T.J. Samson | Destination Health | June 2021

I t’s hard to believe that something so welcom- ing as the sun could prove dangerous. But it’s true: The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are a major cause of skin cancer. Anyone can get skin cancer. Close to 5 million people are treated for it every year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fortunately, most skin cancers can be pre- vented. And that means it’s important that you and everyone in your family—from little ones to older ones—take steps to protect themselves against the sun’s harmful rays. THE NEGATIVE WAYS OF UV RAYS Two types of ultraviolet (UV) rays that can cause skin cancer get through the ozone layer: ● UVA rays, which can prematurely age your skin, causing wrinkles and age spots. They are the most common type of sun exposure. ● UVB rays, which are more intense than UVA rays and are the primary cause of sunburn. How do both of these types of rays damage your skin? Your skin’s outermost layer contains a pigment called melanin, which helps protect your skin. You can see it working when your skin darkens. Tanning is the first sign of skin damage. Too much sun exposure lets UV rays penetrate deep into your skin’s inner layers.This results in sunburn, and it can cause skin cells to die, be- come damaged or develop skin cancer. In addition to skin cancer, excessive sun expo- sure can lead to: Skin changes like freckles or moles. These can later turn into skin cancer. Premature aging. Signs include wrinkled, tight or leathery skin, and dark spots. Weakened immune system. When your skin gets burned, white blood cells rush to the area to repair the damage.This can weaken your immune system in other areas of your body. Eye damage. The damage from UV rays can lead to cataracts and blindness later in life. BASIC SUN-SAFETY PRECAUTIONS To protect yourself from the sun, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that you: Seek shade. This is especially crucial when the sun’s rays are the strongest, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Wear sun-protective clothing and sun- glasses. Choose a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and a hat with a wide brim that shades your face and the back of your neck. Buy sunglasses that offer UV protection. Sun smarts Learn how and why to protect your family from the sun 4 DESTINATION HEALTH