Last month we celebrated Great Outdoors Month and I encouraged you to get outside and try something new. I hope you did! It is always important to keep safety in mind when participating in different activities. So, as you pack your bag for the beach, head out to the pool, or kayak on the Shenandoah, remember to bring your sunscreen.
July is UV Safety Month and there is no better time than now to discuss skin cancer protection. The US Department of Health and Human Services recommends a few simple steps to safeguard your skin from harmful effects of UV radiation. These include: wear proper clothing, avoid the burn, go for the shade, use extra caution when near reflective surfaces (i.e. water, snow, sand), and use extra caution when at higher altitudes.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) peak burning hours are between 10am-4pm and it is recommended to stay out of the sun, if possible, during these times. When going out in the sun it is best to use a broad spectrum sunscreen that will include protection from ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. The FDA recommends using sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) value of at least 15. Remember to re-apply your sunscreen throughout the day, even if the label says “water resistant.” This should be done every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after sweating or swimming.
In addition to protecting your skin from the sun’s rays, it is also important to protect your eyes. The sun can penetrate the structures of your eyes and cause cell damage which could lead to common sun-related vision problems. According to the CDC these include: cataracts, macular degeneration, and pterygium (non-cancerous growth of the conjunctiva that can obstruct vision). Wearing a wide-brimmed hat and wrap-around style sunglasses with 99 or higher UV block are recommendations for protecting your eyes.
Since I have encouraged you to get outside I want to let you know about one more thing. The Environmental Protection Agency has a UV index which can help you decide how much protection you will need when you head outside (https://www2.epa.gov/sunwise/uv-index). Daily measurements of the sun are on a scale of 1 to 11, with least protection being needed for a low UV-index and most protection being needed for a high UV-index.
Now that you’ve read this information, waste no more time. Lather up with sunscreen and get outside!
References:
www.foh.hhs.gov/calendar/july.html
www2.epa.gov/sunwise/uv-index
By: Elizabeth Mumaw, MS, Lifeguard/Swim Instructor/Fitness Specialist at Valley Health Wellness & Fitness Center
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