Summer Sun Safety Tips

2 hands against the sunny sky with sunscreen smiley faces- Sun Safety blog featured image

As the temperatures rise and the days grow longer, summer invites us to enjoy the outdoors, whether it’s at the beach, a backyard barbecue, or simply a sunny stroll. But while sunshine offers many benefits, sun safety is essential to avoid serious health risks.

Sunlight can be both a natural healer and a safety hazard. Understanding the balance between healthy and harmful exposure can help you reap the benefits of the sun safely. By taking simple precautions, you can enjoy the outdoors, protect your health, and realize the benefits of sunlight.

At Acentria Insurance, we care about your well-being. That’s why we’ve put together essential sun safety tips to help you enjoy the season safely.

The Benefits of Sunlight

One of the most well-known benefits of sunlight is its role in helping the body produce vitamin D. When ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from the sun hit your skin, they trigger vitamin D synthesis. This essential nutrient helps your body absorb calcium and supports bone health, immune function and mood regulation. For people living in northern climates or those who spend most of their time indoors, getting enough vitamin D can be a challenge without some sun exposure.

Sunlight is also a powerful regulator of the circadian rhythm, the internal biological clock influencing sleep patterns, hormone levels and energy. Exposure to natural light during the day, especially in the morning, can help align your sleep-wake cycle. This is why experts often recommend getting outside early in the day if you’re struggling with insomnia or seasonal affective disorder.

In addition, time spent in the sun, particularly when combined with physical activity outdoors, can boost mental well-being. Sunlight can increase the brain’s release of serotonin, a hormone associated with improved mood and focus. People who get regular sunlight exposure often report feeling happier and more relaxed.

The Risk of Too Much Sun

Despite these advantages, it’s crucial to be aware of the health risks of overexposure to the sun. The same UV radiation that helps your body produce vitamin D can also damage your skin’s DNA, leading to premature aging, sunburns and an increased risk of skin cancer.

Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is linked to intense, intermittent sun exposure that leads to sunburn, particularly during childhood. Even less aggressive skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are often the result of cumulative sun damage over time.

Excessive sun exposure can also lead to eye damage, including cataracts and macular degeneration. In extreme cases, too much time in high heat and direct sunlight can result in heat exhaustion or heatstroke, particularly for young children, older adults and people with certain health conditions.

Enjoy Your Time Outside: Sun Safety Tips

The good news is that you don’t have to avoid the sun entirely. With the following strategies, you can safely enjoy the outdoors and protect yourself from harmful UV exposure:

  • Time it right. Try to get sunlight exposure during the early morning or late afternoon when UV levels are lower. Midday sun (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.) tends to be the most intense.
  • Use sunscreen. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it generously to all exposed skin and reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
  • Wear protective clothing. Long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses can help shield you from the sun’s harmful rays. Look for clothing labeled with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor).
  • Wear sunglasses. Sunglasses help protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of cataracts and other eye damage while keeping you comfortable in bright sunlight.
  • Seek shade. Use umbrellas, awnings or trees for cover, especially during peak sun hours. If you’re at the beach or a park, position yourself in a shaded area when possible.
  • Take breaks. This is crucial to prevent heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Regular breaks allow your body to cool down, stay hydrated and maintain energy levels, ensuring you can work safely and effectively. They also allow you to monitor for sunburn and other symptoms.
  • Know your skin type. Fair-skinned individuals are more prone to sunburn and may need extra precautions. Conversely, those with darker skin have more melanin, which offers some protection, but they can still experience sunburn and other skin issues.

We’ve Got You Covered

While sun safety starts with smart habits, it also helps to have peace of mind in case of unexpected health issues. Accidents and heat-related health events can happen, even with precautions in place. We’re here to ensure that a sunny day doesn’t turn into a financial burden. 

Summer is a time for fun, relaxation, and making memories. By practicing good sun safety and ensuring you’re covered with the right insurance, you can enjoy every moment without worry. Contact us today to review your current policy or explore new coverage options.

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Nathan Marks

Chief Operating Officer

Nate joined Acentria in 2018 through a partnership with his family’s agency, Marks Insurance. A third-generation insurance professional, Nate has been in the insurance industry since 2002. He holds a Bachelor’s in Finance from Auburn University at Montgomery and a Master’s in Risk Management and Insurance from Florida State University.

