Protect Yourself from the Sun

Today many people enjoy sun bathing or laying hours in the sun only to get that golden tan, but what turns starts out as something minor becomes an obsession that has consequences. Even though light-skinned people are more prone to exposure to the sun and its damaging effects, dark-skinned people also have to protect themselves against sunburn for fear of developing skin cancer.

Sun Exposure                                                                                                              

A person also risks damaging their eyes and immune system, unfortunately these problems don’t surface years after the damage’s already been done. The level of UV (ultraviolet) radiations is higher the closer you get to the equator so if you live in the Tropics or subtropics or are thinking about going to these places on vacation you need to be careful and limit your exposure to the sun.

When you hear about cataracts, people usually associate that with aging but did you know that as many as 15 million people are blind because of cataract and they’re one of the long-term effects of exposure to UV radiation. The reality is that up to 20 percent of cataracts are caused or worsened by chronic sun exposure.

Skin and Sun

On a yearly basis one third of skin cancers are diagnosed and 130,000 new cases of melanoma, which is the most dangerous form. To top that off, two and three million new cases of other skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, occur. Sadly 66,000 people die each year as a result of skin cancer.

When you get sunburn your skin is automatically damaged. The UV radiations kill most of the cells in the outer layer of your skin and damages deeper layers. Any golden tan that someone may admire is the change in the person’s skin color and realistically is not beauty but damage. Cancer can take place when damage occurs to the DNA of the person’s genes that control the growth and division of skin cells. Sunlight which alters the skin’s texture weakens its elasticity and brings on premature wrinkling, sagging and bruising. That’s why you see so many, who sun bathe, look years older than what they really are.

When the skin takes in too much UV radiation, it affects a person’s immune system by reducing the body’s ability to defend itself against diseases. Even having moderate exposure to the sun can increase the risk of bacterial, fungal, parasitic, or viral infections. These include recurrent eruptions of cold sores, or herpes simplex.

Ways to Protect Yourself 

·         Limit your exposure during the hours between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. when the UV radiation is high.

·         Stay in the shade.

·         Cover your arms and legs with tightly woven or loose fitting clothes.

·         Wear a hat to protect your eyes, ears, face, and back of neck.

·         Use sunglasses that provide 99 to 100 percent UVA and UVB, which are categories of ultraviolet light.

·         Use sunscreen, applying every two hours with sun protection of at least 15.

·         Avoid tanning parlors.

·         Protect your children whose skin is delicate.

·         Never fall asleep in the sun.

·         If you develop a mole, freckle, or a spot you’re concerned with, check with your doctor.

Do your best and enjoy sunny days without complicating your health.