What to Know for Summer Sun Safety Month This August!
The summer season is in full swing and we hope everyone is making the most of their time in the sun this year. The combination of spending more time outdoors and the longer, hotter summer weather means now is the time to take sun protection most seriously. August is Summer Sun Safety Month in the US, which is why the healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine thought it would be a great opportunity to explain what our readers can do to enjoy the rest of the summer as safely as possible.
Be Aware of the Time of Day
There’s never a bad time to consider sun protection during the summer, but some times of day are more important to take note of than others. The middle of the day, between 10 am and 4 pm, is when the sun’s UV rays are at their strongest. Additionally, while they may provide some temporary relief, remember that clouds offer little actual protection from UV rays and you can still experience sun damage on a cloudy day.
Apply Sunscreen Every Day
Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen (minimum SPF 30) every day during the summer is the single most helpful thing that you can do to protect yourself during the summer and to help prevent skin cancer. Apply sunscreen generously, and make sure to reapply every two hours, or even more frequently in situations where you are swimming or sweating. Use a generous amount of sunscreen on all areas of exposed skin, but don’t forget other spots that are less commonly thought of including your lips, your ears, your feet (if wearing sandals), areas of exposed scalp and the backs of your hands. Also, make sure the sunscreen you’re using has not expired if using a bottle or can that was held over from last summer.
Remember Protective Clothing & Sunglasses
Wearing sunscreens is obviously essential, but there is more that you can do to protect your skin this summer. Sun-protective clothing that covers your arms and legs, as well as a broad-brimmed hat, can also be incredibly beneficial. It’s important to remember that UV rays can also affect your eyes, leading to pain, discomfort, and even long-term vision damage. Many people don’t realize that it’s possible for your eyes to experience a sunburn as well. When shopping for sunglasses, look for a pair with lenses that block both types of UV radiation — UVA and UVB rays.
Regardless of how much precaution you take this summer, regular skin exams to detect any potential skin cancers are still very highly recommended. Like any other form of cancer, the earlier that skin cancer is detected and diagnosed, the easier that it will be to treat effectively. For more information on skin health or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, Lilburn and Loganville.
