Sun safety is not something we think a lot about until we hear the term 'skin cancer'. Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer; therefore, everyone needs to learn to be safe in the sun.
What can we do about this escalating incidence of skin cancer? First we need to examine the risk factors, some of which are beyond our control. We cannot change our family history, our physical characteristics, or our environment.
If there is a history of skin cancer in our family, we are at greater risk. If we have fair skin and light blue or green eyes, or if we have red or blond hair, we are at greater risk. If we live in an area where there are many hot, sunny days and we are getting sun exposure and even sunburns, then we are at greater risk.
In as little as five minutes on a bright summer day our skin may develop a minor sunburn that we do not see or feel. Repeated exposure leads to skin damage that puts us at risk for sun-induced skin aging or even skin cancer.
Nevertheless, there are things we can all do to control these risk factors. Everyone needs to learn to be safe in the sun.
By reducing our sun exposure we can help prevent skin cancer. We can limit our time in the sun and plan our outdoor activities before 10 am or after 3 pm when the sun is not as intense. We need to do this all year round, as harmful UV rays can penetrate through clouds. Severe sunburn and skin damage can occur when UV rays are reflected by snow and water. Seek shade to avoid too much sun.
We can also reduce our exposure to UV rays by wearing cover-up clothing and UV-blocking sunglasses. Sun-safe clothing covers most skin areas and should have an SPF (sun protective factor) of 15 or better. Always wear a hat, especially one that has a wide brim or back flap to cover ears and neck.
Use sunscreen in addition to cover-up clothing, not in place of it. Learn to use sunscreen correctly. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks the UVA (the “aging” rays) and UVB (the “burning” rays. Apply 30 minutes before going into the sun and reapply every two hours and after swimming, toweling, or sweating. Be extra generous in applying sunscreen to all exposed skin areas. This is not the time for just a little dab. Also apply sunscreen under insect repellent or makeup, so that it can absorb into the skin.
Do not use sun lamps or go to tanning booths. These not only increase the risk of skin cancer but add to skin aging and skin wrinkling.
No one is too young or too old to learn to always be safe in the sun. Seniors, especially those seniors who have retired and moved to sunny vacation areas to golf and swim all year round must be extra careful.
Every adult has an added responsibility. We must learn and practice sun safety for ourselves but we are also the role models for our children and grandchildren. Because children spend so much time outdoors, we need to help them learn to be safe in the outdoors, by finding shade, wearing cover-up clothing, and using sunscreen.
Learn all you can about sun safety and make sun protection a daily habit.
Jane AveryThe Wellness Lady
Wellness begins with knowledge.
