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COURIER L PS IFE, JULY 5-11, 2019 31
Health
When the weather is
warm, many people
take time to relax at the
beach or poolside. While such
relaxation can provide a welcome
break from busy schedules,
it’s important that men,
women, and children prioritize
protecting their skin when
spending time in the sun.
According to the Skin Cancer
Foundation, basal cell carcinoma
is the most common
form of skin cancer. The American
Cancer Society notes that
each year there are more new
cases of skin cancer in the
United States than the combined
incidences of cancers of
the breast, prostate, lung, and
colon. Despite that prevalence,
many people still engage in
risky behaviors in the name of
outdoor enjoyment. Being safe
in the sun won’t take anything
away from enjoyable outdoor
activities, but exercising such
caution will help summer revelers
reduce their risk for skin
cancer and other conditions:
Know the risks of UV exposure.
Sunlight is needed to
engage vitamin D production
in the body, but too much sun
exposure can do more harm
than good. Ultraviolet, or UV,
rays from the sun and other
sources, such as tanning beds,
are the primary cause of skin
cancer. Exposure also can
lead to sunburns, premature
aging and wrinkling, and eye
damage.
Use only broad-spectrum
SPF sunscreen. Look for a
sunblock product that boasts
an SPF of at least 30. The FDA
requires any sunscreen with
an SPF below 15 to carry a
warning that it only protects
against sunburn, not skin
cancer or skin aging. Find a
sunscreen that works against
UVA and UVB rays as well.
UVA rays are mostly responsible
for contributing to skin
cancer and premature aging.
Reapply frequently, especially
when swimming or engaging
in activities that cause sweating.
Know the difference between
water-resistant and
waterproof sunscreens.
Manufacturers are no longer
allowed to claim that their
sunscreens are waterproof
or sweatproof. A sunscreen
may be able to repel water for
a short time, but it should be
reapplied when leaving the
water or when spending long
stretches in the water.
Cover up whenever possible.
It may seem counterintuitive
in hot weather, but
covering up can be benefi cial
to the skin and actually keep
a person cooler. Wear widebrimmed
hats, long-sleeve
tops, and light-colored pants.
Some materials are made with
refl ective properties, while
others actually boast their
own SPF.
Summer fun does not need
to be threatened by overexposure
to the sun. By exercising
caution, everyone can spend
quality time in the great outdoors
all summer long.
Always practice
summer sun safety
Wear light-colored clothing to stay cool and keep skin out of the sun.
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