Sun Safety Tips

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know?

·  Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U. S.

·  Most skin cancers are caused by over exposure to the sun’s UVA and UVB radiation.

·  About 20 percent of North Americans can expect to develop skin cancer during their lifetimes.

·  The incidence of malignant melanoma has been increasing faster than any other type of cancer and has doubled since 1973.

·  As few as two blistering sunburns before the age of 20 may double the risk of developing melanoma later in life.

·  Most people attain up to 25% of their lifetime sun exposure before their 18th birthday.

·  Most skin cancer is preventable.

Use these tips to keep you and your family sun-safe!

Check the UV Index daily

·  Look in the weather section of the newspaper

·  Higher number (1 to 11+) = greater UV

·  Take more precautions on high UV days

Limit Direct UV exposure

·  Work or play inside during peak sun hours (midday)

·  Use large umbrellas or other shade cover

·  Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps

Cover up with Clothing

·  Choose to wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, wide-brimmed hats and back-flap hats

·  Wear tightly woven fabrics (ones you can’t see through when held up to the light)

·  Cover your eyes with 100% UV sunglasses

Use Sunscreen*

·  Wear sunscreen and lip balm with SPF 15 or higher that blocks UVA and UVB

·  Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going out

·  Reapply every 2 hours or more often after swimming or sweating

Examine your skin

·  Watch your moles and other skin spots

·  Report unusual skin changes to your doctor

*Warning: Do not depend on sunscreen alone. Combine sunscreen with wide-brimmed hats, UV-protective sunglasses, and tightly-woven clothing to increase your protection against UV radiation.