Fun In The Sun: Be Safe Outdoors
Melody Schubert
April 29, 2007
While the risk of developing melanoma, which is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, has more than doubled in the past decade there are precautions we can all take. Our friend Missy suggest this simple reminder: SLIP, SLOP, SLAP is your best defense.
SLIP- Slip on tightly woven sun protective clothing, like NoZone. Protective clothing should cover your arms and legs.
SLOP - Slop on the sunscreen or sun block with a minimum SPF rating of 15.
SLAP- Slap on a hat, preferably one with a wide-brim or a Keppie hat with a flap to protect your face and ears, as well as the back of your neck from being burned.
Another key element of your sun-protection strategy should be SEEK. During peak sunshine hours, between 11 am and 4 pm, find shade under an umbrella or a tree with a thick covering of leaves.
When playing or working outside remember to SLIP, SLOP, SLAP and SEEK to prevent sun damage to your skin and eyes.
When is it safe to play or work outside on a sunny day?
It is generally recommended to avoid being out in the sun during the middle of the day. In the summer, at mid-latitudes, the sun is most intense from mid-morning to 4:00 p.m. Remember that UVA and UVB rays can pass through clouds and fog, so it is important to protect yourself on cloudy and foggy days too.
Are there particular conditions that intensify UV radiation?
The effects of UVA and UVB radiation are intensified under particular environmental and geographic conditions. Be aware that UV radiation is intensified when reflected off snow, ice, water, sand and pavement. UV radiation is especially intense at high altitudes, for example in the mountains, as well as at low latitudes around the Equator.
Smart Tips for the Sun; Follow these tips from the Skin Cancer Foundation:
*** Avoid the sun between 10 AM and 4 PM
*** Wear a wide brim hat to block out UV rays
*** Wear sunscreen rated SPF 15 or higher all year round
*** Select clothing with a tight weave or knit
*** Wear long sleeved shirts and pants
*** Choose loose-fitting clothing
*** Purchase sunglasses that block UV rays
*** Stay in the shade whenever your shadow is shorter than you are
*** Never seek a tan or use tanning salons
It is also important to teach your children good UV sun protection habits at an early age so they will be protected in the future. And to talk to them about the importance of examining their skin from head to toe at least every three months for any signs of change. This is probably one of the best pieces of advice: Know Your Body! By understanding our body, and recognizing changes we can detect threats such as cancer in time for them to be properly treated.
Here are a few tips on the ABCD Rules for Early Detection of Melanomas:
*** A is for ASYMMETRY: One-half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other.
*** B is for BORDER: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
*** C is for COLOR The color is not the same all over, but may have differing shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of red, white, or blue.
*** D is for DIAMETER: The area is larger than 6 millimeters (about ¼ inch -- the size of a pencil eraser) or is growing larger.
Suncare Products
Here are a number of quality sun care products. Please remember that protection starts with knowledge; knowing when to get out of the sun and being aware of your skin condition are good defenses in the fight against skin cancer.
Wherever You Go Have A Safe Trip!
www.sunsmartpr.com
www.shadysun.com
www.kristyjuv.com
Find more attractions, entertainment, and travel destinations by visiting USA
Travel Magazine's Online Edition at
www.usatravelmagazine.com, or visit their Mobile Edition at http://www.mobile.usatravelmagazine.com/index.htm.
SLIP- Slip on tightly woven sun protective clothing, like NoZone. Protective clothing should cover your arms and legs.
SLOP - Slop on the sunscreen or sun block with a minimum SPF rating of 15.
SLAP- Slap on a hat, preferably one with a wide-brim or a Keppie hat with a flap to protect your face and ears, as well as the back of your neck from being burned.
Another key element of your sun-protection strategy should be SEEK. During peak sunshine hours, between 11 am and 4 pm, find shade under an umbrella or a tree with a thick covering of leaves.
When playing or working outside remember to SLIP, SLOP, SLAP and SEEK to prevent sun damage to your skin and eyes.
When is it safe to play or work outside on a sunny day?
It is generally recommended to avoid being out in the sun during the middle of the day. In the summer, at mid-latitudes, the sun is most intense from mid-morning to 4:00 p.m. Remember that UVA and UVB rays can pass through clouds and fog, so it is important to protect yourself on cloudy and foggy days too.
Are there particular conditions that intensify UV radiation?
The effects of UVA and UVB radiation are intensified under particular environmental and geographic conditions. Be aware that UV radiation is intensified when reflected off snow, ice, water, sand and pavement. UV radiation is especially intense at high altitudes, for example in the mountains, as well as at low latitudes around the Equator.Smart Tips for the Sun; Follow these tips from the Skin Cancer Foundation:
*** Avoid the sun between 10 AM and 4 PM
*** Wear a wide brim hat to block out UV rays
*** Wear sunscreen rated SPF 15 or higher all year round
*** Select clothing with a tight weave or knit
*** Wear long sleeved shirts and pants
*** Choose loose-fitting clothing
*** Purchase sunglasses that block UV rays
*** Stay in the shade whenever your shadow is shorter than you are
*** Never seek a tan or use tanning salons
It is also important to teach your children good UV sun protection habits at an early age so they will be protected in the future. And to talk to them about the importance of examining their skin from head to toe at least every three months for any signs of change. This is probably one of the best pieces of advice: Know Your Body! By understanding our body, and recognizing changes we can detect threats such as cancer in time for them to be properly treated.
Here are a few tips on the ABCD Rules for Early Detection of Melanomas:
*** A is for ASYMMETRY: One-half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other.
*** B is for BORDER: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
*** C is for COLOR The color is not the same all over, but may have differing shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of red, white, or blue.
*** D is for DIAMETER: The area is larger than 6 millimeters (about ¼ inch -- the size of a pencil eraser) or is growing larger.
Suncare Products
Here are a number of quality sun care products. Please remember that protection starts with knowledge; knowing when to get out of the sun and being aware of your skin condition are good defenses in the fight against skin cancer.
Wherever You Go Have A Safe Trip!
www.sunsmartpr.com
www.shadysun.com
www.kristyjuv.com
Find more attractions, entertainment, and travel destinations by visiting USA
Travel Magazine's Online Edition at
www.usatravelmagazine.com, or visit their Mobile Edition at http://www.mobile.usatravelmagazine.com/index.htm.