Sun Safety Awareness Month

Sun, Fun, and Safety

~ by Richard Sgaglio

August is Sun Safety Awareness Month and so it’s a good time to remind our readers about the dangers of sun exposure. Skin cancer is now the most common cancer in the United States. Repeated exposure to the sun’s harmful rays can cause skin cancer.

Spending time outside is a great way to be physically active, reduce stress, and enjoy parks and the beach. You can spend time outside without raising your skin cancer risk by protecting yourself from the sun.

Many skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. UV rays are invisible and a form of radiation that comes from the sun as well as artificial sources like tanning beds and sunlamps. UV rays can and will damage skin cells.

Protection from UV rays is important all year long, not just during the summer; although the sun is most damaging during these months. UV rays can reach you on cloudy days, and they often can reflect off of surfaces like water, sand, and even snow. In the United States, UV rays tend to be strongest from late morning until late afternoon. 

Here are some common ways you can help protect yourself from the sun:

1.  Shade

You can reduce your risk of sun damage by staying in the shade under an umbrella, tree, or awning. Your best bet to protect your skin is to use sunscreen or wear protective clothing when you’re outside.

2. Clothes

When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants which can provide protection from UV rays. If wearing this type of clothing isn’t practical, try to wear a T-shirt or a beach cover-up. Clothes made from tightly woven fabric offer the best protection. Darker colors may offer more protection than lighter colors. Some clothing is now certified under international standards as offering UV protection. Check the tags when you make your next purchase.

3.  Hats

For broadest protection, wear a hat that has a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck. A tightly woven fabric, such as canvas, works best to protect your skin from UV rays. Avoid straw hats with holes that let sunlight through.

4.  Sunglasses

Sunglasses help protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of eye damage. They also protect the skin around your eyes from sun exposure.

Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays offer the best protection. Most sunglasses sold in the United States, regardless of cost, meet this standard. Wrap-around sunglasses work best because they block UV rays from sneaking in from the side.

5.  Sunscreen

Using sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays before you go outside is important. Sunscreens are assigned a sun protection factor (SPF), which is a number that rates how well they block UV rays. Higher numbers indicate more protection. You should use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher.

Get help for hard-to-reach places like your back. And remember, sunscreen works best when combined with other options and it should be reapplied when necessary. However, sunscreen should not be put on babies under six month old, the FDA recommends that they be kept out of the sun.

Go Enjoy Yourself!

It’s summertime and the living is easy. So go out, relax, or plan a picnic or barbecue with family and friends. Just remember that skin protection should be part of your plan for summer outdoor activities. Your skin will thank you now and later in life.

The information in the above article is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.