Take charge of your health
sun safety
In a thousand years archeologists will dig up tanning beds
and think we fried people as punishment.
-Olivia Wilde
As we spend more time outside in the summer, it is important to take precautions to protect our skin and eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. These rays are an invisible form of radiation that is always present, even on the cloudiest of days when you can’t see bright sunlight. Whether we are getting exposure to UV rays from natural sources such as sunlight or artificial sources such as tanning beds or sun lamps, UV exposure is linked to sunburns, premature aging of the skin, skin damage, and skin cancer. People with too much exposure can also have weakened immune systems. Each year, more than 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed in the U.S.—more than all other forms of cancer combined. One in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.
There are 3 types of ultraviolet rays - UVA, UVB, and UVC. Ultraviolet A (UVA) rays can penetrate deep into the layers of the skin. The amount of UVA exceeds the amount of UVB whether it be summertime or wintertime. Even on a cloudy day, 80% of the sun's UVA rays pass through the clouds to affect our skin and eyes. Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays are the primary cause of sunburn, thickening of the skin, and skin cancers - including melanoma. UVB rays can also damage your eyes and immune system. Ultraviolet C (UVC) rays are the strongest but are primarily blocked by the ozone layer in the atmosphere, so penetration of UVC rays to the earth is very low.
So how do we best protect ourselves from UVA and UVB rays? Start with avoiding the sun between the hours of 10am and 4pm when the sun is strongest. Next comes sunscreen and focusing on the Sun Protection Factor/SPF when you purchase the product. It is important to apply SPF 30 or higher and reapply the sunscreen at least every two hours and directly after swimming, unless otherwise directed. It is best to choose products that provide both UVA and UVB protection; they will be labeled "broad-spectrum". Products that lack the broad spectrum label but still show an SPF factor only shield you from UVB rays. While UVB rays are the ones that primarily cause sunburns and most skin cancers, UVA rays are also carcinogenic.
Generally sunscreen lotions are required by the FDA to be effective for 3 years but be sure to check the expiration date on your sunscreen and throw it away if the expiration date has passed. You should use at least one ounce (about two tablespoons), of sunscreen to cover all exposed areas of your body. Most people only apply about 25-50% of this amount, which reduces effectiveness. Because sunscreen is not effective immediately you should apply it 30 minutes before heading outdoors.
The other easy ways to protect yourself are to: wear a wide brim hat; (Note that most baseball caps do not protect all areas of the face); wear UV protective clothing – it will be specifically labeled UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) or wear long sleeve shirts and dresses and full length pants versus t-shirts and shorts; use a tent or seek out shelter/shade; and be sure to wear UV-protective sunglasses. The wrap around frames are best. Sun protection is especially important for children. Just one bad burn when
someone is young doubles the risk of skin cancer in adulthood.
The other way to protect yourself is to do self-exams of your skin or visit your dermatologist annually or every 6 months for an exam. Ask your primary care physician or dermatologist how often they recommend you be checked based on your medical history and sun exposure. If you want to monitor your skin, all you need is a full-length mirror, a hand-held mirror, good lighting, and ideally an assistant!
Be sure to carefully check your face, ears, neck, chest, breasts, and stomach. Don’t miss your underarm areas, both sides of your arms, the tops and palms of your hands, in between your fingers, and even under your fingernails. Next, check the front and back of your thighs, shins, tops and bottoms of your feet, in between your toes, and under your toenails. You may need the help of your hand-held mirror to help see the backside of your body and your genital area. It is helpful to have a family member/friend check your lower and upper back and the back of your neck and ears. Also ask for their help to check your scalp.
In terms of what you are looking for, here is a checklist from the American Cancer Society:
A new, expanding, or changing growth, spot, or bump on the skin
A sore that bleeds and/or doesn’t heal after several weeks
A rough or scaly red patch, which might crust or bleed
A wart-like growth or mole that’s new or changing in size, shape, or color
A mole with an odd shape, irregular borders, or areas of different colors.
Get to know the skin you are in and if something looks suspicious don’t hesitate to contact your physician. Following these simple steps can help you enjoy the sun and stay healthy.
As always, join us on the Health-E³ website blog page We look forward to hearing your thoughts and experiences. Feel free to ask questions about anything on the website or suggest ideas for additional helpful information.