As Chief Operating Officer, Nate brings a passion for developing people and improving operations. As our agency continues to grow, his focus is on maintaining the close-knit feel of a small agency while delivering big results. Nate believes that true success starts with supporting the teams on the ground and is committed to ensuring our team members have what they need in order to continue thriving.

Rob Wagner

President

Since joining Acentria in October 2020, Rob has played a key role in driving our agency’s growth and remains deeply committed to empowering our producers and account managers in achieving their professional development goals. He holds a degree in Business Administration from Florida State University as well as an MBA from Stetson University. With over 20 years of insurance industry experience, he is known for his strategic mindset and people-first leadership approach.

As President, Rob oversees all facets of agency performance, culture and client success. He is excited to focus on and strengthen frontline support, all while ensuring our team remains connected and agile as we continue to scale. Rob is  committed to keeping operational and sales support closely aligned with the team members who serve our clients on a daily basis.

Mike Freeman

Mergers & Acquisitions

Leading the Acentria Mergers & Acquisitions team, Mike works with those agency principals and leaders who are interested in furthering a potential partnership with Acentria Insurance.  With over 35 years of finance and insurance experience, Mike and his team showcase the various benefits of partnering with Acentria. He works with principals through the initial phases to evaluate agency operations, books of business as well as planning and implementing fully comprehensive migration and implementation plans. He served 25 years in the banking industry in various executive-level positions transitioning to insurance in 2011 as Chief Financial Officer for Acentria Insurance. In 2017, Acentria Insurance partnered with Foundation Risk Partners where his major focus became leading Acentria Insurance’s mergers and acquisitions team.  

Mike is a graduate of Auburn University. He is dedicated to serving his community having held numerous leadership positions including Chairman for the American Heart Association; Chairman Mental Health Association; Chairman Destin Chamber of Commerce and Board Member for United Way Okaloosa-Walton Counties. Mike is a 27-year resident of Destin, FL and enjoys spending time with his wife of 35 years, Yvonne and their two adult children and their families.

James Carl

Executive Vice President 
Territory Sales Leader, Central Florida Region

Todd Lawrence

Executive Vice President
Southeast Florida

Rob Wagner

Executive Vice President
Southwest Florida Region

Alan Florez

Executive Vice President, National Sales

Alan leads new business growth strategies and expansion, guides the development of resources and training for Sales Producers and their partnerships with Carriers. With over 15 years of industry experience, Alan also leads the Acentria Public Risk divisions working with municipalities and government entities for their coverage needs. He was appointed to the Halifax Health Board of Commissioners December 2020 and also serves as an Executive Committee member for our parent company, Foundation Risk Partners.

Previously, Alan served as Governor Jeb Bush’s Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs and Special Assistant. He is a former member of the University of Central Florida Board of Trustees and currently volunteers his time with the Florida Council of 100, Futures Foundation of Volusia County Schools and the Community Foundation of Flagler and Volusia. Alan holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Central Florida.

Anne Kraus

Senior Vice President
Commercial Lines Operations

Teresa Fillmon

Vice President
Small Business Unit

Alex Doberstein

Vice President
Benefits Resource Leader

Eric Austin

Operations Lead
Port St. Lucie & West Palm Beach

Luke Wolkers

Executive Vice President
Employee Benefits

Chris Tolland

Executive Vice President
Northeast Florida Sales

Brian Stanton

Executive Vice President
Southeast Florida

Nathan Marks

Executive Vice President
Northwest Florida

Jason Cruse

Executive Vice President
Central Florida Sales

Jackie Shaw

Senior Vice President
Agency Operations

Jessica Parkhurst

Senior Vice President
Marketing & Branding

Doreen Castro

Senior Vice President
Personal Lines Operations

Kendall McEachern

Co-Founder

Kendall was a fundamental part of Acentria Insurance. As a co-founder, he brought more than 30 years of industry expertise to Acentria, helping transform the organization into a leading insurance provider. Beloved by team members, carrier partners and clients, he oversaw more than 400,000 insured multi-family units with property values greater than $22 billion, and over four million square feet of commercial office space and real estate buildings. Kendall has received numerous industry awards to include being recognized as a National Top Producer and Agent of the Year by both Insurance Business America and Insurance Journal. Away from the office, he served as chairman for the American Heart Association, actively participated in his church and golfing, watching sports and spending time with his family. Kendall passed away in January of 2021, leaving a lasting legacy on Acentria’s culture, success, industry-wide reputation – and on all of us fortunate to have worked alongside him.

