What’s the best way to step out of the sun for a few minutes? Wearing sunscreen and protective clothing are great ways to shield yourself from UV rays, but it’s important to avoid being in direct sunlight for long periods. Taking a break from the sun gives your body the time it needs to recuperate and helps prevent sunburn and heatstroke. COMMON MYTHS ABOUT SUN EXPOSURE Many people think that a tan is better than a sunburn, but the result of tanning is still sun damage. When your skin tone changes due to the sun, regardless of whether it tans or turns red, it’s a result of the epidermis reacting to damage caused by UV rays. Both are symptoms of harmed skin. While vitamin D is important, the sun does not contribute to its creation as much as you might think. Doris Day, a New York City dermatologist, explains that if your skin were to constantly produce vitamin D from being in the sun, it would reach toxic levels. Vitamin D is the only vitamin that your body can produce on its own, through a common form of cholesterol or 7-dehydrocholesterol. Spending time in the sun does help vitamin D form, but you need far less exposure than you think. HOW MUCH SUNSHINE IS TOO MUCH? Keep Your Family Safe
To many people, summer is all about heading outside to enjoy the weather. But getting too much sun can be dangerous. To have a fun-filled summer with your family this year, remember that it’s essential to protect yourself from harmful UV rays. COVER UP Covering your skin is one of the best ways to avoid skin damage. Wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants or skirts can protect your skin from direct exposure to UV rays. While this tactic protects you from the sun, it offers poor defense against the heat. So, if you opt for cooler attire, it’s important to cover all exposed skin with a copious amount of sunscreen. Be sure to reapply every two hours for maximum skin protection. SPEND LESS TIME IN THE SUN If you’re planning to spend a significant amount of time in the sun, consider your environment. Will there be plenty of shade? Will you have to bring your own?
Knowing how to protect yourself from UV rays is the first step to having a safe, fun-filled summer!
THE DELICIOUS STORY OF A FAMILY BUSINESS
“When we first started, I had no idea how hard it would be to grow apples,” Jeff says. “It was quite the learning curve. I remember contacting an expert from Michigan State University after culling the bad apples one year. I couldn’t believe that we had to pull down such a significant percentage of apples in order to make sure the rest grew to be healthy. He assured me it was completely normal.” As part of their learning experience, the Markillies have sought ways to minimize their carbon footprint. “We feel a responsibility to be environmentally conscious stewards of the land,” Jeff says. Markillie Orchard is open from Labor Day weekend through mid-November. Be sure to visit them this year for the best apples in the area, delicious cider, and donuts that you’ll eat before you even get home. Pro tip: We asked Jeff to recommend us a few varieties worth checking out, and he suggested honeycrisp and empire apples. Markillie Orchard in Howell
Every fall, Chris looks forward to visiting Markillie Orchard in Howell and enjoying some of their fresh local apples. Over the years, he’s become friends with the orchard’s proprietors, Jeff and Karin Markillie. Because we’re such big fans of the Markillies, we wanted to share their story with you. “I never set out to own an orchard; it just sort of happened,” says Jeff Markillie. “In 1998, after our kids were grown, Karin and I decided to move to 10 acres in the country. We didn’t really know what we’d do with the land. I’ve always loved apples, so I decided to plant 25 trees without the slightest inkling that it would one day turn into a business.” Only a few years after those initial plantings, the Markillies had an 800-tree orchard. “Karin was gracious enough to go along with me when I said, ‘Let’s try this,’” Jeff remembers. “Without her support and the help of my daughters, we never would’ve been able to get where we are today.” With 2,500 trees and a barn for making cider and donuts, Markillie Orchard is now a thriving family business.
2 • www.MichiganEstatePlanning.com
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