Sun Safety

Long term exposure to the sun causes premature aging of the skin and is believed to enhance the potential for contracting skin cancer. 

This is one area where lifeguards as well as the beach visitors need to be concerned and practice 'sun avoidance'.

Exposure to the sun is so damaging to skin that it is worth understanding the problem thoroughly. There are two types of UV radiation: UVB and UVA. UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn and skin cancer. UVA rays are somewhat weaker and responsible for photoaging- the damage that occurs to the skin from years of exposure to the sun. Both types of rays contribute to the risk of developing skin cancer.Sun screen is a must - since it does protect against UVB and some UVA rays.

Don't bother buying a sunblock or sunscreen with less than an SPF (Sun protection Factor) of 15. Each level of SPF increases the time you can stay in the sun without burning. For example, if you normally start to burn in 10 minutes without protection, you might be able to last up to 150 minutes wearing a product with an SPF of 15. The lighter skinned you are, the higher the SPF you should use. Still, even if you're very fair skinned, you should be fine with SPF 15 as long as you re-apply it every two hours or so.

Select a product which offers you protection againist both with a "broad spectrum" of protection containing benezophenones, oxybenzone,titanium oxide or parsol 1789. As for sunblocks or sunscreens? It doesn't matter which you choose. Both work well in different ways. Sunscreens chemically absorb UV rays so not as many reach your skin; sunblocks physically deflect them. 

One interesting fact - 80% of a person's lifetime sun exposure is acquired before the age of 18. As a parent, be a good role model and foster skin cancer prevention habits in your child.

Sun Safety Tips

• Avoid the sun during peak hours (usually 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
• Wear a wide-trimmed hat, sunglasses and long sleeved shirt
• Use a sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or greater
• Apply sunscreen early - 30 mins before exposure
• Apply sunscreen often - every two hours, after swimming or strenuous activity

 Information provided by The Cleveland Clinic Department of Dermatology

Pay attention to the UV Index. This is a daily forecast which provides the expected risk of overexposure to the sun and indicates the degree of caution to keep in mind when outdoors.

 Index Values

Exposure Category	UV Index Value	Precautions
Minimal	>0 to 2	Hat
Low	3 to 4	Hat, sunscreen (15+)
Moderate	5 to 6	Hat, sunscreen (15+), shady areas
High	7 to 9	Hat, sunscreen (15+), shady areas, stay indoors 10 AM - 4 PM
Very High	10 or greater	Stay indoors as much as possible; take other precautions when outdoors

   Courtesy National Weather Service