Be Safe In The Sun

Limit the Sun, not the Fun

Hot Tips For A Cool Time In The Sun

* The main cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States with more than 1 million new cases diagnosed
each year. Of those 1 million cases, about 88,000 will be melanoma, the deadliest form of
skin cancer. One in five kids will grow up to develop the preventable disease. If you must be in the sun, use these preventive measures:

* Cover yourself with a broad-brimmed hat, long pants and a long sleeved shirt.

* Stay out of summer sun between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. Just one sunburn can
increase your chance of developing skin cancer by 50 percent.

* Use a sunscreen (at least SPF 15) in winter and summer. The very best ingredient
for protecting throughout the UV spectrum is Zinc Oxide. Zinc Oxide serves
as a barrier against the UVB spectrum and out to 400nm in the UVA spectrum.
It is important to use a product that contains at least 5 percent Zinc Oxide if you
want to maximize UVA protection.

* Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out and reapply every 2 hours and after
swimming.

*Sunscreen should be used only on babies 6 months or older.

* Visit your dermatologist once a year for a complete body screening.

 

* For more information about about skin cancer, call the Regional Cancer Center’s
Cancer Information Line at (414) 92TRUST (928-7878).