Smart And Healthy Sun Safety Tips
By: SmartTips
Here you will find simple but smart Sun Safety Tips that will allow you to enjoy the outdoors and beautiful weather while protecting you from the most common form of cancer in the U.S., skin cancer.
There are 3 main reasons why people subject their selves to the sun's harmful rays unprotected.
1) To get a tan.
2) Laziness to take protective measures.
3) or Lack of knowledge and/or the underestimation of the seriousness of the damage the sun's rays can cause.
I hope to show you tips that involve minimal effort but do protect you. Keep in mind that sun damage accumulates over time. It's never to late to start sun protection and some is better than none.
Using all, some, most, or any combination of these Sun Safety Tips will help you lead a healthier life and dramatically lessen the chance of getting Skin Cancer by your own doing.
Before we start with the tips here are 4 facts to keep in mind:
The following people are at a even greater risk of getting skin damage or skin cancer: African Americans, Asians, and Fair skinned people with moles or freckles, people with blue eyes, blonde or red hair have the greatest risk. BUT don't be fooled everyone has risks.
Other side effects of sun exposure include: eye problems, weakened immune system, unsightly sunspots, wrinkles, and pour textured "leathery" skin.
There are 2 types of ultraviolet radiation emitted from the sun: UVA and UVB. UVB rays are the sunburn culprit and UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply and are associated with skin cancer, wrinkling, sagging, and photoaging.
Sunburn takes 6-48 hours to develop so you won't even realize your getting burned till it's too late.
Now on to some smart and healthy sun safety tips:
Dress accordingly: Cover or shade the areas of your body most suscepable to the sun's rays during the peak hours. This includes using hats (wide brimmed especially), long sleeves, and pants. Special sun protective clothing is now out in stores also.
Watch your eyes. Wear sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection. Look at the labels to assure this and make sure your not wearing just simply tinted fashion accessory glasses. The color or amount of tint does not mean much unless they are made for UV protection. Keep in mind that sunlight reflecting off snow, sand, or water further increases exposure to UV radiation.
Find some shade! Reduce your time in the sun during the peak hours of 10am and 4pm. Even though it is overcast out that doesn't mean you won't get sun damage. Up to 80% of the sun's UV rays can get through clouds. If you want to be outside during these hours seek shade.
Wear sunscreen. Buy and wear at a minimum of SPF15 sunscreen. The higher the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) the higher the degree of protection.
Also make sure you buy water resistant sunscreen. This sunscreen stays on your body longer than non water-resistant. Wait at least 15 minutes after application to go out into the sun and reapply every 2 hours.
And finally check for your body for signs of Skin Cancer. If you find discoloration or changes in size, shape, or feel of birthmarks, moles, and spots can be the early stages of sun cancer. When in doubt follow up with a dermatologist.
Use these healthy sun safety tips to minimize damage to your body.
These tips will dramatically lessen your chances of getting sun cancer and will keep you looking younger and healthier for years to come as you age! Enjoy those nice days but be smart.
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