With sunscreen, protective clothing and great shaded areas, you can beat the summer heat!