I had one too many heat strokes and heat exhaustion episodes when I worked the southern border, and again after I was transferred to Florida.  My time in the sun has now been decreased to about ten minutes before I end up in the hospital.  This umbrella allows me to get in and out of a grocery store, mall or other building without getting sick or risking my life.  My friends have been coming around to borrow it when they are heading for an outside event or an outing with their kids or grandkids at a neighborhood park or an amusement park with visiting friends or relatives.  It really does lower the temperature about ten degrees, makes your time outside much more comfortable, and, in my case, much safer.  I now keep this compact umbrella in my purse and a larger one in my car.  I do recommend this product to friends and family and would definitely purchase it again!