Skin cancer remains as one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States, causing the deaths of around 9,000 Americans and afflicting another 65,000 more, according to the latest figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
A significant number of these patients suffer from melanoma, which is considered to be the deadliest kind of skin cancer. The illness is often caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation generated by the sun.
With families gearing up to spend time outdoors this summer season, it is important to know how to protect the skin from the adverse effects of UV light. These sun safety tips allow people to have more fun under the sun without risking their health.
Seek the Shade
Ultraviolet rays are known to be at their strongest and most harmful during the middle of the day, between 10 p.m. and 4 p.m., according to the CDC. It is highly recommended to stay out of the sun during this time by seeking shade under a tree, an umbrella, or a tent to limit exposure to sunlight.
When choosing a summer camp for your kids, check with the organization first to know if there are adequate places in the camp where they can stay for shade during outdoor activities.
Cover Up
Protect your child's arms and legs from UV radiation by having them wear long-sleeved shirts and long skirts or pants whenever they are outdoors.
Make sure that their shirts are always kept dry as wet clothes do not offer much protection from the sun's rays. Darker colored clothes are also more suited at keeping UV radiation from affecting the skin compared to lighter colored ones.
Avoid Skin Tanning
According to The Skin Cancer Foundation, getting a skin tan, whether at the beach or at a local tanning salon, may not be a great idea as there is no definite rating for what can be considered a safe and healthy tan.
The group said people who receive tanning from salons are 74 percent more likely to suffer from melanoma compared to those who have never had their skin tanned indoors.
Put on Some Sunscreen
Keep your child's skin protected by regularly applying sunscreen on them at least 30 minutes before they go outside.
Choose a UVA/UVB sunscreen that has sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher for everyday use. For children who spend long periods outdoors, apply a UVA/UVB water-resistant sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher.
Make sure to re-apply sunscreen on your children every two hours and after they take a swim or play sports as sweat and water can wash away their sunscreen away.
Teaching your children about good sun safety habits can help prevent them from developing skin illnesses especially later in life.
Photo: Photogramma1 | Flickr
