Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage your skin, eyes, and cause cancer. In the US, dermatologists treat over 5 million people for skin cancer, and seniors older than 65 have the most cases .
A study of older persons found a specific risk factor for first-time skin cancer among men who work outdoors. Also, people with the following traits have a higher risk of skin damage :
Light skin tone
Family history of skin cancer
Blue or green eye color
Blond, red, or light brown hair
Freckles and burn before tanning
Sun Safety Tips
The following five tips can help you reduce exposure to damaging ultraviolet (UV) sunlight.
#1 Time of Day
In the continental United States, UV rays are less intense in the early morning and late afternoon/evening. During daylight savings time (between the second Sunday in March and the first Sunday in November), avoid UV rays from 10 AM to 4 PM . Otherwise, avoid UV rays from 9 AM to 3 PM standard time.
When you don’t know the time, you can use the shadow rule to gauge UV rays. If your shadow is shorter than your height, the sun’s rays are strong. However, when your shadow is longer than your height, the sun’s rays are weaker.
#2 Find Shade
You can find shade under umbrellas, canopies, trees, or other types of shelters. Make finding shade easy by bringing it with you—for example, a portable canopy tent. In hot weather, shade also provides relief from the sun’s heat.
#3 Protective Clothing
Clothing is the most effective form of sun protection. Fabrics that block UV radiation (UVB and UVA rays) have Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) ratings. Clothing with a UPF rating of 30-49 offers very good protection, and UPF 50+ rates excellent.
Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants and skirts can provide you with UV protection . Hats with a brim around your head can shade your ears, neck and face. Alternatively, you can wear a baseball cap with a neck flap or hoodie towel.
#4 Sunglasses
Many studies show that chronic exposure to sunlight can increase your risk of cataracts. Fortunately, sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays offer you the best protection.
Polarized sunglasses reduce glare by filtering out horizontal light waves, but this does not affect UV light. Before choosing polarized sunglasses, ensure they also block UV rays. The highest UV protection is UV 400 sunglasses, which block nearly 100% of UVA and UVB wavelengths up to 400 nanometers.
#5 Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a product you apply directly on your skin. They come in many forms, including lotions, sticks, and sprays. Some products are water and sweat resistant for a limited time (40-80 minutes), then must be reapplied.
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) indicates the product’s level of sun protection from UV radiation. Broad-spectrum SPF 15 is the minimum recommended protection from UVA and UVB. For extended outdoor activities, use SPF 30 or higher .
Call Senior Healthcare Direct at 1-833-463-3262 to speak with a licensed agent.
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