
With the sun hopefully making an appearance in the UK before summer is over, it is important to protect yourself not only during the summer months, but all year round. Spending time outside is a great way to keep active and reduce stress levels and a bit of sun can help our bodies make vitamin D, which is important to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. However too much sun exposure can cause damage to skin cells and can result in skin cancer.
The sun releases ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and too much of this can damage the DNA in your skin cells and cause skin cancer. UV rays are invisible and come from not only the sun but tanning beds, and sunlamps also. Unfortunately, most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to UV light. In the UK almost 9 in 10 cases of melanoma skin cancer could be prevented by staying safe in the sun and avoiding sunbeds. Anyone can develop skin cancer. Some people may have a higher risk, including people who burn more easily.
Ways to protect your skin from the sun:
Seeking shade - stay under an umbrella, tree or shelter
Clothing - when possible wear clothing that covers arms and legs, or beach cover up
Sunglasses - this protects your eyes from the UV rays
Wear sunscreen - covering yourself in SPF 15 or higher when going outside to filter the UV rays. Sunscreen needs reapplying regularly
Avoid peak times - plan activities around the cooler parts of the day, early morning, late afternoon and evenings
Protection from UV rays is important all year, not just during the summer. UV rays can reach you on cloudy and cool days, and they reflect off of surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow.
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