Wellness Wednesday emails are designed to provide you with simple tools, information, and resources to encourage positive and healthy lifestyle choices. As a proud recipient of The Healthy Arizona Worksite Award, The Be Kind People Project is committed to the health and wellness of its employees, friends, and family.
Stay safe this summer
With the temperatures rising and the growing number of vaccinated Americans, you might feel tempted to get back to your favorite summer activities. Just don’t forget to continue protecting yourself and others, even if you’re fully vaccinated!
According to the CDC, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States – over 5 million cases each year. Even though some forms of skin cancer are easily curable, they can still be disfiguring and costly. While the best way to protect your skin is to stay indoors, let’s talk about how you can stay safe if you choose to head outdoors!
Skin cancer prevention
The number one cause of skin cancer is overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sources like the sun or tanning beds. It only takes 15 minutes for UV rays to damage your skin! Here are some factors that affect UV exposure:
A great way to protect yourself before you step outside is by checking the UV index! Click here and enter your zip code to see the strength of UV light in your area.
Choosing the right sunscreen
A great way to defend yourself from UV overexposure is by using sunscreen – in addition to these sun safety tips! You may be asking “What should I look for in my sunscreen?” Here are some tips to keep you covered in the sun!
It’s important to note that everyone should apply a layer of sunscreen for at least 15 minutes before stepping outside. While individuals with fairer skin tones are at a higher risk, people of color are still at risk of developing skin cancer. So don’t forget to layer up!
Check yourself
Thankfully, skin cancer is easy to spot – all you need are your eyes and a mirror! Most doctors recommend doing a self-exam at least once a month. For a step-by-step guide on how to do a self-exam, click here.
When conducting your self-exam, look for the ABCs!
Share your safety tips!
Regardless of whether you’re spending most of your time inside, running a quick errand, or spending hours outside, don’t let your skin take a back seat this summer. So love the skin you’re in, and protect it, this summer!
Do you have any sun safety tips that you want to share? Let us know!
Published on July 7th, 2021
By Krysta Flores, School Wellness Programs & Events Coordinator
Questions? Comments? Want to contribute to the Wellness Wednesday Bulletin?
Send your ideas to Krysta Flores at krysta@bkpp.org.
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