Sun Safety Information and Tips

Dr. Carol wants to make sure everyone understands how to be safe in the sun. Please review the following information regarding Sun Safety and Ultraviolet Index (UV) Alerts.

Sun safety tips for everyday
Please be sure to do multiple layers of these tips on days that have a UV Alert.

Remember the "S" for sun safety:

Slip on some sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.

Slop on broad spectrum, water resistant SPF30+ sunscreen. Put it on 20 minutes before you go outdoors and every two hours afterwards. Sunscreen should never be used to extend the time you spend in the sun.

Slap on a hat that protects your face, head, neck and ears.

Seek shade.

Slide on some sunglasses. Recommend sunglasses that reflect or filter out 99-100 % of UVA and UVB light, with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers (nm). Sunglasses which meet this requirement are often labeled as "UV 400.

A UV Alert is issued when the UV Index forecast is 3 or above, a level that can damage your skin and lead to skin cancer. The higher the index value, the greater the potential for damage to your skin. Extra care should always be taken between 10am and 3pm when UV levels reach their peak.

Please note the following conditions that increase the amount of UV light:
1. Time of day (peak 10am-2pm)
2. Reflective surfaces such as water or snow and sand
3. Cloud cover has a small diminishing effect on UV radiation
4. Closeness to equator
5. Altitude

Always make sunscreen part of your daily skin care routine!