Posted by Upstate Dermatology on Jul.02.15 in Skin Care
Stay Safe on the Fourth of July and All Year Long!
Did you know?
On July 2nd, 239 years ago, the Continental Congress voted in favor of Richard Henry Lee’s resolution for independence in a near-unanimous vote (the New York delegation abstained, but later voted affirmatively).
On that day, John Adams wrote to his wife Abigail that July 2 “will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival” and that the celebration should include “Pomp and Parade…Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other.”
We would like to remind you to stay sun-safe during this great anniversary Festival, and all through the summer.
Keep in mind that about 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers and about 86 percent of melanomas can be attributed to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Those of us heading to the beach should be particularly vigilant, due to the fact that water reflects up to 10 percent of the sun’s rays, seafoam about 25 percent, and sand about 15 percent, adding to your overall exposure.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher daily. For extended outdoor activity, use a water resistant, broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Sunscreen alone is not enough, however.
Here is the full list of skin cancer prevention tips, for use July 4th weekend and all year long:
- Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
- Do not burn.
- Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
- Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
- Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
- Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
- See your doctor every year for a professional skin exam.
With a few simple precautions, you can keep your skin healthy and enjoy celebrations filled with “Pomp and Parade…Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other.”
