By Amy Williams, MS, RD, LD

Clark County Health Department

May is Melanoma Skin Cancer Protection Month. As most of us are aware and excited, the hottest summer months are around the corner. Some of us may have already experienced some of the sun’s harmful rays with either sunburns or squinting eyes that come from the often painful glare of the sun this season. As such, let this be a good reminder of how important sunglasses, hats, sunscreen and protective clothing are during this busy outdoor time of year.

How does UV radiation affect you? Overexposure to UV radiation has adverse health effects which range from short-term effects such as sunburn to the long-term impacts, such as skin cancer. Every year in the U.S., over 1 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer, and as a result of skin cancer, one person dies every hour. Overexposure to UV radiation can also cause cataracts, eye damage, skin aging, growths on the skin and suppression of the immune system.

Who is at risk? Although the sun can adversely affect everyone, some people are at higher risk for skin cancer when overexposed to UV radiation. People who are at the highest risk for skin cancer are those who spend excessive amounts of time in the sun, as well as those who get sunburns easily or frequently.

Even though the risk of skin cancer is not equal for all people, everyone should take precautions. It is also important to remember that everyone is equally at risk for eye damage due to overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. During the summer months, the level of ultraviolet radiation is three times greater than in the winter.”

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends selecting a sunscreen with 30 SPF or higher every day. It is also essential to find a sunscreen described as being broad spectrum. Broad spectrum refers to a sunscreen that can protect from both UV-A and UV-B rays alike.

Sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats are also the best defense system for your eyes and face against sunlight and harmful UV rays. Both must be worn every time you are outside for prolonged periods, even when it is overcast. Again, dermatologists recommend sunscreen every day of the year.

As we now know how to shop for the best sunscreen, we should also know how to shop for the best sunglasses. It is important to purchase sunglasses which block 99-100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays. Do not be misled by the color of the lens or the price tag dangling from the frame. The ability to block UV light is not dependent on the darkness of the lens. UV protection can come from adding chemicals to the lens material during manufacturing or from a chemical coating applied to the lens surface.

The following steps can also significantly reduce your risk of sun-related illness:

— Limit your time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

— Whenever possible, seek shade

— Wear UV protective sunglasses

— Wear a wide-brimmed hat and if possible, tightly woven, full-length clothing

— Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a 30 SPF or above

— Avoid sunlamps and tanning salons

— Watch for the UV Index daily. You can find UV Index reports in local newspapers, on television or the Web at the US National Weather Service, the World Health Organization and The Weather Channel.