Did you know it's UV Safety Month?

[Miranda Belcher]

Welcome to the discussion forum on UV safety month! July is recognized as UV safety month to bring awareness to the dangers of UV radiation and the importance of sun safety. UV radiation is a form of energy from the sun that can damage our skin and eyes, leading to sunburns, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer.

So why is UV awareness important? Well, for starters, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and UV exposure is the main cause. With the summer months in full swing, it’s the perfect time to talk about how we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from harmful UV rays.

But let’s not forget the positive aspects of UV exposure either. Our bodies need UV radiation to produce vitamin D and maintain healthy bones. So how do we balance the benefits of UV exposure with the risks? Let’s discuss some tips for enjoying the sun safely:

1. Seek shade during peak hours: UV rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm, so try to stay in the shade during this time.

2. Wear protective clothing: Cover up with clothing, hats, and sunglasses to reduce UV exposure.

3. Use sunscreen: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and apply it 15 minutes before going outside.

4. Don’t forget your lips: The skin on our lips is sensitive and can also get sunburned, so use a lip balm with SPF.

5. Be mindful of reflections: UV rays can reflect off surfaces such as water, sand, and snow, so take extra precautions in these environments.

Now, let’s open up the discussion. Have you or someone you know been affected by UV exposure? What steps do you take to protect yourself from the sun? Let’s share our experiences and knowledge to raise awareness and promote UV safety.

https://www.aad.org/member/advocacy/promote/uv-awareness

[Karin Zonneveld]

Thank you. This is essential, as many people don't think the sun might be dangerous, and some think it is not necessary to get any sun during the day!

 

We actually get a lot of sunburn from reflection without realizing it. Thus, the importance of being in green environments is that plants don't cause as much reflection as other surfaces. My grandmother had to be treated with cryotherapy after getting heavily sunburned when she was 75! So, remember to take care of your elders as well as your kids.

 

Does anybody know if latitude affects the way we might get sunburned?