Mary Lawless

President & Chief Operating Officer

As President and Chief Operating Officer, Mary brings over three decades of industry expertise to Acentria Insurance. With a strong focus on Mergers & Acquisitions, Mary is passionate about partnering with new agencies and leaders to continue the overall upward growth of Acentria. She works in conjunction with the CEO to lead and deliver specialized sales products, services and industry leading capabilities while implementing business and sales strategies to the Acentria sales team and carrier partners. Mary has direct oversight of all operational leaders throughout the entire organizational footprint and is responsible for operational financials and budgets.

She empowers her team members and because of it, is well respected by her peers and those she leads. Since her time with Acentria, Mary’s leadership has contributed to the agency’s exponential growth from 15 to well over 50 locations, increasing employment to over 700 team members, across the southeastern United States. Due to her leadership and contributions to the insurance industry, she has been nationally recognized as one of Insurance Business America magazine’s Elite Women and serves as a valuable member on the Executive Committee for Foundation Risk Partners, Acentria’s parent company. Prior to joining Acentria Insurance, Mary led operations for another national broker. Throughout her tenure, she has held a variety of management positions in Personal Lines, Select Business and Employee Benefits. Mary specializes in agency operations, partnerships and acquisitions and is truly passionate about developing team members to become great leaders.

When not shaping the future industry leaders at Acentria Insurance, Mary enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, Pat and their family and friends.

Mitch Weinstein

Partner & Co-Founder

As partner of Acentria Insurance, Mitch plays an integral role in mergers & acquisitions. He focuses on seeking out strategic like-minded partners and agencies, across the southeastern United States, to partner and join the Acentria family.

Mitch has over 42 years of business leadership experience that ranges from law enforcement to the finance, healthcare and insurance industries. He was instrumental in developing the nation’s first “at-risk” managed care network for physical and occupational therapy serving the worker’s compensation industry. This network paved the way for a new managed care system, based on incentives.

Mitch is passionate about giving back to the youth of his community. He is an active supporter of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Polk County and believes in helping all young people reach their full potential. He is also the founder of Fallen First Reserve which is a non-profit organization dedicated to financially assisting those family members of First Responders killed in the line of duty and military members killed in action. Mitch also serves on the board for Fund the First.

Kevin Mason

Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder

As Chief Executive Office of Acentria Insurance, Kevin focuses on developing insurance solutions that strengthen Acentria’s presence in the market and its commitment to client-relationships and exceptional service. With over 35 years of industry experience, he specializes in the overall growth of Acentria is passionate about bringing new talent to the organization both organically and through mergers and acquisitions. Through his leadership and the support of the Executive Leadership team, Acentria Insurance instills a positive corporate culture which has led the agency in being recognized as a leader within our industry as a Top 100 Workplace, Employer of Choice, Best Agency to Work For and several other national and regional accolades.

Before co-founding Acentria Insurance, Kevin served as Branch Manager for another national broker. Kevin holds the prestigious title as an Agent of the Year and five-time National Top Producer. He is also a key member of the Foundation Risk Partners Executive Committee, which is the parent company of Acentria Insurance, while also serving as the National Director for Carrier Relations. In addition, Kevin oversees the Sales Leadership Council, which encompasses sales leaders across the entire FRP footprint in an effort to develop and refine shared resources while offering producer training and development programs.

Kevin received a Bachelor’s Degree in Management from the University of West Florida. He is very active in his community and served over a decade on the Board of Directors of Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation and remains as a trustee, which funds over 14 children’s charities along the Florida Panhandle. He is also a member of the Destin Chamber of Commerce, Community Association Institute and Florida Association of Insurance Agents. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys golfing, tennis, boating and spending time with his wife Laura, and their children.