Sara spends most of the summer near the beach. He lives in a temperate climate and is very athletic. He likes swimming, cycling and playing outdoors. Sara knows the dangers of the sun and that's why she prefers tanning salons to get her "golden glow" and makes sure to put on sunscreen every day before going outside.
Joseph lives in a cooler, northern climate. Summers can be very humid, but most of the year is mild or below freezing during the harshest winters. The beach has never been very attractive to him 'and' he spends most of his time doing indoor activities or doing business. Joseph doesn't worry about sunscreen, and there was only one sunburn he could remember, and that was when he was a kid.
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Which of these examples do you most associate yourself with? Did you know that Sara and Joseph are both at risk of developing skin cancer? We've all heard the warnings about the dangers of sun exposure. We know the importance of wearing sunscreen and a hat. But are you protected from skin cancer? Consider these myths and facts:
– Myth: Tanning Beds Are Safer Than The Sun
20 minutes of exposure in a solarium is roughly equivalent to four hours in the sun. Although sunbeds use UVA instead of UVB rays, "UVA penetrates the skin more deeply than UVB, can cause skin cancer and suppress the immune system," says "Skin Cancer Response."
– Myth: Using Sunscreen on the Beach is Protection
85% of UV rays can pass even on cloudy days. This means that in the car, walking the dog, or letting your kids out any time of year, even if you're not at the beach, you're equally at risk. Of course, you usually dress less at the beach 'and' therefore it is recommended that you cover up even when applying sunscreen. Sunscreen also wears off with sweat and water and should be applied every two hours or after getting wet.
– Myth: Taking Care of Your Skin Now Protects You
Unfortunately, skin cancer can take 20 years or more to develop. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that most people get about 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18. Just one blistering sunburn in childhood is estimated to double the risk of melanoma later in life. Being more careful now will reduce the risk, but will not remove the damage that has already been done.
– Myth: Tanning Means You Are More Protected
Dark-skinned people are less likely to get cancer, but tanned skin is actually damaged skin. Repeated tanning damages the skin and increases the risk of skin cancer.
So how do you plan to protect your family this year? Some recommendations are to limit sun exposure, especially for babies. Examine your skin for early signs of damage. Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and apply it at least 30 minutes before sun exposure and every two hours thereafter. Teach your children good safety habits and make sure you and them are covered when you are out.
Have fun and be careful.
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