Sun Safety Tips
If you're like most people, you enjoy spending time outdoors and feeling the heat of the sun on your skin. The sun’s rays make us feel good, but exposure to the sun can be very dangerous. Intense ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer.1 As the summer months approach, most people want to spend more time outside enjoying the warm weather and sunshine, but it is important to remember that without proper precautions, the summer sun can be very hazardous to your health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daylight savings time (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. standard time) are the most hazardous and UV rays are the greatest during the late spring and early summer.2 At CareFocus Companion Services, we care about the health and safety of you and your loved ones and want to help you stay protected from the harmful effects the summer sun can have on your skin.
Nothing can completely undo sun damage, but it's never too late to begin protecting yourself from the sun. The CDC recommends five easy options for sun protection:3
Use Sunscreen. Sun damage can occur in as little as 15 minutes if your skin is not properly protected.4 That’s why the CDC, The Skin Cancer Foundation, and other organizations recommend applying sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors to allow the ingredients to fully bind to the skin.5 It is also recommended to use a sunscreen with at least a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 with both UVA and UVB protection. Because sunscreens wear off, it is important to reapply liberally and often especially after swimming or doing things that might make you sweat.
Protective Clothing. Clothing is a key element for sun protection. Even during hot summer months it is important to wear clothing that protects as much skin as possible. The CDC recommends loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and long pants made from tightly woven fabric as the best protection from the sun's UV rays. Additionally, darker colored clothing may offer more protection than lighter colors.6 The Skin Cancer Foundation explains that the easiest way to test if a fabric can protect your skin is to hold it up to the light. If you can see through it, then UV radiation can penetrate it – and your skin.7
Hats and Sunglasses. The best defense against sunlight and harmful UV rays for your face, ears, neck, eyes, and the tender skin around your eyes is to wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays and a wide brim hat. Studies show that prolonged exposure to UV rays without proper protection may cause eye conditions that can lead to vision loss, such as cataracts and other age-related macular degeneration. Studies also show that impaired vision is a major risk factor for many senior falls and injuries in the home.8
Find the Shade. Seeking shade under an awning, tree, umbrella, or other shelter can aid in your efforts to reduce the damaging effects of the sun, but according to the CDC UV rays can still reach you on cloudy and hazy days, so your best bet is to use sunscreen and wear protective clothing whenever you are outside, even in the shade.
The information contained within this article is not meant as a substitute for professional medical or nutritional advice and consultation. When differences exist between the information here and information given to you by your healthcare provider(s), you should follow the advice of your healthcare provider(s). Any additional information or clarification needed should be sought from the Physician, Practitioner, Speech Pathologist, or Nutritionist who is familiar with the individual’s health and medical conditions.
1 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sunscreen/sn00044
2 http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/prevention.htm
3 http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/prevention.htm#1
4 http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/prevention.htm#1
5 http://www.skincancer.org/Sunscreens-Explained.html
6 http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/prevention.htm#1
7 http://www.skincancer.org/sun-protective-clothing.html
8 http://preferhome.com/seniors-and-sun-safety/
Sources:
http://www.edocamerica.com/healthtip/Archive/eDocAmerica%20-%20Summer%20Sun%20Safety.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/prevention.htm
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/sun-safety-tips
http://www.retirementhomes.com/library/health-and-wellness/health-guide/summer-safety-tips-for-seniors-who-want-to-enjoy-the-sun-20090722766.html
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/sunscreen/sn00044