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Tag: Sun Safety

Sun Safety

Posted on by djbechard

Sunscreen is an important part of sun safety but sunscreen alone isn’t enough to keep you safe from the sun. When used as directed, sunscreen is proven to decrease your risk of skin cancer and help prevent premature skin aging. Wearing sun protective clothing and sunglasses will also increase your protection from the sun. Use the following tips this summer (and year-round) to protect yourself from the sun.

  • Look for Broad spectrum: This sunblock Protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Use SPF 30 or higher: Necessary for extended outdoor activities, including distance running, hiking, swimming and outdoor sports. SPF 30 is a must if you work outdoors.
  • Use water resistant and very water-resistant Sunscreens: Sunscreens labeled water resistant are tested to be effective for up to 40 minutes of swimming, while very water-resistant sunscreens stay effective for up to 80 minutes in the water.
  • Wear dark colors: Dark or bright colors keep UV rays from reaching your skin by absorbing them rather than allowing them to penetrate.
  • Choose loose clothes: Tight clothing can stretch and reduce the level of protection offered.
  • Look for a UPF label: Some clothing makers provide UPF labels, which indicate exactly how much of the sun’s rays the garment can shield.
  • Cover up: The more skin your outfit covers, the better your protection. Choose long-sleeved shirts and long pants or skirts.
  • Wear sunglasses year-round: Sun damage to the eyes can occur any time of year. Adults and kids should wear sunglasses year-round and choose shades that block 99 to 100% of UVA and UVB light.
  • Wear a hat: Choose a hat with at least a three-inch brim and tightly woven fabric (no holes) to protect your face and the top of your head.
  • Be aware of clouds: The sun’s rays can pass through haze and clouds, so eye protection is important even when there is cloud cover.
  • Take care near water, snow and sand: 80 percent or more of the sun’s rays reflect off of these surfaces, so that they hit your eyes and skin a second time.
  • Seek shade: Whenever possible, especially during times when the sun is most intense (typically 10 AM – 4 PM).

Source: skincancer.org

By: Ashley Svaty

Sun Safety

Posted on by mjsaxton@ksu.edu

Did you know that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., and that unprotected UV exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer? There are many ways that you can protect yourself and others from harmful UV rays.

 

  • Apply Sunblock: Apply a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing. Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating.
  • Wear Sun-Protective Clothing: Wear a lightweight and long sleeved shirt, pants, brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection. For more effective protection, choose clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label.
  • Seek Shade: Limit direct exposure to the sun, especially between 10am and 2pm when the sun’s rays are the strongest.

Source: American Academy of Dermatology Association

By: Ashley Svaty

Protect Yourself from UV Exposure

Posted on by Nora Rhoades

Summer has officially arrived, and as always it’s hot and sunny! Spending time outdoors at the lake or pool are usually on the top of everyone’s summer fun list, but before you venture out in the sun follow these safety tips to reduce you and your loved one’s risks for harmful UV exposure.

Cover up: When you are out in the sun, wear clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect as much skin as possible. Protect your eyes with sunglasses that block at least 99% of UV light.

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher: Reapply at least every 2 hours, as well as after swimming or sweating.

Seek shade: Limit your direct exposure to the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.

Lather up 30 minutes before outdoor activities: Apply 1 ounce (about the size of a golf ball) of sunscreen to all exposed areas.

Check the sunscreen’s expiration date: Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years, but its shelf life is shorter if it has been exposed to high temperatures. (CDC)

Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps: Both can cause serious long-term skin damage and contribute to skin cancer.

Remember to protect yourself on overcast days: Up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV radiation can penetrate clouds and harm your skin. (www.SkinCancer.org)

Cover easily missed areas: This includes the back of ears and neck, and the tops of feet and hands with sunblock.

Avoid sunburn: It may seem like a temporary irritation, but sunburns cause long-lasting damage to the skin.

For more information about sun safety please visit https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm

By: Ashley Svaty

Summer Sun Safety

Posted on by Marci Metz

The kids will be out of school before we know it, which means plenty of time outdoors! Before going outside, make sure you always lather up with sunscreen to protect your skin.  To avoid burns, make sure you wear sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat and seek shade especially between 10am-4pm when UV rays are strongest. Lather up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher 30 minutes before outdoor activities and reapply at least every 2 hours. For more information please check out our May Building Strong Families insert found here: https://bit.ly/1ThhOSk

By:  Ashley Svaty