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When applying sunscreen make sure to do so 15 to 30 minutes before exposure. Use about a tablespoon per limb and a few tablespoons for your torso. The protection studies are all based on using quite a bit of sunscreen. Don't forget the tops of your feet and front of your ankles. Clothes provide even more protection than sunscreen - so hats and shirts can be of great help in reducing your exposure. If you sit under an umbrella at the beach, remember that sand and water will reflect up to 85% of UV light.
Besides the well known and highly lethal melanoma, which is diagnosed in more than 40,000 Americans each year, there are other types of skin cancer caused by sun exposure. Basal Cell Carcinoma strikes over 900,000 people each year. This is sometimes seen as ulcers or sores on the face that do not heal, although other body parts are also often affected. Squamous cell skin cancer strikes about 100,000 people per year. A pre-malignant skin injury called actinic keratoses is also found in many people each year.
Glasses are an important summertime item. Use glasses that eliminate 90% or more of the UV light. This will reduce your chances of getting cataracts. Wrap-around glasses will help keep the peripheral UV light from getting in your eyes.
Following are some helpful summertime links:
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Copyright © 1997-2006 Stephen M. Pribut
