Test your Sun Smarts and get important summer safety tips.
You can’t avoid sunshine in Florida—and while you don’t want to miss out on outdoor fun, sun exposure can have serious consequences over time. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause skin cancer, and one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.
Severe sunburns in a child younger than age 18 can double the risk of melanoma (a malignant form of skin cancer) later in life. So if you’re a parent, it’s important to encourage good sun protection habits in your child. As for your own skin care, it’s never too late to begin protecting yourself—to reduce the risks and aging effects of sun exposure. Test your Sun Smarts by taking this short quiz (answers below):
Summer sun safety tips to help prevent sun-related skin problems.
- Anyone who spends time outdoors (any time of the year) should use sunscreen, even those who tan easily or are dark-skinned.
- Be sure to reapply sunscreen every three hours while outdoors, even if it’s cloudy or hazy (and even if the sunscreen is labeled “all-day”).
- If you are getting a lot of sun or perspiring heavily, reapply sunscreen every hour or two.
- Cover all exposed areas, including your ears, lips, face, the backs of your hands, and the tops of your feet.
- Slather it on. Apply a generous layer of sunscreen and smooth it on rather than rub it in.
- Perform skin self-exams regularly to become familiar with your skin’s normal appearance and to notice any changes or new growths. See your doctor if you have any concerns.
