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"BE SUN SAVVY"

by Dubi Schwanz

With the summer months in full swing many of us are enjoying backyard barbeques, golfing, fishing, boating among many other “fun in the sun” activities.  Although the summer is a great time for friend and family get togethers we need to make sure to build safe sun habits into our family’s daily routine to prevent excessive exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays (UV rays).

Why you may ask?

A person’s risk of skin cancer is related to their lifetime exposure of UV radiation. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in North Dakota as well as the United States. About one million Americans develop skin cancer each year. Most skin cancer appears after age 50, but the sun damages the skin from an early age.

Protect your most important assets!

Research shows a link between sunburns in children and an increased risk of melanoma and skin cancer later in life. Remember, children are among those that need the most protection, but cannot ask for it.  Protecting skin from the sun during childhood and adolescence is important in reducing cancer risk later in life.

Skin cancer can be prevented!

The best way to lower your skin cancer risk is to “Choose Your Cover”.

1. Seek shade from UV rays, especially during midday.

2. Cover up to protect exposed skin.

3. Wear a Hat with a wide brim.

4. Grab shades that block both UVA and UVB rays.

5. Rub on Sunscreen of at least SPF 15 or higher and both UVA and UVB protection. Reapply every two hours.

Information obtained from the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society.