In Good Health: A Health and Wellness Newsletter

Healthy Sun Safety Habits!

Although sunlight provides a sense of wellbeing and a good dose of vitamin D, you can still reap the benefits without being exposed to harmful rays of sunshine!
It is important to remember that there are no safe UV rays, and wearing at least a SPF 15 sunscreen is essential. UV sun rays cannot be seen or felt and are capable of going through clothing and windows. UV can also be reflected off of sand, snow, water, and can even reach below the water’s surface. You can even get sun exposure on cloudy days. It penetrates deep into your cells causing skin cancer, premature aging, wrinkles, dark patches, and cataracts.

When outside, whether the sun is shining or not, it is important to take precautions to minimize the risk of UV damage to your skin. Here are some simple steps you can take:

• Generously apply sunscreen of at least SPF 15 that provides protection against UVA and UVB rays. Remember to reapply every two hours, and after swimming or sweating.
• Wear light-weight, protective clothing such as long-sleeve shirts, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection.
• Seek shade when appropriate. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10am and 4pm.
• Use extra caution around water, sand, and snow. They reflect the damaging UV rays and increase your chance of sunburn.
• Check UV, heat, and air quality indexes
• Drink plenty of water

Remember to practice sun safety every day, all year long!

Source: Sun Safety Alliance

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being,
and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
World Health Organization, 1948

For more tips click HERE!

Olmsted County Public Health Services 2100 Campus Dr. SE Rochester, MN 55904 PHONE: (507) 328-7500 FAX: (507) 328-7501

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