UV Awareness Month
UV Awareness: Protect Yourself from the Sun’s Ultraviolet Rays
Throughout the year, seniors (and those of all ages) need to protect themselves from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. But it’s the summertime when we should be extra careful, since we spend more time outside during the summer months. And it’s not just our skin we need to protect, but our eyes as well.
July is UV Awareness Month; a time to be reminded about UV rays and what we should do to protect our skin and eyes when we’re outside. Sponsored by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, UV Awareness Month is intended to shed light on the very serious issue of skin cancer and other ailments caused by ultraviolet light. We can all use this month to raise awareness about UV rays and help people take action to take precaution.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are the main cause of skin cancer. UV damage can also cause wrinkles and blotchy skin, as well as those hated age spots.
Most skin cancer appears after age 50, in our senior years, but skin damage from the sun can start during childhood. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is now one of the most common cancers among adolescents and young adults ages 15-29. While melanoma accounts for about three percent of skin cancer cases, it causes more than 75 percent of skin cancer deaths. UV exposure and sunburns, particularly during childhood, are risk factors for the disease.
Other UV-related skin disorders include actinic keratoses and premature aging of the skin. Actinic keratoses are skin growths that occur on body areas exposed to the sun. The face, hands, forearms, and the “V” of the neck are especially susceptible to this type of lesion. Although premalignant, actinic keratoses are a risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma. Look for raised, reddish, rough-textured growths and seek prompt medical attention if you discover them.
Chronic exposure to the sun also causes premature aging, which over time can make the skin become thick, wrinkled, and leathery. Since it occurs gradually, often manifesting itself many years after the majority of a person’s sun exposure, premature aging is often regarded as an unavoidable, normal part of growing older. However, up to 90 percent of the visible skin changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun. With proper protection from UV radiation, most premature aging of the skin can be avoided.
Steps you can take to protect your skin:
• Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
• Cover up with long sleeves and a hat.
• Check your skin once a month for changes.
Research has shown that UV radiation also increases the likelihood of certain cataracts. Cataracts are a form of eye damage in which a loss of transparency in the lens of the eye clouds vision. If left untreated, cataracts can lead to blindness. Although curable with modern eye surgery, cataracts diminish the eyesight of millions of Americans and cost billions of dollars in medical care each year. Other kinds of eye damage include pterygium (tissue growth that can block vision), skin cancer around the eyes, and degeneration of the macula (the part of the retina where visual perception is most acute).
All of these eye problems can be lessened with proper protection. Look for sunglasses and glasses (or contact lenses if you wear them) that offer 99 to 100 percent UV protection. Wear your protective eyewear when playing sports or doing activities around the home. Most protective eyewear lenses are made of polycarbonate, which is 10 times stronger than other plastics. Many eye care providers sell protective eyewear, as do some sporting goods stores.
For more information about UV Awareness Month and what you can do to help created awareness, visit healthfinder.gov
If you’re seeking a senior residence for yourself or a loved one this summer, begin your search at alternativesforseniors.com. There, you can easily find a senior apartment, independent-living, assisted-living, or other continuing-care community. You can also call a Senior Specialist at Alternatives for Seniors at (888) WE-ASSIST (888-932-7747) to ask questions and receive free placement assistance.
BLOG Date: Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Writer: Ryan Allen