July is UV Awareness Month, the perfect time to remember that sun safety is a family affair. Summer brings opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, from beach trips and backyard barbecues to sports, gardening and family walks.
While time outside offers many health benefits, it also increases exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, which can damage skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but it is also one of the most preventable. Protecting your family's skin today can help reduce health risks for years to come.
Why Sun Protection Matters
UV rays can damage skin even on cloudy or cooler days. They also reflect off water, sand, pavement and other surfaces, increasing exposure during many favorite summer activities. Children are especially vulnerable because much of a person's lifetime sun exposure occurs before adulthood. Just a few serious sunburns during childhood can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life.
Sun Safety Tips for the Whole Family
A few simple habits can help everyone stay protected while enjoying summer fun:
- Seek shade when spending time outdoors, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest.
- Wear protective clothing such as lightweight long-sleeved shirts, pants and wide-brimmed hats.
- Choose sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all exposed skin. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
- Keep infants younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight whenever possible.
- Avoid indoor tanning beds and sunlamps.
Make Sun Safety a Family Habit
Children learn by watching the adults around them. Applying sunscreen together before leaving the house, packing hats and sunglasses for outdoor outings and taking breaks in the shade can help make sun safety a normal part of everyday life. These small steps can have a lasting impact on your family's health.
When to See Your Provider
Most sunburns can be treated at home with cool compresses, hydration and rest. However, you should contact a healthcare provider if a family member experiences severe sunburn with blistering, fever, chills, dizziness, dehydration or significant pain. It's also important to schedule an appointment if you notice a new or changing mole, a spot that looks different from others, or a sore that does not heal. Early detection and treatment can make a significant difference in preventing and managing skin cancer.
