{"id":8501,"date":"2021-05-31T09:20:12","date_gmt":"2021-05-31T15:20:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dsiohn098w.mpqhf.org\/blog\/?p=8501"},"modified":"2023-05-12T08:21:22","modified_gmt":"2023-05-12T14:21:22","slug":"8501-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dsiohn098w.mpqhf.org\/blog\/8501-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer Is Here: Get out the Sunscreen!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Summer<\/p>\n

Summer Is Here: Get out the Sunscreen!<\/h2>\n

By Mountain-Pacific Quality Health<\/em><\/p>\n

Updated May 12, 2023<\/p>\n

Memorial Day<\/a> is a day to honor those in the military who died while serving their country. Many people observe the holiday by spending time with family and friends, watching a parade or visiting a cemetery. For many, the holiday also marks the unofficial start of summer. Along with the sunny weather and outdoor fun comes more exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV radiation comes from the sun and tanning beds and can cause skin cancer.<\/p>\n

According to The Journal of the American Medical Association, one in five Americans will get skin cancer at some point. More than one million new cases are diagnosed in the United States each year. That is more than all other types of cancer combined.<\/p>\n

While skin cancer is by far the most common type of cancer, it is also one of the easiest to prevent. As we say hello to summer and UV Safety Awareness Month in July, it is the perfect time to spread the word about the importance of sun-safe habits.<\/p>\n

Follow these four steps to help protect you and your family from sunburn and skin cancer.<\/p>\n

Wear protective clothing and sunglasses. <\/strong>
\nCover up with UV-protective clothes or wear long sleeves and pants when possible. Good protective clothing includes hats and sunglasses. A broad-rimmed hat blocks the sun from your head, face, neck and eyes. Many brands of sunglasses advertise that they block UV rays. Remember, sun damage to the eyes does not just happen in the summertime. Keep those sunglasses handy all year round.<\/p>\n

Seek shade.<\/strong>
\nWhenever possible, stay in the shade, especially between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is most intense. If you plan to be outside all day, take frequent breaks in the shade.<\/p>\n

Avoid sunbathing\u2014both indoors and outdoors! Evidence shows using tanning beds increases the risk of developing melanoma, an aggressive type of skin cancer. Cancer risk increases with every tanning bed visit. Self-tanners or spray-on tans are safer options.<\/p>\n

Use sunscreen every day. <\/strong>
\nThis is one of the most important steps to protect yourself from UV rays. Using sunscreen every day cuts your risk of skin cancer by 50 percent. Even on a cloudy day, apply at least two tablespoons of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Be sure to re-apply every 80 minutes or right after you get out of the water.<\/p>\n

Know your risk.<\/strong>
\nWhile skin cancer can affect anyone, some people are at a higher risk than others. You may be at a higher risk for certain skin cancers if you<\/p>\n