UV Safety Month
UV Safety Month
During the summer, when many of us are spending time outdoors exercising or getting away from a computer screen, it’s critical to understand that UV safety is very important. UV rays are the ultraviolet rays that come from the sun or other man-made sources such as tanning beds and sun lamps. Prolonged exposure and not being safe when dealing with UV rays are two ways people can increase their risk of getting skin cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, there are numerous factors that affect UV exposure –
- Time of day
- Season of the year
- Distance from the equator (latitude)
- Altitude
- Cloud cover
- Reflection off surfaces
To protect yourself from the sun, the American Cancer Society recommends staying in the shade as one of the best ways to limit your UV exposure. Should you need to be in the sun, ACS suggests these steps – “slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, and wrap on sunglasses” to protect your eyes and skin.
To learn more about the importance of UV safety, please visit the American Cancer Society’s “Be Safe in the Sun” website.