UV Safety Tips

The sun – we sure miss it when it’s not here! And when summer finally arrives, we want to soak it up as much as we can. Sun safety is paramount at any age, and it’s important to educate yourself on the best ways to enjoy the sun while minimizing the risks to your health.

The sun’s UV rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes, so please take note of these important safety tips!

Wear sunscreen – put on a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15. You should always apply sunscreen when heading outdoors, even on cloudy or cool days. And make sure you reapply according to the instructions!

Find shade – you can reduce the risk of skin cancer and skin damage by finding respite under an umbrella, tree or other shelter. But take note – you should always wear sunscreen and protective clothing, even in the shade.

Clothing – when possible, choose long-sleeved shirts and long pants with tightly woven fabric. Try to keep your clothing dry and select dark colors.

Hats – a wide-brimmed hat isn’t just a fashion statement! A hat with a brim that goes all the way around can provide protection to your face, ears and the back of your neck. If you wear a baseball cap, you should also protect your ears and the back of your neck with sunscreen.

Sunglasses – you can reduce the risk of cataracts and protect your eyes from UV rays when you wear sunglasses. When purchasing sunglasses, try to select a pair that block both UVA and UVB rays (this includes most sunglasses available in the US).

For more information, visit the American Cancer Society’s page for “Be Safe in the Sun.” 

Are you enjoying the summer weather? Come visit us and we’ll give you a tour of our sunny campus!