Sun Smarts

Sunshine has multiple benefits. It’s warm. It’s pretty. And it delivers a good dose of the valuable vitamin D, which is important to our overall health. But, too much sun exposure also carries some serious risks, including skin damage (than can, among other things, lead to premature aging) and skin cancer, so safely getting enough of the “sunshine vitamin” from this rich source requires planning and precautions.

A little goes a long way. Just 20 minutes of early morning or late afternoon sunlight can give you plenty of vitamin D while keeping the dangers of the sun a minimum. And even though sunscreen can reduce your intake of vitamin D, it doesn’t hinder it completely, meaning there’s really no reason to be outside for any prolonged period of time without it.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States but is also one of the most preventable. Consider these sun safety facts:

• One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
• All it takes is a smart sun exposure strategy combining sunscreen, shade and protective clothing to greatly reduce your chances of developing this deadly disease.
• Wear sunscreen anytime you’ll be in the sun for more than about 30 minutes.
• Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Choose SPF 30 or higher.
• Choose a sunscreen that’s water resistant, but this does not mean waterproof. Sunscreen should still be reapplied applied every two hours.
• Wear protective clothing, a wide-brim hat and sunglasses as extra layers of prevention.
• Seek shade, especially during the peak time of 10 am to 4 pm when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
• Use extra caution near water, sand and snow, as rays reflect off these surfaces.
• Get more vitamin D through a healthy diet or vitamin supplement. Speak with your doctor if you think you’re not getting enough.
• Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps. They not only cause skin cancer, they can lead to major skin damage and discoloration as well as deep wrinkles.

You may be a sun safety pro, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need regular checkups. Once a month, check yourself for moles and/or other marks and remember to examine your hairline and parts. Be on the lookout for anything that has grown in size or changed in color. A trip to a dermatologist for a more thorough check once a year is a good idea too, especially for those with fairer skin. Sun damage builds up over time, meaning early detection of skin cancer is important and can save your life.