Now that it’s officially summer, it’s time for us to get outdoors and enjoy the warm weather! However, while soaking up the sun does provide incredible health benefits, it’s important for us to be mindful of how much sunshine we do take in and practice sun safety.
Getting a sunburn may seem like a temporary inconvenience, but too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to dangerous skin cancers. In the United States, we receive the greatest UV exposure between about 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., especially during the spring and summer.
July is UV Safety Month, which is the perfect time to reconsider our time spent outside and develop healthier habits around our sun exposure. We’ve shared a few tips to help you stay safe while still making the most of the summer months.
Wear sunscreen and reapply often.
This may sound like common sense, but it’s a tip we often forget! Sunscreen can be your skin’s greatest defense against ultraviolet rays. Look for a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UV-A and UV-B light. The higher the SPF, the more that the sunscreen will protect against this type of radiation. If you plan to spend a lot of time outside, you should reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you’re in the water. Even when it’s cloudy outside, you can still be at risk, so make sure you wear sunscreen regardless of how sunny it may appear outside.
When applying sunscreen, check the expiration date to ensure its efficacy. If your sunscreen has been exposed to high temperatures, it will likely have a shorter shelf life.
Protect your eyes.
When spending time outside, your eyes can also get a lot of UV exposure, which can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration, and even cancer. Wear sunglasses outdoors during peak UV hours, and be sure to choose a pair that blocks 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays. Having wrap-around sunglasses can also prevent UV rays from entering from the sides of your glasses.
Cover up.
Wearing a hat goes a long way! Not only will it keep your face covered, but it will also provide added protection for your eyes as well. According to the American Cancer Society, a hat with a 2- to 3-inch brim will protect your ears, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp, especially if the underside is dark and non-reflective. Consider also covering your skin with more clothing when possible to avoid excess exposure. Some clothing actually offers UV protection specifically!
Stay in the shade.
Spending time in the shade will help you keep cool and will limit your exposure. This is just as important to remember when indoors! UV rays can pass through windows, which means you should still wear sunscreen in the car or near an office window that gets a lot of light. Be careful in the water or in areas that reflect the sunlight, such as in the sand.
Avoid tanning beds.
It can feel tempting in the summertime to turn to a tanning bed, but tanning beds and sun lamps can actually cause long-term skin damage and possibly melanoma. If you’re looking to even out your skin tone this summer, try a spray tan instead to avoid those excess UV-A and UV-B rays.
Promote healthy behaviors for children.
UV exposure can affect our kids, too! Apply sunscreen for them and encourage them to wear hats and sunglasses. When scheduling outdoor activities for children, the CDC recommends avoiding those hours when the sun is the strongest, and suggests providing breaks for kids to reapply sunscreen or get water.
By practicing sun safety, we can enjoy our time outdoors while staying healthy all year long! For more on UV Safety Month, you can take the American Cancer Society’s Sun Safety Quiz here.
Corporate Health Fairs Offers
Employers – complete no-cost health and wellness events designed to engage and energize their most valuable assets… employees and executives. Custom-tailored solutions that empower employees to take a proactive role in their own wellness via direct access to our spectrum of local health development services and service providers.
Healthcare and Wellness Providers – Access to potential clients in an environment designed to foster health & wellness.
Insurance Brokers and Distributors – A unique business model that delivers a tremendous value-added benefit for your clients.
Announcing our new Virtual Adventures! Engage your Employees with Fun and Easy Challenges for Both Individuals and Teams!
Choose from 40 + Challenges & Five Challenge Categories! Learn More Here.
Call us: (407) 463-1514
Email us:
events@corporatehealthfairsorlando.com
events@corporatehealthfairsjacksonville.com
events@corporatehealthfairstampa.com