The Shadow
STAUNTON, Va. – The Central Shenandoah Health District (CSHD) is reminding residents to protect themselves from the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
July is UV Safety Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of taking proactive steps now to prevent skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the U.S. The good news is that skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. No matter how much time you plan to spend outdoors enjoying the sunshine and summer activities, you should take extra precautions against the damaging rays which can put yourself at risk for several serious health issues.
“As people spend time at the beach, enjoy outdoor recreational activities or work outside, it is important to remember to protect yourself,” says Dr. Allison Baroco, Acting Health Director for CSHD. “Limiting sun exposure, especially during midday, will protect your skin from the sun’s intense and damaging radiation.”
The Central Shenandoah Health District suggests several steps you can take to protect yourself from UV radiation.
- Stay in the shade, especially during midday hours.
- Wear clothes that cover your arms and legs.
- Consider options to protect your children.
- Wear a wide brim hat to shade your face, head, ears, and neck.
- Wear wraparound sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
- Use sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher, for both UVA and UVB protection.
Sunscreen protects you from sun exposure by reflecting or absorbing UV rays, but it wears off. Here are some tips on how to apply and select sunscreen:
- Apply sunscreen to create a thick layer on the skin at least 20 minutes before you are put in the sun.
- Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including ears, scalp, lips, neck, tops of feet, and backs of hands.
- Reapply at least every two hours.
- Use sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher.
- Ensure your sunscreen “blocks UVA and UVB” or has “broad spectrum” on the label.
- Reapply each time you get out of water or sweat heavily.
- If you are also using insect repellent, apply sunscreen first and insect repellent second. Follow product label instructions to determine how often you need to reapply insect repellent and sunscreen.
- Follow the sunscreen’s expiration date. Sunscreen without an expiration date has a shelf life of 3 years.
Sunscreen is not recommended for babies who are six months old or younger. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends keeping infants out of the sun during midday and using protective clothing if they have to be in the sun.
Sunlight exposure is highest during the summer between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. You are also at risk of UV radiation even on cloudy days. Be safe, use common sense and protect yourself from sun damage when outside, no matter what the weather.
The Virginia Department of Health and the Cancer Action Coalition of Virginia have partnered with the Virginia Recreation and Parks Society (VRPS) and Virginia schools to implement sun safety initiatives. Visit the Cancer Coalition webpage for more information.
