News & Information

Summer is in full swing, which means it's the ideal time to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.  But are you protecting yourself against potential dangers?

The month of July is designated as Ultraviolet (UV) or Sun Safety Month.  The purpose of this month’s campaign is to raise awareness about the importance of protecting your skin from the damaging effects of UV radiation.  Therefore, sun protection is always in style.

It is essential to protect your skin from UV damage all year long, regardless of the weather.  Why?  Sunburn, skin aging, eye damage, and skin cancer, the most common of all cancers, can all be caused by extended exposure to the sun without any form of protection.

When summertime comes around people may want to get outside and work on their tan since they were stuck indoors all winter long.  Although a tan may look great, it can be a sign that the skin is responding to potentially harmful UV radiation.  Developing a tan may give you some, but not enough, protection from sunburn in the future.  It does not mean that a tan is healthy for your skin.

In order to keep your skin protected, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. follow the tips listed below.

• Reduce your sun exposure
• Wear protective gear – like a wide-brimmed hat or UV-blocking sunglasses
• Apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every two hours

Overall, it is important to remember that spending time in the sun is usually good for you!  Sun exposure can help your body produce and absorb necessary vitamin D which is essential for the health of your bones, blood cells, and immune system.  But we have to remember the harm that prolonged sun exposure can cause to the body as well.

Just make sure that you are taking the right steps to protect yourself from the sun and harmful UV rays.  It’s time to take care of your body and your skin.

For more information about sun safety or the dangers of UV light, visit the following websites.

• https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/features/uv-radiation-safety/
• https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm