JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
As the first official day of summer approaches and the weather continues to warm up, it is important to prepare and keep yourself safe.
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and May 28 is National Sunscreen Day. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, skin cancer is the most common forms of cancer in the United States. Protecting your skin from the rays of the sun is one of the easiest ways to prevent long-term risks such as skin cancer, premature wrinkles, sunspots and eye damage.
Ways to help prevent long-term effects include:
- Wearing sunscreen with a minimum 30 SPF
- Wearing sun-protective clothing (i.e. hats and sunglasses)
- Avoiding tanning outside or inside
- Seeking shade during peak hours
The sun is at its peak from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and sunscreen should be re-applied every 1-2 hours when outdoor activity is necessary.
“Be sun safe! You often don’t notice the damage of the sun when you are younger, but [you] pay for that damage later in life,” said U.S. Army Captain Sabrina House, McDonald Army Health Center Dermatology Clinic provider. “Getting in the habit of wearing a daily moisturizer with sunscreen on your face and neck can be beneficial long-term.”
For more information on how to protect yourself from the rays of the sun while enjoying your summer go to: https://www.aad.org/public/public-health/awareness-campaigns/practice-safe-sun.