July is UV Safety Awareness Month. Protect Your Skin, Protect Your Health!
July is UV Safety Awareness Month, a great reminder of the importance of protecting ourselves from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays during the peak of summer. Whether you're spending time at the beach, enjoying a backyard barbecue, or simply running errands on a sunny day, it's important to understand how UV exposure can impact your health, and what you can do to stay safe.
Why UV Safety Matters
The sun emits both UVA and UVB rays, which can penetrate the skin and damage cells. Over time, excessive UV exposure can lead to premature aging, eye damage, immune suppression, and an increased risk of skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States.
Even on cloudy or cooler days, UV rays can still cause harm. In fact, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate through clouds, and reflective surfaces like water, sand, and pavement can intensify your exposure.
Simple Ways to Stay Protected
Practicing sun safety doesn’t mean you have to avoid the outdoors, it just means taking a few smart precautions:
Sun Safety for All Ages
Children and older adults are particularly vulnerable to UV damage. Teaching kids good sun safety habits early and ensuring seniors are protected during outdoor activities can go a long way in preventing long-term damage.
Protecting Health Year-Round
While July is a great time to spotlight UV safety, these habits should be practiced year-round. UV rays are present even during the winter months or on overcast days, and consistent protection is key to reducing your risk.
This month, take a moment to reassess your sun protection routine and help spread awareness among friends, family, and your community. A few small actions today can help ensure healthier skin and a lower risk of sun-related illnesses tomorrow.
July is UV Safety Awareness Month, a great reminder of the importance of protecting ourselves from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays during the peak of summer. Whether you're spending time at the beach, enjoying a backyard barbecue, or simply running errands on a sunny day, it's important to understand how UV exposure can impact your health, and what you can do to stay safe.
Why UV Safety Matters
The sun emits both UVA and UVB rays, which can penetrate the skin and damage cells. Over time, excessive UV exposure can lead to premature aging, eye damage, immune suppression, and an increased risk of skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States.
Even on cloudy or cooler days, UV rays can still cause harm. In fact, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate through clouds, and reflective surfaces like water, sand, and pavement can intensify your exposure.
Simple Ways to Stay Protected
Practicing sun safety doesn’t mean you have to avoid the outdoors, it just means taking a few smart precautions:
- Apply Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Reapply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses can offer great protection.
- Seek Shade: Especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
- Check the UV Index: Many weather apps and websites include the daily UV Index, which helps you gauge the level of UV radiation in your area.
- Be Mindful of Medications: Some medications can increase your sensitivity to the sun, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure.
Sun Safety for All Ages
Children and older adults are particularly vulnerable to UV damage. Teaching kids good sun safety habits early and ensuring seniors are protected during outdoor activities can go a long way in preventing long-term damage.
Protecting Health Year-Round
While July is a great time to spotlight UV safety, these habits should be practiced year-round. UV rays are present even during the winter months or on overcast days, and consistent protection is key to reducing your risk.
This month, take a moment to reassess your sun protection routine and help spread awareness among friends, family, and your community. A few small actions today can help ensure healthier skin and a lower risk of sun-related illnesses tomorrow.