73° and Fog
Image
WARREN COUNTY, OH -- As summer rolls in and we enjoy more time outdoors, Mercy Health wants to remind everyone about the importance of sun safety. While being outside has its perks, such as boosting your vitamin D levels and lifting your spirits, excessive sun exposure can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which comes in three forms: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Thankfully, UVC rays are absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere and never reach us. However, UVA and UVB rays can harm your skin. UVA rays can lead to aging, while UVB rays are mainly responsible for sunburn.
To make the most of your summer fun while keeping your skin protected, here are some sun safety tips from Mercy Health:
- Wear Sunscreen: Before heading outside, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher at least 15 minutes in advance. Don't forget to reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Also, be sure to check the expiration date on any sunscreen; most have a shelf life of three years.
- Choose Proper Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts and long pants made from tightly woven fabric offer the best protection against UV rays. If that's not your style, consider a beach cover-up or a T-shirt, but keep in mind that a T-shirt usually has an SPF of 15 or less.
- Seek Shade: Staying in the shade is one of the best ways to protect yourself from the sun, especially during peak hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Also, keep little ones under 6 months in the shade, since sunscreen isn’t recommended for them.
- Stock Up on Hats: A wide-brimmed hat can help shield your face, head, ears, and neck from the sun. Avoid straw hats with holes, and opt for darker hats instead, as they may offer better UV protection.
- Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from UV rays and help prevent cataracts by wearing sunglasses that block nearly 100% of both UVA and UVB rays.
- Know Your Surroundings: Be mindful of surfaces like water, sand, and snow that can reflect the sun's rays and increase your risk of sun damage. Sunscreen and protective clothing are key in these environments.
Taking these simple yet effective steps can significantly help reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer. Mercy Health encourages everyone to be aware of their skin health this summer by adopting these sun safety practices and scheduling regular skin checks with their dermatologist. Early detection of any suspicious spots can help catch potential issues before they become serious.
For more information, visit mercy.com.
More News from Franklin
- Warren County Park District Unveils Bold Strategic Plan to Shape the Future of Parks and Green Spaces Warren County Park District's new Strategic Plan is a visionary roadmap designed to guide the next decade of growth.
- Landsman Statement on Ayman Soliman Congressman Greg Landsman (D-OH-01) statement on Ayman Soliman, who was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
