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UV Awareness Month

It’s the dog days of summer! Time to beat the heat and get down to the beach. Better bring your sunglasses and sunscreen because it’s UV Safety Awareness Month! Did you know that the sun emits ultraviolet rays, invisible to the human eye, that can cause vision problems, suppress the immune system, cause premature aging of the skin, and increase risk of skin cancer?

That’s why it is so important to enjoy the summer sun responsibly by protecting your eyes and and skin from UV sunlight by following these simple steps:

  1. Cover Up: Wearing a hat (preferably wide brimmed) or other shade-protective clothing can partly shield your skin — such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses for eye protection — from the harmful effects of UV ray exposure.
  2. Stay in the Shade: Staying in the shade between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. can further protect your skin.
  3. Choose the Right Sunscreen: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) new regulations for sunscreen labeling recommend that your sunscreen have a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, and should protect against UV rays
  4. Use the Right Amount of Sunscreen:  When out in the sun, it’s important that you apply at least a palmful of sunscreen every two hours (more often if you are running or sweating).

Want to learn more about taking care of your eyes and skin? Check out these great resources available at the library! Stop by to check out any of these titles, or place a hold online by clicking any of the corresponding links below:

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