Before you head outdoors this summer, use these sun safety tips.
The summer is here! Whether you plan to hit the beach, head to the pool, explore the great outdoors, or just relax in your backyard, the odds are high you’ll get some sunshine during the months ahead. The problem is that skin cancer is the most common kind of cancer, and the American Cancer Society estimates that over 76,000 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed this year alone! Use these sun safety tips to shrink this risk for yourself and your family this summer.
Set up a screen.
Surprise, surprise. Our #1 tip for protecting your skin from the sun is simple: use sunscreen. Choose one that has an SPF (which stands for sun protection factor) of at least 30 and gives broad-spectrum protection. That means it blocks out both UVA and UVB rays, both of which harm your skin. Make sure your skin is ready for the sun by applying it 15 minutes before you go outside. Then, keep that protection in place by reapplying every two hours, or more regularly if you’re in the water or working up a sweat.
Cover with clothing.
Here’s another predictable but important reminder. The less skin you expose to the sun, the less you expose yourself to the risk of sunburns and skin cancer. Wear loose, light-colored clothing to cover your skin and keep yourself cool. Pair it with a wide-brimmed hat and you’ve got stylish sun safeguards in place.
Engage your eyewear.
Turns out sunglasses are more than just a fun summer accessory. Your eyes can actually get sunburnt! Avoid that painful experience by wearing sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
If you get a nasty burn this summer, it’s worth going to the dermatologist to make sure you don’t have any skin cancer symptoms that need to be addressed. Your health insurance can make that possible. To learn more, contact Nahai Insurance Services.