Every June, Cancer from the sun month is observed. The main goal is to educate and assist in learning about cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. With summer break upon us, here are some tips on how to stay safe in the sun.
Tips for Staying Healthy
Wear protective clothing. Wearing bright colored, synthetic (man-made) clothing helps with UV protection. There are also many brands that have UV protection built in. Also, wear your sunglasses! Make sure that your sunglasses protect you against UVA and UVB rays.
Limit your sunshine during the brightest times of the day. The sun\’s rays are the brightest and strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Outdoor activities should be planned for early morning or late afternoon. If you have to be out during the day, make sure that you find shade. It could be under a tree or with an umbrella, but shade is key. Also, make sure you check the UV index before making any plans in the sun.
If you have to be out, make sure you wear sunscreen and REAPPLY! Using a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher is best. That will protect you from UVA and UVB rays. Your first application should be 30 minutes before leaving the house. It should also be reapplied at least every two hours; more often if you are sweating or swimming. This fact sheet is a great resource for answers about sunscreen.
Say no to tanning. Whether you are wanting to tan in the sun or in a tanning bed, just don\’t do it. There is no such thing as a safe tan.
Consult with your Doctor
You can get Vitamin D from different sources than the sun. Those ways include: eating more fatty fish, mushrooms, egg yolks, and fortified foods, taking a supplement, or by using a UV lamp. Always check with your doctor before taking extra supplements.
Get to know your skin. You should always know your skin. If you are worried about a mole or a spot on your skin, get to your doctor quickly. Knowing your ABCDE\’s of moles is a helpful tool. The acronym stands for Asymmetry, Borders, Color, Diameter, and Evolving. Early detection is the key to staying healthy.
Cancer from the Sun Month-June 2022. www.nationaltoday.com (2022) Retrieved May 26, 2022, from \”https://nationaltoday.com/cancer-from-the-sun-month/\”
10 Tips for Staying Safe in the Sun. www.mass.gov (2014, June 03) Retrieved May 26, 2022, from \”https://blog.mass.gov/blog/living-in-massachusetts/10-tips-for-staying-safe-in-the-sun/\”
7 Tips for Staying Safe in the Sun. www.womenshealth.gov (2015, June 14) Retrieved May 26, 2022, from \”https://www.womenshealth.gov/blog/7-tips-sun-safety\”