Embrace the Sun Safely: Commemorating UV Safety Month this July

Summer comes with a few sobering statistics: According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, striking one in five Americans over their lifetime. In fact, every single day, 9,500 people in the US are diagnosed with skin cancer.

No one wants Summer to be a bummer! Don’t worry—you can still enjoy all the summer fun—the warm weather and all the outdoor activities like sunbathing, swimming, and barbecuing. Just remember, as you soak up that summer sun, protect your body's largest organ—your skin!

Health Network One wants to remind you that July is UV Safety Month, an excellent opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of safeguarding our skin and our eyes from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

UV radiation is a major risk factor for most skin cancers, and that risk isn't limited to just the hot summer months. UV rays can damage the skin year-round, even on cloudy or cool days. As expected, the danger is significantly higher during the summer months when the days are longer, the sun is stronger, and more people are spending extra time outdoors.

Tips for Avoiding Harmful UV Radiation

Protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful UV radiation with these tips:

Know your risk: The National Weather Service and the Environmental Protection Agency developed the UV Index, which lets you know how intense the UV light is wherever you are. The scale runs from 1-11+ — the higher the number, the greater your risk of exposure. Check the index for your area here: www.epa.gov/enviro/uv-index-search

Use Sunscreen: “Many people understand the importance of using sunscreen when they're going to the beach,” said Chief Clinical Officer for Health Network One, Dr. Edward Cabrera, “but did you know the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) recommends that you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day — even on cloudy days?”

Dr. Cabrera’s sunscreen tips include:

• Use at least a full ounce of sunscreen
• Apply sunscreen to sun-exposed skin — don’t forget your nose, ears, neck, hands, feet, armpits and lips
• Put your sunscreen on at least 15 minutes before going out, giving it time to sink into the skin for the best protection
• Be sure you’re using a Broad-Spectrum formula that offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays
• Choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher
• Please don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen every two hours and sooner if you're swimming or sweating.
• Be aware that no sunscreen is waterproof — some sunscreens claim to be water-resistant and may offer you 40-80 minutes of protection while swimming or sweating — read the label and reapply often!
• Seek Shade: The sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If your shadow appears to be shorter than you are, seek shade.
• Limit Your Time: Less time in the sun means less UV exposure. Duck out of the strongest sunlight between 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Stay in the shade whenever possible.
• Wear Protective Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses can provide additional protection.
• Avoid Tanning Beds: Tanning beds emit UV rays that can be stronger and more damaging than the sun.

Dr. Motedaeiny Reminds Us: Don’t Overlook Your Eyes!

As overseers of the country’s longest-running ophthalmology network, we’d be remiss without throwing out a few tips for protecting those peepers from harmful UV rays.?

“It's not just your skin that needs protection from UV rays, warns our Senior Medical Director, Dr, Afrouz Motedaeiny, OD.? “Your eyes and eyelids are vulnerable too. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to serious eye conditions, including eyelid cancer, cataracts, macular degeneration, and photokeratitis — a sunburn of the eye.”

Here are some tips to protect your eyes:

• Wear UV-Blocking Sunglasses: Choose sunglasses that block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. Wraparound styles offer the best protection as they limit UV rays entering from the sides.
• Use a Wide-Brimmed Hat: A hat with at least a 2-3 inch brim can block up to 50% of UV radiation and protect your eyes.
• Avoid Sun Exposure During Peak Hours: The sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Try to stay indoors or seek shade during these times.

“UV Safety Month is an important reminder that protecting your skin and eyes from UV radiation is a year-round responsibility,” said Dr. Edward Cabrera. “Simple steps like applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and using UV-blocking sunglasses can significantly reduce your risk of UV-related health issues.”

Remember, skin and eye protection is a year-round responsibility. This UV Safety Month, let's pledge to make sun safety a priority in our lives. Protect your skin and eyes, and pass on these tips to help educate others so we can enjoy the summer safely!