Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in the
United States and is, in most cases, preventable. As many as 90% of melanomas,
the deadliest form of skin cancer, are directly related to exposure to ultraviolet
(UV) rays. The rates of new cases of melanoma has doubled since 1982.
How do you protect yourself? Reduce your risk factors! A
base tan is not a healthy tan!
- Do check the UV index www.epa.gov/sunsafety/uv-index-1 before going out.
- Do not use any kind of indoor tanning. Indoor tanning increases your risk for developing skin cancer especially if you do it at an earlier age.
- Do use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher when outdoors even on cloudy days and reapply per manufacturer’s directions but at least every 2 hours. Wearing a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses also offers you additional protection.
- Do limit your time in the sun. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10-2pm even when it’s cloudy.
- You can still get burned when you are in the water so use a sunscreen and reapply more frequently. There is no such thing as waterproof sunscreen so reapply as directed by the manufacturer.
Remember tanned skin is damaged skin!
For more information on sunscreens: https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/BuyingUsingMedicineSafely/UnderstandingOver-the-CounterMedicines/ucm239463.htm
0 comments:
Post a Comment