August 1, 2011
Tom Canty, Vice President Sales Empire BlueCross BlueShield
One of the things I enjoy most about summer is that it gets us out into the beautiful outdoors. But, while you’re out there working or playing, it’s important to protect your skin from the sun. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States*.
Here are some simple tips for sun-safe skin:
· Always wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15. Broad spectrum sunscreens are best as they absorb a higher percentage of UVA and UVB sun rays.
· Apply the sunscreen generously to all exposed areas at least 20-30 minutes before going outside. This allows the sunscreen to bind to your skin so you won’t immediately sweat if off.
· Make sure you apply sunscreen to places you typically might not think of – like your lips, your ears, the bottoms of your feet and the part in your hair.
· Wear a wide-brim hat and sunglasses (kids included!) and spend some time during the peak sun hours (between 10:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.) under a canopy or umbrella.
· No broiling yourself under the hot sun covered with baby oil and iodine or in a tanning bed….
· And, keep little ones out of the sun. The melanin in their skin isn’t fully developed and they burn easily.
Now, go and have some fun in the sun.
*Source: Center for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/
