- Wear Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses whenever you’re outside. Look for sunglasses that have UVA and UVB protection. - Apply Sunscreen
Make sure to apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to all exposed skin. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating. - Check the UV Index
The UV Index is a measure of the strength of the sun’s UV radiation at a particular location. Check the index before heading out and if it’s high, take extra precautions. - Wear Protective Clothing
Cover up with protective clothing such as wide brimmed hats, loose fitting long sleeve shirts, and pants when possible. Tightly woven fabrics are best at blocking UV rays.
Why UV Safety Awareness Month is Important
- UV rays can be damaging
Exposure to the sun’s UV rays can have serious long-term effects, including premature aging of the skin and a higher risk of skin cancer. It’s important to be aware of these dangers so we can take steps to protect ourselves from excessive sun exposure. - Protection is necessary
It’s important to wear protective clothing and sunscreen when out and about in the sun, even on cloudy days. Make sure you read labels to check that your sunscreen offers broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays! - Limit sun exposure when possible
Try to stay in the shade as much as possible during peak UV radiation hours (i.e. 10 am – 4 pm). Wear a wide brimmed hat if you are going to be outdoors for an extended period of time and remember to reapply sunscreen often!
