Siouxland District Health Dept, IA

Be Sun Safe Everyday

According to the American Cancer Society (cancer.org) ultraviolet (UV) rays – from the sun and other sources like tanning beds – are the number 1 cause of skin cancer. Too much exposure can also cause sunburn, eye damage, and premature wrinkles.  Follow these simple steps from cancer.org to be sun safe every day.

• Check the UV Index when planning your day: The UV Index reports the strength of UV rays on a scale from 1 to 11+. The higher the number, the greater your risk of UV ray exposure and skin damage from the sun. Take steps to protect your skin when the UV index is high.
• Seek shade: Limit your exposure to the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
• Cover up: When you are out, wear clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect as much skin as possible. Protect your eyes with large framed or wrap-around sunglasses that block at least 99% of UV light.
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher: Apply 30 minutes before going outside, reapply at least every 2 hours and  after swimming or sweating.
• Avoid tanning beds, booths, and sunlamps: They can cause long-term skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer.

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