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Friday, July 22, 2005
common sense on: sun safety
Everyone talks about how much Californians love the sun, but Iowans are no different. Beautiful summer days beckon us to go outdoors to walk or jog, bike or swim. Sunshine is a delight; but it can also be a danger. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime.
The main culprit is overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. In addition to the short-term danger of sunburn, long-term exposure to excess UV radiation can cause skin cancer, eye damage, immune system suppression, and premature aging.
In particular, we need to encourage the young people in our lives to take precautions. Most Americans receive 50 to 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure before they reach the age of 18. Just one or two blistering sunburns in childhood may double the risk of developing melanoma.
We all need some sun exposure. Sunlight is our primary source of vitamin D, which helps us to absorb calcium for stronger and healthier bones. However, it takes very little exposure for people to get sufficient amounts of vitamin D.
Let me offer seven basic tips for protecting yourself and your family year round:
? Do not sunbathe – period.
? Be especially careful about sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., the peak hours for harmful UV radiation.
? When outdoors, use sunscreens rated SPF 15 or higher. Apply the lotion liberally, uniformly, and frequently.
? When exposed to sunlight, wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, broad-brimmed hats, and UV-protective sunglasses.
? Stay away from artificial tanning devices.
? Teach your children good sun-protection habits at an early age.
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