Health & Nutrition
Sun Exposure
The warmer weather signals an increase in outdoor activities in
Arkansas and an increase in exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. Such UV
rays are present all seasons of the year but because more time is spent outdoors
and since we generally wear less clothing during the warmer months, the risk of
exposure is greater.
Excessive and unprotected exposure to the sun can result in
premature aging and undesirable changes in skin texture. Such exposure also has
been associated with various types of skin cancer, including one of the most
serious and deadly forms of such cancer— a form known as melanoma.
You should never get sunburned as sunburn increases the risk of
skin cancer. The risk for sunburn is increased for:
Persons with fair skin, blue eyes and red or blond hair
Person taking some medications including sulfa drugs, tetracyclines, and some diuretics
Persons exposed to industrial UV light sources
Persons exposed to excessive outdoor sunlight
Protect yourself from the sun's UV rays by:
Avoiding, when possible, outdoor activities during midday, when
the sun's rays are strongest. In Arkansas this usually means the hours between
10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Apply sunscreen and lipscreen to exposed body areas. As a rule
of thumb, you should always use a sunscreen and lipscreen with at least Sun
Protection Factor (SPF) 15. Higher numbers indicate more protection. Reapply
sunscreen according to manufacturers directions, especially during peak sun
hours or after swimming or exercising.
Wear loose-fitting clothing made from tightly woven fabric to
cover and protect your skin. A typical t-shirt, while more practical than
long-sleeved shirts and pants in some situations, offers less protection than
the recommended SPF 15. A wet t-shirt offers much less protection that a dry
one. Use a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 with t-shirts and clothes made with
loosely woven fabrics.
Wear a hat with a brim. If you wear a baseball cap, you should
protect the back of your neck and your ears by using sunscreen with at least SPF
15, wearing other clothing, or staying in the shade when possible.
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and reduce the risk of
cataracts. Wrap-around lenses work best because they also protect the tender
skin around the eyes from sun exposure.
Seek shade. You can reduce your risk of skin damage and skin
cancer by seeking shade under and umbrella, tree, or other shelter. Seek shade
before–not after–you need relief from the sun.
Let's also remember the Little Folks:
According to the American Cancer Society, people receive up to
80% of their life's total exposure to UV light by the age of 18. Start early in
promoting a healthy attitude about sun protection for your kids.
Here are some everyday actions from the American Cancer Society
you can take now to safeguard the children in your care against the dangers of
the sun. Remember: sun exposure occurs day after day, so think about protection
from UV everyday, even when it's hazy or cloudy.
Take care when planning your children's activities. The best way
to avoid UV exposure is to limit time in the sun, especially between the hours
of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are the strongest.
Encourage kids to play in the shade.
Whenever possible, plan outdoor activities so as not to be in
the sun during the middle of the day.
When your kids are outdoors, be sure their skin is protected. UV
rays reflect off water, sand, snow and any light-colored surface, like concrete.
UV rays also reach below the water's surface.
Encourage your kids to wear clothing that protects as much skin
as possible from the sun. Make it fun to wear hats that completely shade their
faces, necks, and ears. To protect arms, legs, and body, choose comfortable
clothing made of tightly woven fabrics that you can't see through when held up
to the light. Dark colors provide more protection than light colors.
Use sunscreen everyday on skin that is not protected by clothing or hat.
Choose a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. Sunscreen is not recommended for
children less than 6 months old. Keep infants in the shade and covered up with
comfortable clothing.
See our fact sheet on Skin Cancer
|
