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Safety in the Sun

The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer. This can mean only one thing — summer has arrived! With nicer weather, no matter what the season, many people enjoy outdoor activities exposing them to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Short term effects of UV include sunburn and tanning. However, long term effects of UV exposure include premature aging, wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, not to mention increased risk of skin cancer and cataracts.

Scott County Health Department encourages all individuals and families to develop sun safe habits. Here are a few tips to block the sun, not the fun!

• Apply sunscreen whenever you are outdoors
  • Use sunscreen with a SPF 15 or higher
• Wear UV protective sunglasses
• Wear a hat with a wide brim
• Seek shade at peak sun hours

For more information on sun safety topics visit::

• National Safety Council
  http://www.nsc.org/ehc/sunsafe.htm
  Sun Safety-General
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin
  Skin Cancer
• The American Cancer Society
  http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/PED_7.asp?sitearea=PED
  Sun Safety and Cancer
• The American Cancer Society
  http://www.cancer.org/docroot/PED/content/ped_7_1_How_to_Protect_Yourself_and_Your_Kids.asp?sitearea=PED
  Children and Sun Safety
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
  http://www.epa.gov/sunwise
  SunWise Program
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat
  Extreme Heat