UV Safety Month

This month, July, is UV (Ultra Violet Radiation) Safety Month. Read the information below to protect your skin, eyes and overall health. A healthy life is the way to be!

What is it?

Ultraviolet radiation is composed of high-energy rays from the sun. Long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation (“sunburn rays”) may contribute to the development of many future health problems like skin cancer and age-related eye damage.

Eyes

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, long-term exposure to UV rays can be linked to many eye disorders such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.

Ways to prevent eye damage from ultraviolet radiation:
1) Be aware that rays can be reflected off sand, snow or pavement and can damage your eyes.
2) Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.
3) Buy sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. It doesn't matter how dark the lens is or if it's a more expensive brand.
4) Wear swimming goggles to protect your eyes from chlorine (this is just general summer eye protection). Also, remember that bacteria can get under contact lenses and cause an inflamed cornea.

5) Put sunglasses on whenever you're outside.

Skin

Sun exposure causes many of the skin changes that we think of as a normal part of aging. Over time, the sun's ultraviolet (UV) light damages the fibers in the skin called elastin. When these fibers break down, the skin begins to sag, stretch, and lose its ability to go back into place. The skin also bruises and tears more easily -- taking longer to heal. So while sun damage to the skin may not be apparent when you're young, it will definitely show later in life.

Nothing can completely undo sun damage, although the skin can sometimes repair itself. So, it's never too late to begin protecting yourself from the sun. Follow these tips to help prevent sun-related skin problems:

• Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or greater at least 30 minutes before sun exposure and then every few hours thereafter
• Select cosmetic products and contact lenses that offer UV protection
• Wear long sleeved shirts, and pants
• Avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible during peak UV radiation hours between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
• Perform skin self-exams regularly to become familiar with existing growths and to notice any changes or new growths
• Eighty percent of a person's lifetime sun exposure is acquired before age 18. As a parent, be a good role model and foster skin cancer prevention habits in your child
• Avoid tanning beds

Post Title : UV Safety Month

UV Safety Month,

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UV Safety Month