July is UV Safety Month!
Summer has arrived and while the sun is shining bright it's a golden time to highlight July as UV Safety Awareness Month! With as much sunlight as we get in our wonderful state during the summer months it is important to remember to protect your skin and eyes from the damaging effects of the sun.
The sun emits two different types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation as UV-A and UV-B rays. Both types can damage your eyes and skin:
- UV-B rays have short wavelengths that reach the outer layer of your skin
- UV-A rays have longer wavelengths that can penetrate the middle layer of your skin
Harmful things unprotected sun exposure can do includes damage to your eyes, vision problems, skin cancer, premature aging, and reducing your immune system (VA, 2016).
Ways to minimize your risk of what comes from sun exposure includes using the right amount and type of sun screen, covering up, and staying in the shade. By learning about the risks that are associated with too much sun exposure and using the right precautions to protect yourself and your family from UV rays, everyone can enjoy the sun and outdoors safely (VA, 2016).
For more information check out this website:
https://www.va.gov/QUALITYOFCARE/education/UV_Safety_Awareness_Month.asp
Richard Crisostomo PMHNP-BC
Resources:
VA.gov. (2016). UV safety awareness month. Retrieved from: https://www.va.gov/QUALITYOFCARE/education/UV_Safety_Awareness_Month.asp