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Here are some of the damaging effects caused by exposure to UV-A and UV-B rays:

• Problems with vision and eye damage

• Suppression of the immune system

• Premature skin aging

• Skin cancers

How to reduce the risk associated with unprotected sun exposure:

1. Cover Up: Wearing a hat with a wide brim, shade-protective clothing, and sunglasses may partly shield your skin from UV ray exposure.

2. Stay in the Shade: The sun is most intense at midday. To further protect your skin you should stay in the shade from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. UV rays can still damage your skin on cooler or cloudy days. For this reason, it is vital to use protect your skin and eyes throughout the year.

3. Use the right type of Sunscreen: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) new regulations for sunscreen labeling recommends using sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or more and should protect against both UV-A and UV-B rays (broad spectrum).

4. Use the Right Amount of Sunscreen: According to the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, the majority of people apply less than half of the recommended amount of sunscreen. When out in the sun, you must apply at least one ounce (a palmful) of sunscreen every two hours. You should use it more often when sweating or swimming, even if the sunscreen is waterproof.

Remember to protect your eyes and your skin whiles you enjoy the outdoors this summer!

www.va.gov https://skincancerprevention.org/ https://bit.ly/3bSZZwz