During the month of July, District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) is recognizing UV Safety Awareness Month by highlighting tips to keep residents safe from ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure.

While you are out enjoying the sunshine, remember to do it safely and responsibly. Too much UV exposure can have negative effects on the skin, eyes, and immune system and even though we all want to enjoy summer while we have it, it is important to protect yourself and your kids from harmful UV rays.

 

Know the Risks 

Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to UV rays. Most of this exposure comes from the sun, but some can come from man-made sources, such as indoor tanning beds and sun lamps. People who get a lot of exposure to UV rays are at greater risk for skin cancer.

• UV rays, either from the sun or from artificial sources like tanning beds, can cause sunburn. 
• Exposure to UV rays can cause premature aging of the skin and signs of sun damage such as wrinkles, leathery skin, liver spots, and benign skin growths (known as actinic keratosis or solar elastosis).
• UV rays can also cause eye problems.  
• Exposure to UV rays can also weaken the immune system to the point that the body has a harder time fending off infections. This can lead to problems such as reactivation of herpes triggered by exposure to the sun or other sources of UV rays. It can also cause vaccines to be less effective. 

Sun Protection Tips

Staying in the shade is one of the best ways to limit your UV exposure. If you are going to be in the sun, remember the “Slip! Slop! Slap! And Wrap” catchphrase:

• Slip on a shirt.
• Slop on sunscreen.
• Slap on a hat.
• Wrap on sunglasses to protect the eyes and skin around them.
• Babies younger than 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight and protected from the sun using hats and protective clothing. Sunscreen may be used on small areas of exposed skin only if adequate clothing and shade are not available. 

An additional way to protect yourself from damaging UV exposure is by knowing the UV Index for your area whenever you plan to spend time outdoors. Check the UV Index online (https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/uv-index-1) or on a mobile weather app.

For more information about how to protect yourself from UV rays this summer, visit: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/sun-and-uv/uv-protection.html.