Nothing beats sitting on the beach, beneath an oversize umbrella, while you catch the breeze, read, or let the gentle sound of the waves soothe you to sleep. Spending time outdoors is an important part of our physical and mental vitality. Umbrellas and tents help us make the most of our summer weather.

Under The Umbrella
If you like relaxing on your patio or in your garden, but you need shade, try a market umbrella (which is anchored in the ground) or an umbrella that fits on a patio table.

Both come in varying widths, from 7 feet to 13 feet. Some structures have rust-free aluminum poles and are made of weather-tough fabrics, including polyurethane, canvas, and polyester, which have been pretreated for ultraviolet (UV) protection.

Cool Intentions
Similar to umbrellas, sun tents are made from easy-care fabrics, such as nylon, that have been treated to block more than 98% of UV rays. This means that even during the hottest part of the day--11 a.m. to 3 p.m.--you can spend time outdoors in places where the sun is beating down.

Some tents have full walls with zipper window openings, while others have partial walls, which allow air to circulate freely. Most designs are easy to assemble; just unfold the legs, pull a cord, and your tent will virtually put itself up.

Let sun shelters be your gateway to more gratifying outdoor living--you might even find yourself drifting to sleep beneath your umbrella.

BE SKIN SMART Even though sun shelters provide great protection from the elements, you still have to take care of your skin. Slather on sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15 every two hours, and remember to cover the back of your neck, knees, and ears. (Don't use sunscreen on children less than 6 months old.) Protect your eyes with sunglasses, because overexposure to the sun can cause long-term damage. You may also want to throw on a wide-brimmed hat for extra protection. Remember, you can never go wrong with too much shade.

This article is from the June 2005 issue of Southern Living.