UV Safety Month

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By Diane Forrest, RN

July is a very busy and hot month.  It starts off with a Bang, on July 4th and continues on through the month with families going on vacations and spending time outside. That is why this month was chosen to make you aware of Ultra Violet light safety.  U-V light rays are transmitted by the sun.  Over exposures to these rays can cause skin cancer.  UV light can also damage eyes.  Anyone can get skin cancer, but the risk is greatest for people with:

• White or light-colored skin with freckles
• Blond or red hair
• Blue or green eyes

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You can take these steps to help prevent skin cancer:

• Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
• Cover up with long sleeves and a hat.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Check your skin regularly for changes

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Prevention is so simple, and only takes a few minutes to protect your skin from harmful rays.  If you notice any changes to your skin, go to your doctor and have it examined.  Recently my parents visited a dermatologist and had some precancerous lesions removed, quickly and painlessly.  Now they can simply use a laser to zap the growths away.

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July is a great time to spend time outside, having fun and making a splash.  But don't forget about safety.  Like my granny used to say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.