During
the summer months, the
sun can be intense enough
to burn your skin between
the hours of 10:00 am
and 5:00 pm. The reflection
of the sun off of the
ocean and light colored
sand can exaggerate this
effect even more. Overexposure
to the sun may result
in skin cancer later in
life. Learn the facts
about exposure to the
sun's UV rays.
Dangers of UV Exposure:
•
You
can sunburn
even on a
cloudy day!
•
On average,
children spend
3 times more
time in the
sun than adults!
•
Concrete,
sand, water,
and snow reflect
85% to 90%
of the sun's
UV rays.
•
Depletion
of Earth's
ozone continues
to increase
your exposure
to UV rays!
•
More than
1 million
new cases
of skin cancer
are diagnosed
each year
in the US!
•
Every 5
minutes another
women is diagnosed
with skin
cancer.
•
Skin cancer
is increasing
at a faster
rate than
any other
cancer.
•
Every sunburn
increases
a child's
chance of
getting skin
cancer as
an adult.
Tips
to Preventing Sunburns:
•
Avoid
sun exposure
during the
hottest hours
of the sun’s
rays.
•
Apply sunscreen
with a SPF
(Sun Protection
Factor) of
at least 15,
paying special
attention
to the face,
nose, ears
and shoulders.
•
Wear a
hat.
•
Wear sunglasses
with UV (Ultraviolet)
Protection.
•
Drink plenty
of water and
non-carbonated
drinks, even
if you do
not feel thirsty.
•
Some common
areas people
forget to
apply sun
screen to
are:
Tops of feet
- (if your
walking along
the beach
this area
will burn!).
Ears - just
like washing,
don't forget
behind the
ears.
Backs of the
knees - when
you're laying
on your stomach,
this thin-skinned
area is particularly
vulnerable
and can be
very painful
when burned.
•
Some perfumes,
colognes,
deodorants
and antiperspirants
applied to
the skin can
cause a rash
in combination
with sun exposure.
•
It is equally
important
to reapply
sunscreen
after you
have gone
in the water
or toweled
off.
•
Whenever
possible,
wear a shirt
or some kind
of clothing
to minimize
your sun exposure.
•
Umbrellas
or other sunshades
are great
devices for
staying out
of direct
sunlight,
and will also
help keep
you cool.
