Summer is here! Protect yourself from the sun’s UV rays. With summer in full swing, itβs the perfect time to head outdoors and enjoy the sunny weather. But are you protecting yourself from potential risks?
While the sun is shining bright and the temperatures warm-up, it’s the best time to remind people that July is UV Safety Awareness Month. We all enjoy the warm summer rays, but many people don’t think about the damaging effects the sun’s rays can have on your skin and eyes.
The sun emits radiation that we all know as UV-A and UV-B rays. Both of these types can damage your eyes and skin. To better understand what these different UV rays can do, see below:
UV-B rays have short wavelengths that can reach the outer layers of skin UV-A rays have longer wavelengths that can penetrate the middle layers of skin While being in the sun can offer some health benefits, such as an uptake in vitamin D, it is important to talk to your health care provider about any particular risks you might face regarding exposure. And remember, be smart in the sun!
Some of the harmful things that unprotected sun exposure can do include:
- Cause vision problems and damage to your eyes
- Suppression of the immune system
- Premature aging of the skin
- Skin cancer
There are many ways that you can protect yourself and others and minimize the risk that comes with sun exposure.
- Cover up – Wearing hats or other shade-protective clothing can partly shield your skin from and harmful effects of UV ray exposure. Proper clothing may include long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses.
- Stay in the shade – Sun’s glare is most intense at midday. Staying close to the shade between 10 am and 4 pm will further protect your skin.
- Choose the right sunscreen – This is one of the most important aspects of protecting yourself from UV rays. The FDA has new regulations for sunscreen labeling and recommends that your sunscreen have an SPF of at least 15. It should be able to protect you from both UV-A and UV-B rays.
- Use the right amount of Sunscreen – According to the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, most people apply only 25/50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen. When out in the sun, it’s important to apply at least one ounce of sunscreen every 2 hours. Apply it more often if you are sweating or swimming, even if the sunscreen is waterproof.
By taking proper precautions and following some of these steps, you can enjoy the sun the right way, without having to worry about getting any of the risks that come along with it.
The goal is to spread the word about how important it is to protect everyoneβs skin from the harmful effects of UV rays.
Enjoy summer!
AMERICAN SPINE CENTER
Timing: 9 am until 9 pm, Saturday to Thursday.
Contact us: 800-100-999
Location: Al Razi Building 64, Block F, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE.
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