Staying Safe During UV Safety Month
In honor of July being Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Month, we wanted to share a some information and tips to keep you and your family safe this summer. The goal of this month is to spread the word about how important it is to protect your skin and eyes from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays. UV radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer in The United States, and between vacations, barbecues, and parties, summer is the season people spend the most their time outdoors, so by following these tips you can stay safe this summer.
- Find the shade – The sun’s rays are the strongest between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, so staying in the shade during this time can protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV ray exposure.
- Wear protective clothing – Try wearing a wide-brim hat that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck. When possible a linen long sleeve shirt or pants can keep you cool and protected.
- Use broad-spectrum sunscreen – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) regulations for sunscreen labeling recommend that your sunscreen have a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, and should protect against both Ultraviolet A (UV-A) and Ultraviolet B (UV-B) rays. It’s important to wear sunscreen on even cloudy day because you can be exposed to up to 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays!
- Sunglasses – Unprotected sun expose can cause vision problems and damage to your eyes, so always remember those shades!
- Avoid getting burnt – A burn puts you an increased risk for skin cancer and signs of premature aging.
Lastly, do not forget to routinely check your skin for changes, especially birthmarks, moles, and marks from the top of your head to your toes. Look for changes in size, shape, or color. So, have fun, stay safe, and stay out of the sun!
