Don’t get burned by sun’s rays

Summer has come to the area with a vengeance, and just about everyone I know has been taking advantage of the weather.

With more outdoor activities and exposure to the sun, we’ve all been suffering a little from sunburn.

Of course, had we planned ahead and slathered ourselves with sunscreen before we hit the outdoors, we wouldn’t be itching and stinging and whimpering right now.

According to webmd.com, most sunburns—red, tender skin—are really first-degree burns of the outer layer of skin. These sunburns can be treated at home with simple remedies: cool cloths, cool showers or baths and soothing lotions with aloe vera or a 1 percent hydrocortisone cream that can help with the pain.

Dehydration is also a symptom of sunburn, so be sure to drink lots of water.

Sunburns can be very serious in babies, small children and older adults, since their skin is more sensitive and they have higher risks for other health problems.

Some medications also increase your sun-sensitivity so be sure to check with your doctor if you’re on permanent meds.

Severe sunburns, of course, should be treated by a doctor.

Summer reading development

Gonzaga University and the Institute of Reading Development are offering workshops for children, teenagers and adults once a week for five weeks starting Thursday.

Students will learn to read faster and develop their skills while learning to appreciate books and reading.

The cost is $199 for the pre-kindergarten program and $299 for all other students.

For information, call the Institute of Reading and Development at (800) 979-8980 or visit www.gonzaga.edu/continuing education.

More summer movies

Liberty Lake’s Pavillion Park is continuing its outdoor movie schedule Friday at dusk with the movie “Grease.”

The featured movie on Aug. 5 will be “A Bug’s Life.”

Everyone should bring their own blankets and low-chairs. You can also bring your own picnic, but concessions will be available at most movies.

For information, call 927-6174.

The Garland Theater, 924 W. Garland Ave., is offering free summer movies weekday mornings.

The doors open at 8:30 a.m. and the movie will begin at 9:30.

This week’s movie is “Racing Stripes,” featuring the voice of Frankie Muniz. Next week’s movie is “Lemony Snicket’s – A Series of Unfortunate Events” starring Jim Carrey as Count Olaf.

The movies are free.

For information, call the theater at 327-1050.

Regal Entertainment Group is also offering free movies at 10 a.m. at the Spokane Valley Stadium 12.

“The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland” and “Super Babies: Baby Geniuses 2” will play on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“Rugrats: The Movie” and “Shark Tale” will play on Aug. 2 and 3.

The Shop, a coffeehouse located at 924 S. Perry St., is continuing its tradition of Summer Theater in the parking lot on Saturday nights through the end of August.

The movies begin at dusk and you should bring a blanket or a chair.

Saturday’s movie is a sneak preview of North By Northwest’s “Lenny the Wonder Dog.” The movie on Aug. 6 will be “Groundhog Day,” with Bill Murray.

The movies are free, but the Shop guys will take donations so they can pay for the licensing fee of the next week’s movie. This is an all-ages event – coffee, pop and snacks are available for sale.

For information, call The Shop at 534-1647.