Protect Yourself from the Sun
The US Environmental Protection Agency, in cooperation with leading public health organizations, has developed a website to provide some simple steps to help protect yourself from the DOG DAYS of the SUMMER SUN!
"While some exposure to sunlight can be enjoyable, too much can be dangerous. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight can result in painful sunburn." It can also lead to more serious health effects, including skin cancer and premature aging of the skin; cataracts; and immune system suppression. Children are particularly at risk since most of the average person's lifetime exposure occurs before 18 years of age.
Most people are not aware that skin cancer, while largely preventable, is the most common form of cancer (more than one million cases annually) in the United States. You can still enjoy your time in the sun while protecting yourself. Other than staying indoors, no single step can fully protect from overexposure to UV radiation.
- Limit your time in the midday sun.
- ALWAYS use sunscreen.
- Seek shade.
- Wear a hat and cover up your skin.
- Wear sunglasses with UV radiation protection.
- Check the UV Index daily.
Go to http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/actionsteps.html for more in depth information.