After being cooped up all winter, springtime is all about fun in the sun and promoting good health by getting outside to be with nature. But, did you know that according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the United States, and two people die of skin cancer every hour?
With the beautiful weather and days spent outdoors at the park, the beach and the golf course, your skin may be getting more sun exposure than you realize. It’s important to be aware of how much sunlight you get. Avoiding overexposure to UV light is the simplest form of prevention.
Here are six simple steps from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help prevent overexposure to UV rays.
- Seek shade, especially during midday hours
- Cover up with clothing to protect exposed skin
- Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears and neck
- Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays as possible
- Put on sunscreen with broad spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection and sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher
- Avoid tanning beds - the UV rays from them are as dangerous as the UV rays from the sun
You can also schedule a skin examination with your primary care provider to catch early signs of cancer before they become a serious threat.
Getting annual physicals and tests from your doctor is key in sustaining your health and preventing disease. Having a primary care provider who can coordinate your care is vital to your good health.
If you don’t have a primary care provider, finding one is easy! Mount Carmel has many doctors to help you get and stay healthy.