Stay safe in the sun Published June 9, 2006 By Capt. Robert Martin 60th Aerospace Medicine Squadron TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- People are spending more and more time outside. Every day feels more like summertime here. As outdoor activities increase, it is important to think about staying healthy and safe. We have heard it all before. The sun’s powerful rays aren’t good for us. They have the potential to create short-term and long-term health problems. While there is a lot of truth to that, a little knowledge and planning can easily prevent harmful exposure and make your summer safe for years to come. Most people are aware of the sun’s powerful ultraviolet rays and the damaging effects they can create. Unprotected exposure can damage your skin causing painful sunburn, an aged skin appearance and even melanomas. According to the National Agricultural Safety Database, the following information will make your days of summer safer than ever. Follow these simple tips to minimize the risk of sunburn and potential skin cancer: - The sun’s rays are strongest and most damaging between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. - Protective clothing such as long sleeves, long pants and gloves act as a barrier between the skin and the sun. - Clothing made of polypropylene or nylon is lightweight, comfortable and highly breathable. Check any local outdoor clothing supplier. Many of these garments have also been treated to repel mosquitoes and ticks. Check the labels carefully. - Wear a breathable, wide-brimmed hat that protects the back of your neck and ear tips. A baseball cap doesn’t offer complete protection. - Use a sunscreen with sun protection factor of 30 or more while outdoors. Apply 15 to 30 minutes before going outside and reapply according to label directions. - If using bug repellent, apply the sunscreen first; work into your skin and then apply repellent to areas of skin your clothing does not cover. We have all heard the term melanoma when discussing overexposure to the sun. A melanoma is a skin tumor composed of abnormal cells. Normal, healthy cells are damaged to some degree each time we’re exposed to the sun’s harmful rays. Over time, these changes have the potential to become cancerous. If not detected early, these cells may spread to other body systems with a potentially fatal consequence. Perform periodic skin examinations looking for dermatologic changes. These include warts or moles that appear shiny, rusty, reddened or darkened. Early detection and medical intervention is the key. Contact your doctor if you suspect melanoma. By incorporating these easy to follow tips, you can greatly minimize the damaging effects of the sun and make this your safest summer ever. For more information, visit http://www.molechecks.com or call the public health department at 423-5464.