UV Protection For Both Your Skin And Eyes

More than one million people are diagnosed with skin cancer every year in the United States, and one person dies every hour from the condition. Make sure to protect yourself and family from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

July is UV Safety Month, so learn how to protect yourself from damaging UV radiation. Whenever you are in the sun, wear a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses. UV radiation is the strongest during the day from about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so avoid being outside then, if possible. UV radiation is at its highest around noon on a clear sunny day.

Wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. The higher the SPF, the more protection it gives you. You must apply sunscreen every two hours for it to continue providing protection. If you work outdoors, you should use sunscreen with a high SPF.

Everyone knows about sunburns, but did you know ultraviolet (UV) rays can harm your eyes, too? Your eyes can get “sunburn" from intense short-term exposure, which causes a condition called photokeratitis. Children’s eyes are particularly susceptible to UV rays. The Centers for Disease Control recommend wraparound sunglasses that provide 100% UV ray protection.

Visit the SunWise Program website  for more information about sun protection. Test your knowledge about protecting yourself from UV rays at the Prevent Blindness America website. And don't forget: pets need sun protection, too.