Fun in the Sun!
Summer is definitely in full swing now and that brings with it lots of pool time, ballgames and picnics. It also means a lot of sun exposure. Here is some useful information and tips to keep you protected while having fun in the summer sun.
Not-so-fun Facts
• Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the US
• Exposure to UV (ultra violet) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer.
• Skin cancer affects everyone no matter your age or your skin color/tone/pigmentation. However, those with white or light-colored skin with freckles, blue or green eyes, blond or red hair have the highest risk of skin cancer.
• UV damage can cause wrinkles and blotches or spots on your skin.
• UV rays can damage your eyes as well as cause those all-too-familiar “crow’s feet wrinkles” around our eyes
• Most skin cancers appear around the age of 50 but damage from the sun to your skin begins as early as childhood
But, the good news is that skin cancer CAN be prevented with a few simple steps…
• Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun rays are the most intense
• Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and apply it 30 minutes BEFORE going outside
• Cover up with long sleeves and a hat
• For best protection, wear sunglasses that block 99%-100% of UV-A and UV-B radiation
• Skin cancer can almost always be treated if found and treated early. Check your skin at least once a month for any changes.
Your skin is your body’s largest organ. Don’t you think you should protect it just as much as your heart, liver, kidneys and the rest of the organs in your body?
Check out these useful links for more skin-related information:
• Protect Your Skin from the Sun: www.healthfinder.gov/HealthTopics/Category/parenting/safety/protectyour-skin-from-the-sun
• Skin Cancer Risk Tool: www.cancer.gov/melanomarisktool/
• UV Index: www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html
• Sunburn: www.healthfinder.gov/scripts/SearchContext.asp?topic=1019
• Skin Cancer: http://healthfinder.gov/scripts/SearchContext.asp?topic=793
