Skin Cancer | Understanding UV Safety Month
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley
As the summer begins to heat up, Chapa-De wants to educate everyone on the importance of UV Safety. But you may be wondering what is UV safety and why is it important?
What is UV?
UV, also known as UV rays, stands for ultraviolet radiation. Our main exposure to UV rays is from the sun, especially during the spring and summer months. There are different types of UV rays – UVA, UVB, and UVC. All of them can harm your skin, but UVA and UVB rays are the two types that can lead to skin cancer.
Click HERE to learn more about the difference between UV rays.
How do UVA & UVB rays cause cancer?
Most people have been informed at some point in their life that not wearing sunscreen or protective layering can increase their chances of skin cancer. They’re right. It is that simple. If you do not protect your skin from direct sunlight, your chances of developing skin cancer can increase.
There are three type of skin cancer to be aware of that are related to UV exposure:
These cancers are the most severe effects of unprotected exposure to UV rays, but there are other health risks:
- Liver spots or age spots – dark freckle looking spots on the skin
- Premature wrinkling of the skin
- Dry skin
- Damaged eyesight and lasting effects to the cornea
How can you protect yourself while still enjoying the outdoors?
We are not saying don’t go outside or don’t enjoy the summer weather. Vitamin D, which people get from the sun, is a good thing, but in moderation and while wearing sunscreen. We are saying, remember to protect yourself from the power of the sun.
- Wear sunscreen (re-apply when needed)
- Wear a hat and sunglasses
- Don’t spend excessive amounts of time in direct sunlight
- In the event of a sunburn, treat it with a cool bath and moisturizer, such as aloe vera, and remember to drink lots of water.
For information about protecting your skin and your children’s skin or if you think you may have a serious skin issue, call our Auburn location at (530) 887-2810 or our Grass Valley location at (530) 477-8545 or visit us online at https://chapa-de.org.
Cancer.org
MayoClinic.org
Skin Cancer | Understanding UV Safety Month
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley
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Chapa-De Indian Healthcare Auburn Grass Valley