Protect YourselfHere are some steps you can take to limit your amount of exposure to UV rays, which are the harmful rays of the sun. In Australia,"Slip! Slop! Slap! and Slide!" is a catch phrase that reminds people of the 4 key methods they can use to protect themselves from UV radiation. SLIP on a shirt, SLOP on sunscreen, SLAP on a hat, and SLIDE on sunglasses to protect the eyes and sensitive skin around them.
The Facts► The skin is the largest organ in the human body.► Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. ► An estimated 2 in every 5 Americans who reach the age of 65 will develop skin cancer sometime in their life. ► It is estimated that in 2009 over 1,000,000 people will be diagnosed with skin cancer in the United States. ► Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and that accounts for an additional 59,000 cases. ► Approximately 12,000 people will die from skin cancer in 2009. ► For localized melanoma, the 5-year survival rate is 99%; survival rates for regional and distant stage diseases are 65% and 15%, respectively. ► About 80% of melanomas are diagnosed at a localized stage. ► Skin Cancer is the most curable form of cancer. ► Skin Cancer is the most preventable form of cancer. ► Early detection saves lives. ► Most skin cancer can be prevented by protecting your skin from the sun!
|
Here are some steps you can take to limit your amount of exposure to UV rays, which are the harmful rays of the sun:
Clothing (SLIP)Wearing clothing to protect as much skin as possible when you are in the sun is a key component of a comprehensive skin protection program.Different types of clothes provide different levels of protection. A tightly woven fabric protects better than loosely woven clothing. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants cover the most skin and are the most protective. Darker colors generally provide more protection than lighter colors. Remember……if you can see light through a fabric, UV rays can get through too. Be aware that covering up doesn't block out all UV rays. A typical T-shirt worn in the summer usually protects you less than sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15! There are companies that make sun protective clothing (see resource link). In general these garments tend to be made from tightly woven fabrics, are lightweight and comfortable and often have special coatings that help absorb UV rays. SPF is the protection measurement for sunscreens and sunblocks. Ultraviolet Protection Factor or UPF indicates the level of protection that a garment provides. Generally garments are rated from 15 to 50+ with the higher numbers indicating higher protection from UV rays. Products are available to increase the UPF value of clothes you already own. Used like laundry detergents, they add a layer of UV protection to your clothes without changing the color or texture.
Sunscreen (SLOP)Sunscreens help to prevent the sun’s UV rays from reaching the skin. However no sunscreen provides complete and total protection. BUT, by selecting an appropriate sunscreen you can minimize the effects of UV rays on your skin. Sunscreens are available in many forms -- lotions, creams, wipes, sprays, gels, and wax sticks. For women, some cosmetics contain sunscreen. Some makeup contains sunscreen, but only the label can tell you. Check the labels to find out.Experts recommend products with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15. The SPF number represents the level of protection against UVB rays provided by the sunscreen -- a higher number means more (longer) protection. It is important to remember that sunscreen does not give you total protection. SPF measures the length of time a product protects against skin reddening from UVB, compared to how long the skin takes to redden without sunscreen. So if it would normally take 20 minutes to start turning red without a sunscreen, a SPF of 15 would give you approximately 300 minutes of protection. It can take up to 24 hours for the reddening to appear so it is always better to go with a higher SPF. The amount of protection any sunscreen offers can be impacted by issues such as wind, altitude, perspiration or how well it is applied. Read the label closely before you buy a sun protection product. The SPF number is an indication of protection against UVB rays only. Sunscreen products labeled "broad-spectrum" protect against UVA and UVB radiation, currently there is no standard system for measuring protection from UVA rays. Products with an SPF of 15 or higher that also contain avobenzone (Parsol 1789), mexoryl, zinc oxide, or titanium dioxide are likely to be effective against the entire spectrum of UV rays.
Be sure to apply the sunscreen properly. Always follow the label directions. Most recommend applying sunscreen generously to dry skin 20 to 30 minutes before going outside so it can be absorbed by your skin. When applying it, pay close attention to your face, ears, hands, and arms, and generously coat the skin that is not covered by clothing. If you're going to wear insect repellent or makeup, apply the sunscreen first. Remember:
Wear a Hat (SLAP)A hat with at least a 2- to 3-inch brim all around is ideal because it protects areas often exposed to the sun, such as the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp. A shade cap (which looks like a baseball cap with about 7 inches of fabric draping down the sides and back) also is good. These are often sold in sports and outdoor supply stores.A baseball cap can protect the front and top of the head but not the back of the neck or the ears, where skin cancers commonly develop. Straw hats are not recommended unless they are tightly woven. If you are going to wear one of these hats, it is important to make sure you cover your ears and neck with adequate sunscreen.
Wear Sunglasses That Block UV Rays (SLIDE)Long hours in the sun without protecting your eyes can increase your chances of developing eye disease. UV-blocking sunglasses can help protect your eyes from sun damage.Sunglasses do not have to be expensive, but they should block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB radiation. Check the label to be sure they do. Some labels may say, "UV absorption up to 400 nm." This is the same as 100% UV absorption. Also, labels that say "Meets ANSI UV Requirements" mean the glasses block at least 99% of UV rays. Those labeled "cosmetic" block about 70% of the UV rays. If there is no label, assume the sunglasses don't provide any protection. UV rays reach the ground even on cloudy days. UV rays can also pass through water, so don't think you're safe if you're in the water and feeling cool. Be especially careful on the beach and in the snow because sand and snow reflect sunlight, increasing the amount of UV radiation you receive.
Seek ShadeWhenever possible, while participating in outdoor activities, seek shade. Not only will this help protect your skin, but also it helps to keep your body cool.If at all possible avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during the hours of 10 am and 4pm. This is the period of highest UV intensity. Umbrellas are not just for rainy days, they can provide shade out on the golf course. Some umbrella manufacturers build UV protection into the fabric of their products in anticipation of them being used for sun protection |
Umbrellas Are Not Just For Rain
|
| Home | Skin Cancer | Protect Yourself | FAQs | Related Links | Events | Articles | Sponsors | Testimonials | Contact Us | Disclaimer |
| All contents of this site © 2009 SunSafeTee.com - All rights reserved - Powered by H&H Unlimited Media and Design | ||||||||||
