July is UV Safety Awareness Month, which makes it a hot time to educate yourself on what UV means and how you can remain safe in the summer sun:
What does the UV index mean? The UV index predicts the ultraviolet radiation levels on a 1-11+ scale. Any UV index greater than 2 is considered HIGH and protection against sun damage is needed. If a UV index is greater than 8, beachgoers should know that white sand can double the UV exposure.
What are some sun-related health problems that result from overexposure to UV radiation? Some of the most common sun-related health problems include skin cancer, premature aging, cataracts, and immune system suppression.
How can I take steps to avoid the above health problems? Get to know your sunscreen! About one ounce of sunscreen should cover all exposed skin 15 minutes before going outside. All sunscreen applied on skin should have an SPF of at least 30 and provide broad-spectrum protection. Visit our sunblock Do’s & Don’ts for more tips!
Outside of wearing protective clothing, how else can I protect myself from UV exposure? It is important to use extra caution near water, snow, and sand, since they reflect the damaging rays of the sun and increase chances of sunburn. Although the sun is an amazing source of Vitamin D, you can also consume the vitamin safely through the supplement specific diet.
