Fun in the Sun 101

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School’s out and the summer season is upon us. It is time to pull out the hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect our eyes and skin from too much sun when we are enjoying the outdoors. Most people know that ultraviolet (also known as UV) radiation is a carcinogen and causes cancer just like tobacco smoke, radon, and asbestos. Overexposure to UV radiation in childhood is linked with a higher chance of developing skin cancer later in life, so it is important to protect kids from an early age.

Skin cancer is on the rise in the United States and is the most common cancer. With more than one million cases each year, there are more new cases of skin cancer than breast, colon, lung and prostate cancer combined. One in five Americans will grow up to develop the disease. And this does not begin to cover the eye damage, cataract cases, premature aging, and wrinkling of the skin caused by too much unprotected sun exposure. Fortunately, skin cancer is preventable and has a very high cure rate if caught early.

Here is a simple way to remember what to do when you are outside: Slip, Slop, Slap, Wrap, and Seek Shade.

• Slip on a shirt. Wear a shirt that covers your shoulders. Wear a long-sleeve shirt and pants if it is not too hot.
• Slop on sunscreen. Apply at least one ounce (a shot glass-full) half an hour before you go outside and reapply every two hours, more frequently if you are swimming or sweating.  Look for a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher that blocks UVA and UVB. Do not forget to wear it on cloudy days too.
• Slap on a hat. Wide-brimmed hats protect your face, neck, ears, and the top of your head from too much sun.
• Wrap on sunglasses. They protect your eyes from the sun’s rays. Look for a pair that blocks 99-100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.
• Seek shade. Remember the shadow rule. When your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade. The sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Your local library is a perfect place to read a book while the sun is at its peak.

There are several places where you are at greater risk for getting a sunburn and sun damage. At the beach, you are likely to be wearing less, so remember to bring your umbrella or find some shade. Additionally, the sand and surf reflect UV rays, so you could be getting double the UV exposure. High altitude also puts you at greater risk, like when you are hiking. Check out our sun safety packing list.

Before you head out, check the UV Index to see how strong the sun will be on any given day. You can check the UV Index on your home or library’s computer, your phone, or in the local news.

A few words on vitamin D: Do not seek the sun for vitamin D. Most people get enough from their diet (look for vitamin D-rich foods like milk, orange juice, salmon, and tuna) or through incidental exposure walking to their car during the sunnier months of the year. You can find a more comprehensive list of foods here. You can also take an inexpensive daily supplement. If you are concerned, talk to your doctor.

Finally, keep an eye on any unusual changes to your skin. Remembers the ABCDEs of skin cancer detection:

• Asymmetry: Does one side look different from the other?
• Border: Are there uneven or notched borders?
• Color: Are there multiple shades of color?
• Diameter: Is the spot larger than a pencil eraser?
• Evolving: Has the spot changed in size, shape or color?

If you answer yes to any of the above questions, or have a funny feeling about a spot on your skin, see a dermatologist immediately. You can find a dermatologist near you by visiting the American Academy of Dermatology.

If you want to learn more about being SunWise, visit www.epa.gov/sunwise. You can download fact sheets, sign up your library or summer camp for a free SunWise activity kit, listen to the Swingset Mamas’ song ‘Sunscreen Dance’, and much more.

About the Author: Luke Hall-Jordan has been with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SunWise Program for nearly five years. He spends his days encouraging Americans to Slip, Slop, Slap, Wrap, and Seek Shade and his weekends enjoying a good book under a shady tree.

Photo credit: Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/36703550@N00/2465651761/, used under Creative Commons license.