UV Safety Awareness Month takes place every July and is an annual reminder to protect your skin and eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, as skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US
How can you practice UV Safety?
Daily Sunscreen: Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, applying it 15 to 30 minutes before heading out and reapplying every 2 hours.
Time Your Activities: The sun's UV rays are strongest between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Limit direct sun exposure during this window and seek shade when possible.
Cover Up: Clothing is highly effective at stopping UV rays. Opt for UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing, wear wide-brimmed hats (with at least a 3-inch brim), and wear UV400-rated sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Check the UV Index: Monitor the daily Environmental Protection Agency UV Index Guide to see exactly how strong the sun's rays are in your local area and adjust your precautions accordingly.
Self Exams
It is recommended to perform regular/monthly self skin exams at home and look for the ABCDE's of melanoma:
Asymmetry: One half of the spot does not match the other half.
Border: The edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.
Color: The spot has multiple colors or shades.
Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser).
Evolving: The spot is changing in size, shape, or color.
If you are at a higher risk, you should get annual total-body skin exams. You are at higher risk if you have:
-A personal or family history of melanoma
-Many moles (more than 40) or atypical moles
-Fair skin, blond or red hair, and a history of blistering sunburns
-An organ transplant or a weakened immune system
This summer is a great time to schedule a skin cancer screening with dermatology PA, Dylan Timmerman at the AC Rural Health Clinic. To schedule an appointment, call the EMH Outpatient Clinic at 660.476.2111.
#MidAmericaLive
