WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 2021
BASTROP COUNTY INSIDER R — ELGIN COURIER
PAGE 5B
UV Safety Month
How to be safe in the sun A
relaxing day outdoors soaking up some of the sun’s rays is how many people prefer to spend their free time when the weather allows. While the he very vision of a warm summer afternoon spent outdoors can invoke positive feelings, it’s important that at people take protective measures before going outside and continue to do so while they’re out there. According to the American Cancer Society, y, most skin cancers are the result of exposure to ultraviolet rays in sunlight. UV rays are a type of radiation that at do not have enough energy to penetrate deeply into the body. As a result, they primarily affect the skin. Overexposure rexposure to these rays can lead to skin cancer.
PROTECTION ON FROM UV RAYS
The ACS notes that there are no safe UV rays, ys, so it’s imperative that people take UV protection seriously. The following are some of the many ways to o protect yourself while still enjoying sunny days outdoors. • GO OUT AT THE RIGHT TIMES OF DAY. The ACS notes that UV rays are at their strongest in the middle of the day between the hourss of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so staying inside during these hours can protect your skin. This is especially important portant in the spring and summer, as the ACS says UV rays are stronger during these seasons than other times mes of year. • EMPLOY THE SHADOW TEST WHEN HEN GOING OUTSIDE. It may not seem especially scientific, but the shadow test is a simple way for anyone to gauge how strong UV rays from the sun are at any given ven moment. According to the ACS, if your shadow is shorter than you, that means the sun’s rays are at their strongest. This simple test can help people immediately yd determine etter ermi mine ne h how ow strong the sun’s rays are, compelling them to be extra cautious ous if necessar necessary. ry. • APPLY SUNSCREEN EARLY AND REAPPLY RE EAP APP PLY OFTEN. The ACS recommends using sunscreens with th broad bro roa ad spectrum protection that protect the skin from both UVA and dU UVB VB ray rays, ys, a and nd applying them before leaving the house and reapplying g often oft ften ften nw while hille hi le o outdoors. utdo ut doo do ors or rs. s. w ith ham inimum ssun ini in un When choosing a sunscreen, choose one wi with minimum ding ing SP SPF F ca can he h lp protection factor, or SPF, of 30. Understanding help ication. When an people recognize the importance of reapplication. n gets the equivSPF 30 product is applied correctly, a person alent of one minute of UVB ray exposure forr each 30 minur in the sun utes he or she spends in the sun. So one hour ending two wearing SPF 30 sunscreen is the same as spending F 30 sunminutes totally unprotected. Reapplying SPF screen often can ensure you are protected at all times. a least • WEAR A HAT. Hats with a brim that is at era er able two to three inches all around protects vulnerable and d areas such as the eyes, forehead, nose, ears, an tive scalp. Choose a hat with a dark, non-reflective unt underside, as such a hat can lower the amount ve of UV rays that reach the face from reflective surfaces such as water. Sun protection is important year-round, and especially so during spring and summer.
How to choose the right
pair of sunglasses
S
unscreen is essential to protect skin against potential sun damage, but what about keeping the eyes safe from the sun? Are the eyes vulnerable to significant sun-related damage as well? According to the Calvert Ophthalmology Center, ultraviolet rays from the sun can contribute to various eye problems. These can range from temporary vision loss to macular degeneration. When spending time in the sun, it’s vital that individuals take steps to protect their eyes. One of the ways to do just that is to wear sunglasses. All sunglasses are not created equal. Quality sunglasses protect the eyes from UV rays, reduce eyestrain in bright conditions and protect the eyes from flying debris. Here’s how to find the right pair of sunglasses for you. • Check the UV rating. Sunglasses should block 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays. UV rays can contribute to cataracts and even destroy the retina, which is the lining at the back of the eyes. In addition, UV light can cause changes in the cells of the eyes that may produce discomfort or even lead to cancer. Make sure the label indicates that the sunglasses protect against UVA and UVB rays. • Wear large sunglasses. The more coverage from sunglasses the better. The American Optometric Association advises that oversized or wraparound sunglasses are best, as they can cut down on the UV rays entering the eye from the side.
• Don’t be fooled by dark lenses. Dark lenses do not necessarily block more UV rays than light-colored lenses. It is important to look at the label to see the UV rating. • Select functional sunglasses. The sporting goods experts at REI state that certain sunglasses are specifically designed for certain activities. Sport sunglasses, for example are designed for running, biking and hiking. They’re lightweight and fit tightly so they stay on while exercising. Their frame and lens materials also may be more impact-resistant than casual sunglasses. Glacier glasses are sport sunglasses that protect the eyes from intense light at high altitudes and against reflections from snow. • Know the functions of polarized lenses. Polarization helps reduce glare coming off of reflective surfaces, such as water. Note that polarization will not offer more protection from the sun, but it makes engaging in certain activities more comfortable. • Recognize that the color of lenses also helps. In addition to polarization, the color of lenses can affect how much visible light reaches the eyes and affects clarity. Brown, gray and green are ideal for everyday use and most outdoor activities. Light colors like rose, yellow and amber are good in low to moderate light conditions. They can improve the visibility of objects and make surroundings seem brighter. Shop smart when selecting sunglasses to keep eyes healthy and comfortable.
SUN SMART TIPS From Dr. Collins and Dr. Gee at AUSTIN SKIN!
The Texas wildyowers are in full bloom which means longer days, beautiful drives along a country road, family time outside, and...more sun exposure! • Always apply at least spf 30 before heading outdoors Reapply sunblock every two hours when outdoors and even more frequently when doing water activities • For water activities, sports, and toddler sun care, sun protective clothing can often be the most effective means of staying safe in the sun • Less is not more when it comes to sunscreen applications! For a full body application, you should Ƃll your entire palm with sunblock • Even though you don't typically get burned through car windows, you do get a lot of exposure to UVA rays (and these rays contribute to aging, brown spots, and skin cancer risk). Lather up your face even if you are just riding in the car • The doctors both prefer mineral sunscreens (physical blockers) that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide Dr. Kristina Collins and Dr. Sarah Gee offer SPF products so that your skin can stay healthy this Spring and all year long!
Isdin Ageless and Actinica Skin Better SPF Stick, SPF Compact MD Solar Sciences Tinted and Non-Tinted Jan Marini SPF Physical Purchase our products online Skin Better: skinbetter.pro/austinskinphysicians Jan Marini: https://marini.life/192663
737-727-7546 1501 B Dorothy Nichols Road Smithville Texas 78957