UV Safety: Protect Yourself & Your Family
There are very few things more delightful than stepping out into the warmer air after several long months of cold weather. When the warm summer sun first hits your skin, it can awaken the senses and declutter a foggy mind. While summer may be full of lovely sun rays, ultraviolet light from sun exposure can be harmful. In this guide you’ll find suggestions of ways to keep yourself, and your family, safe from UV light and exposure.
What are UV Light and UV Exposure?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines ultraviolet (UV) radiation as a form of non-ionizing radiation that is released by the sun and other artificial sources (such as tanning beds). While UV rays have some benefits, including creating Vitamin D, they also can cause many health risks.
Health Risks Due to UV Radiation
Sunburn, caused by overexposure to UV radiation, can be painful, and cause long-term issues including premature aging and an increase in your risk of developing cancer.
Diseases of the eye, including ones that can permanently alter vision, can develop without proper eye protection.
Skin cancer, which is most likely to develop on the head, face, neck, hands and arms, is a serious risk of exposure to UV light. Learn more about the different types of skin cancer and test your knowledge on the American Cancer Society’s website.
UV Safety Steps
It is important for you and your family to take the necessary precautions to remain safe from UV radiation, especially in the summer months when you are likely to be outside more often, for longer periods of time, and while wearing lighter clothing. Starting your children on a sun protection routine early can decrease their risk of painful sunburn and help prevent skin cancers and premature skin aging later on in life.
To protect yourself from UV radiation, the CDC recommends the following steps:
When you go outdoors, stay in the shade, especially throughout the midday hours.
Wear protective clothing that covers your arms and legs.
Wear a wide-brim hat to keep your face, head, ears and neck out of the direct sunlight.
Wear wraparound sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher for both UVA and UVB protection. Be sure to research the types you are using and how to apply to get the most out of the products.
Avoid indoor tanning. Indoor tanning is dangerous for all, but especially younger people. People who begin indoor tanning at a young age have a higher risk of developing melanoma, a form of skin cancer.
Checking Your Skin for Changes
The American Cancer Society (ACS) provides resources to help us understand what to look for when examining our own skin. It’s important to note that not all skin cancers look identical, and while they most often occur on parts of the body that get the most sun exposure (face, head, neck and arms), they can occur anywhere on the body.
The ACS suggests looking for:
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
A mole (or other spot on the skin) that’s new or changing in size, shape, or color
A mole with an odd shape, irregular borders, or areas of different colors
The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the time they are 70. Unlike many other cancers, blood and imaging tests are not needed to detect skin cancer early – just a thorough check using your own eyes and a mirror. Finding skin cancer at the beginning stages is the best way to make sure it is treated effectively, so consistent self-exams are important. Talk to your doctor about how to examine your skin, and how often you should conduct a self-exam to best reduce your skin cancer risk.
Do you have little ones at home? Don’t forget to check them too using this screening guide for kids from the Melanoma Research Foundation.
Additional UV Radiation Resources for the Whole Family
After reviewing these recommendations and resources, take some time as a family to test your sun safety knowledge on the American Cancer Society website!