July is National UV Safety Awareness Month

Summertime and sun safety spark the ultimate summer fun. The sunny season calls for enjoying the outdoors, sunbathing, water sports, beach and pool visits and more. It’s also the time to safeguard against the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays to protect our skin. July is National UV Awareness Month.

sun safety

The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin within 15 minutes, so protection is key.  According to the Centers for Disease Control, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States.

Nearly five million people are treated for skin cancer each year at a cost of more than $8 billion. There are about 72,000 new cases annually. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer of which there are 9,000 deaths annually. Everyone is susceptible to skin cancer no matter your skin tone. The good news is that skin cancer is totally preventable!

Sunglass Sparks

5 TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM UV RAYS

Most skin cancers are preventable. By using a layered approach for sun protection consisting of shade, clothing, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, we can significantly reduce our exposure and risk for skin cancer. Here are the top five tips to protect your skin from harmful UV rays:

  • Limit your outdoor activity, especially midday when the sun is hottest
  • Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing that protects your skin
  • Wear sunglasses, preferably with polarized lenses
  • Wear a hat with a wide brim
  • Wear and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package

For more information on the different types of skin cancer visit the American Cancer Society website. Click here.

Socially Sparked

Practicing sun safety is the key to ultimate summer fun and skin cancer prevention. Everyone craves to be outdoors as much as possible during the warmer weather so be sure to wear sunscreen this summer! – We are Socially Sparked®! – Tweet us @sosparkednews & @asparks01