Stay Safe in the Sun: Tips to Protect your Skin
BOSTON — As much as summer involves having fun in the sun, it also requires taking steps to protect your skin from the sun's harmful effects that can lead to skin cancer, wrinkles and age spots.As the rate of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer continues to rise, experts caution against sunbathing without protection against ultraviolet rays. But how much do you really know about protecting yourself and your family from the harmful effects of the sun?
As we head to the beaches and spend time outdoors this summer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts' Prevention and Wellness Program offers the following information and health tips to help you stay safe in the sun.
■ Sunscreen: Always make sure you apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or above to defend against UV rays. For infants and young children, be sure to use kid-friendly sun screen, which often has fewer chemicals. It is important to follow all directions, reapply regularly and check the expiration date.
■ Minimize exposure: Try to limit direct exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the summer months. When in the sun during these hours, wear sunscreen and seek shade whenever possible. Babies under one year of age should not be exposed to direct sunshine and should always wear light-colored clothing with a hat when outside.
■ What to wear: If you're spending a prolonged period of time under the sun, especially during peak hours, make sure to bring a wide-brimmed hat, pants, and a long-sleeved shirt.
■ Avoid the "surprise" sunburn: Even on an overcast day, 80 percent of the sun's powerful rays can break through the clouds. Be sure to apply sunscreen just as if there were no clouds if you must be outside for a long period of time.
■ Beware of the "base tan": While incremental tanning may leave you less likely to burn, the harmful UV rays still get through and are in fact what cause the base tan in the first place.
■ Know your medications: Some common prescription and over-the-counter drugs can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. You should always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the side effects of any medications you take. If one of your prescriptions increases your sensitivity to sunlight, it is important to take the necessary extra precautions.
Keeping these tips in mind, a summer of fun in the sun can be made much safer. Be sure to talk to your dermatologist if you have any concerns about your skin or the sun's effects on it. For more information on protecting your skin this summer visit: www.cancer.gov or http://www.ahealthyme.com/topic/saveyourskin.
The Prevention and Wellness Program was established in January 1995 and provides initiatives to promote preventive health to the insurer's 3 million members. For more information, call 1-800-262-BLUE.
