Be safe in the sun

3 ways to have fun in the sun while staying safe

The long, warm days of summer mean that most of us spend far more time outdoors under the sun. But exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun (even from tanning beds) also carries the risk of skin cancer, premature aging and eye damage. During the summer, there is also a higher risk of getting dehydrated or dealing with a heat-related illness.

Simple steps for sun safety

Block out harmful rays

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF factor of at least 30. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays, offering better protection against early aging and wrinkles than a UVB-only sunscreen.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
• Stay in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UVB rays are strongest.
• Don’t use tanning beds or sunlamps.

Stay hydrated

• Make sure that you drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated.
• Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol.

Stay cool

• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors that can absorb the sun’s rays.
• Try to limit outdoor activity to cooler hours of the day. Don’t overwork yourself if it’s too hot.

Practice prevention

Getting yearly skin checks by your doctor is a great way to stay on top of your health. Find out which skin cancer screening options are available to you by logging in to your member account at members.bcidaho.com, or by calling the Blue Cross of Idaho Customer Service Department at the number on the back of your member ID card.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Posted: June 28, 2021