Article - Be Sun Smart!

You've heard that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is not good for you. But you love being outdoors and your skin looks fine. So what's the big deal? Besides the obvious risk of sun burn, skin damage occurs that you may not see or feel immediately. The American Cancer Society estimates that there are more than one million new cases of skin cancer each year, with 60,000 people developing melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.

Over exposure to the sun can also suppress the immune system. If the skin is damaged, it is harder to fight off infections. Exposure to the UV rays of the sun also causes premature aging of the skin, including wrinkling and loss of elasticity, making us look older than we really are. While fair skinned people are more susceptible to these skin cancers, people of all skin tones are at risk for cataracts. Cataracts refer to a condition characterized by clouding in the natural lens of the eye which may cause blurriness and decreased vision.

The Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA) feels so strongly about the potential risks of sunshine that they created the "SunWise" program to promote sun safety in elementary and middle schools.

What do the experts recommend?

• Be aware of the UV Index.
  Developed by the National Meteorological Center of the National Weather Service the UV Index is a next-day forecast that estimates the amount of ultraviolet radiation that will reach the earth's surface. The index lets you know, on a scale of 1 to 10, when it may be too dangerous to spend more than a few minutes outside without having appropriate protection. When the UV Index rating is high your local news channel will usually mention it during the weather report.

• Minimize exposure to the sun between 10am and 3 pm.
  Solar Safe wrist bands are a great way to monitor your exposure. Just coat the band with sunscreen at the same time you apply the sunscreen to yourself. The one-time use band changes color to let you know when to reapply sunscreen or get out of the sun.

• Use a sunscreen that is rated SPF15 or higher and protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
  Be sure to apply the sunscreen to all areas of your body that will be exposed to the sun. Follow the directions carefully and reapply as required, particularly after swimming or if you are perspiring. Sunscreen is available in many forms including lotion, cream, spray and wipes. Individually packaged SPF wipes are particularly handy as they can be left in your pocket or glove compartment, ready for a grease free application when you are on the go.

• Even when it is warm, wear tightly woven, loose fitting pants and long sleeve shirts whenever possible.
  Being totally covered helps, but is not completely safe unless you are wearing SPF treated clothing. That means you still need to be aware of your exposure to the sun.

• Don't forget that your scalp is skin, too.
  Hats should have 3" rims that provide shade for both your face and the back of your neck. SPF treated hats can provide an addition layer of protection. There are many fashionably styled hats to choose from, so it won't be hard to find one that suits you.

• Wear sunglasses to reduce the amount of UV rays reaching your eyes.
  Dark glasses can filter as much as 80 percent of the sun's rays, protecting your eyelids as well as the lens. Wrap around styles offer the most protection from those nasty UV rays that can lead to cataracts.

What else do you need to know?

• Being in the shade is not always enough. Sand and pavement reflect UV rays even under the umbrella. Water and snow also reflect UV rays. These surfaces can reflect up to 85 percent of the damaging rays from the sun.

• Overcast weather isn't sufficient protection either, as you can still be exposed to the UV rays through the clouds. If you spend time outside, you need a SPF15 or higher every day, no matter what the weather is like!

• There are no safe UV rays, even if they come from an artificial source, like a tanning booth. Both UVA and UVB rays contribute to skin damage, including skin cancer.

Most forms of skin cancer are preventable. It's true that fair skinned people are more susceptible to the damage that can be inflicted by UV rays. They burn more easily and have a greater incidence of skin cancer. However everyone is vulnerable to cataracts in their eyes and skin that ages faster due to exposure to these invisible rays of light. You don't have to stay indoors, but you do have to be aware of the hazards of sunshine, taking the proper precautions to protect your skin. You will look better and feel better as a result.

© Copyright 2008 Dynamic Living, Inc.
Dynamic Living Newsletter may only be redistributed in its unedited form. Written permission from the editor must be obtained to reprint or cite the information contained within this newsletter.

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