As the temperatures continue to rise and the sun is staying out longer in the evening, here are some simple sun safety tips to follow before heading out:
- Do not chance getting a sunburn. Overexposure to the sun is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer.
- Avoid sun tanning and tanning beds. Ultraviolet (UV) light from tanning beds and the sun causes skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you’ve been in the sun, use a sunless self-tanning product instead.
- Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Seek shade when appropriate. Remember that the sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10am and 4pm.
- Generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin using a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 providing broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
- Water, snow and sand reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
- The UV Index provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities. Developed by the National Weather Service and Environmental Protection Agency, find the UV Index for your area by visiting epa.gov
- Get vitamin D safely through a diet that includes vitamin supplements and foods fortified with vitamin D.