Summer brings many of us outdoors enjoying our favorite past times. Are you aware of what you need to do to protect yourself and your family from the sun's damaging effects?
- Avoid being in the sun for prolonged times when the sun is highest overhead and therefore the strongest-between 10 AM and 4 PM.
- Cover up skin with clothing that has a tight weave. A tight weave will not allow you to see your hand if you place it inside the garment. Wear a broad brimmed hat.
- Babies under six months should never be allowed in the sun. Their skin is thinner and melanin is underdeveloped so their skin will burn more easily. Sunscreen should never be applied to a child under six months.
- Sunscreen that offers a SPF (sun protection factor) of over 15 should be applied correctly-and year round.
- Use sunscreen whenever you are out in the sun.
- Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before going outside.
- Apply sunscreen to lips, hands, ears, feet, shoulder, and back of neck.
- Apply sunscreen generously, 2 tablespoons for the entire body.
- Reapply sunscreen often-every 2-3 hours.
- Reapply sunscreen after sweating or swimming.
- Wear eyewear when in the sun. Be sure the sunglasses provide 100% UV protection. Dark plastic without UV filters will not protect the eyes.
- Seek shade.
- Ask your pharmacist if any of the medicines you take will increase the skin's sensitivity to UV rays.
The knowledge of the need to protect ourselves and our families from the harmful effects of the sun has prompted new products to be placed on the market. The Skin Cancer Foundation has added the products below to their list of recommendations. These include:
- UV protective automobile window film
- UV protective residential window film
- Laundry product that can be added to detergent to increase UV protection in clothing
- Sunglasses that protect against UV and high energy visible light.
For more information on these products, check out the Skin Cancer Foundation website.
For more information about any cancer concern, contact:
Cancer Information Service
Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center
UI Hospitals and Clinics
200 Hawkins Drive, 4802 JPP
Iowa City, Iowa 52242
Toll-free: 1-800-237-1225
cancer-information@uiowa.edu
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