News You Can Use
Always be 'sun-wise' after sunrise
University Relations
News Bureau (662) 325-3442
Contact: Kenneth Billings
June 18, 2009
STARKVILLE, Miss.-Who doesn't enjoy spending hot summer days splashing in a pool, reeling in a fish at the lake, playing volleyball in the sand, or grilling hotdogs on the patio?
While all are warm-weather favorites, they also are easy ways to receive skin damage from the sun's harmful rays.
It is important to be "sun-wise" and adhere to various warnings of overexposure, says Joyce Yates of Mississippi State University. This doesn't mean avoiding the sun completely, adds the health education coordinator at the Longest Student Health center.
"Experts now are advising a minimum of 15 minute exposures to the sun twice a week to absorb enough vitamin D for good health," says Yates. "However, over-exposure may damage skin beyond repair and cause skin cancers, including life threatening melanoma."
To stay happy and healthy, she points to the American Cancer Society's steps for sun protection:
- Always wear protective clothing. If you can see through the fabric, the damaging ultraviolet, or UV, rays can get through also.
- Apply sunscreen lotions or creams with a minimum sun-protection factor of 15. The SPF number represents the level of protection against UVB rays; the higher the number, the more protection.
- Wear a hat with at least a 2- or 3-inch brim.
- Use only sunglasses labeled with UV blockage capability.
- Limit midday exposure, including avoidance of direct sunlight between 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Also avoid tanning beds and sunlamps, since both give out UVA and UVB rays.
- Be especially cautious with babies younger than 6 months; always use hats and protective clothing.