July is UV Safety Month! At OneShare Health, we celebrate our 4.5 billion-year-old yellow dwarf star—the Sun! Sunny, blue skies and warm days make for fun outdoor family activities, but it’s crucial to protect your skin while enjoying the great outdoors.
July is UV Safety Month! At OneShare Health, we celebrate our 4.5 billion-year-old yellow dwarf star—the Sun! Sunny, blue skies and warm days make for fun outdoor family activities, but it’s crucial to protect your skin while enjoying the great outdoors.
Understanding UV Rays
The Sun emits two types of UV rays: UVB and UVA. Both are physical carcinogens and can contribute to skin cancer. UVB rays cause sunburns and are linked to skin cancers such as malignant melanoma. Did you know UVA rays are more prevalent in sunlight than UVB rays? UVA rays penetrate the skin deeper and accelerate skin aging. While we love the sun, it's essential to be proactive in protecting our skin.
Make the Most of Your Classic Crown Program
If you're enrolled in our Classic Crown Program, remember that you have dermatology visits included. With unlimited $75 specialist visits, it's easy to schedule a preventive skin exam. Regular check-ups with a dermatologist are crucial, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors. If you need help finding a dermatologist, Member Support can provide you with a list of specialists in your area, or you can use our provider search tool.
Tips for UV Protection
When it comes to protecting yourself from UV rays, there are several key practices to keep in mind. First and foremost, using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is essential, even on cloudy days. Sunscreen lotions and sticks are more effective than sprays, providing better coverage and protection.
Staying hydrated is another important aspect of sun safety. The sun can cause dehydration, so it's important to drink a bottle of water every hour to maintain proper hydration levels. This not only keeps your body functioning well but also helps your skin stay healthy and resilient.
Protecting your eyes from UV rays is also crucial. Wearing sunglasses with UV protection can prevent eye damage and reduce the risk of cataracts and other eye-related issues. Choose sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays for the best protection.
For babies under six months old, sunscreen is not recommended due to their sensitive skin. Instead, use hats, long sleeves, and seek shade to protect them from the sun's harmful rays. Ensuring that our youngest loved ones are shielded from UV exposure is vital for their long-term health.
Health Share and Sunlight
While it's essential to protect ourselves from UV rays, sunlight also offers health advantages. Sunlight helps boost serotonin, a chemical in our brain that improves our energy and mood. This natural boost can enhance our mental health, providing us with more energy and a positive mindset.
In addition to mental health benefits, sunlight aids in the production of Vitamin D. This vitamin is crucial for our immune system, bones, and blood cells, playing a significant role in our overall well-being. By spending time in the sun safely, we can enjoy these health benefits while minimizing the risks associated with UV exposure.
Cheers to a Happy and Safe Summer!
As we celebrate UV Safety Month, let's enjoy the summer responsibly by protecting our skin and making the most of our OneShare Health resources. For more information on skin cancer prevention, visit the National Cancer Institute and WebMD.
Stay safe, enjoy the sunshine, and make this summer a season of happy and healthy outdoor memories!
