July 23--So far it's been a summer of heat advisories with temperatures near or in the 90s that feel even hotter with the high humidity.
To raise awareness of sun safety, Schneck Medical Center and its Cancer Center are recognizing July as UV Safety Month.
Heat-related illnesses can range from a headache to heatstroke, and Lynda Richey, a registered nurse for the Cancer Center, said the emergency room has seen a rise in sun sicknesses.
"There's more of that (illness) going on because we've had hotter weather longer this year," Richey said.
She said the very young and the elderly are more susceptible to the heat and chronic diseases associated with it.
"They just don't realize the danger," Richey said of parents who tend to forget to properly apply lotion and give breaks to children outside. "They need to be more proactive with their children."
Although it's easier to send a child outside without lathering them up with SPF sunscreen, it is not the safest option. Richey said most people think to apply sunscreen at the beach, but not on a typical day outside at home.
While children and elderly are a target group to watch for sun and heat sickness, another common group in the area is also prone to not only heat exhaustion, but also to skin cancer.
Farmers who work outside are escalating in numbers of those who get cancers on exposed skin.
"We see more and more skin cancers on the ears," Richey said.
"Farmers used to wear the big hats," Richey said of the increase. "Now they wear baseball caps."
The smaller hats are designed to protect the top of the head and face but leave the neck and ears unprotected.
She said everyone needs to protect their lips with SPF balm, and sunscreen should be applied often.
Richey couldn't offer exact numbers concerning skin cancer because most don't have to be reported.
While talk of UV rays is common, Richey explained the difference.
"There are really three different rays," she said.
"UVA are the longest. It tends to penetrate into deep layers of the skin," Richey said.
These rays are out all year and can penetrate glass, clouds and clothing. Some clothing, including hats, are now available that block the rays.
The second, and medium in length, ray is UVB.
"These are responsible for more burning and tanning," Richey said.
UVC, the shortest sun ray, doesn't reach earth's surface and isn't a concern.
Those with fair skin and those on certain anti-biotics and chemo therapy drugs are more prone to both the effects of heat and sun damage to their skin. Doctors, pill bottles and the pamphlets with the medications will say whether the medication has a heat or sun side-effect.
Besides protecting skin, Richey said staying hydrated is often overlooked.
Richey said to take plenty of breaks throughout the day, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., which is the hottest time period. During those breaks, drink plenty of fluids, especially water and sports drinks. Coffee, tea, sweet drinks and all alcohol should be avoided, which only contribute to dehydration.
"We have to make ourselves," Richey said because most people don't realize how thirsty they are. Kids should be given plenty of fluids while outside since they won't always recognize dehydration.
Eyes are another concern for anyone outside. Richey said cataracts is the main concern for those who don't wear UVA and UVB protected lenses.
As for the indoor tanning trend that has people lying in enclosed UV beds at high noon, Richey said simply not to do it -- ever.
Safety tips
Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Use a sunscreen with a higher SPF if you have fair skin or light hair.
Choose sunscreen labeled "broad spectrum," meaning it protects against two types of harmful rays: UVA rays that penetrate into the deep layers of the skin and UVB rays that are responsible for burning and tanning the skin.
Use waterproof sunscreen to make sure it stays on longer, even if you perspire or get wet.
Reapply sunscreen often. For best protection, apply sunscreen every two hours or more frequently if you've been swimming or if you perspire heavily.
Cover your whole body. Remember to cover those areas that are easily forgotten such as your ears, eyelids, lips, nose, hands, feet and the top of your head.
Seek shade or avoid the sun during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The sun is strongest during those hours, including on cloudy days.
Wear a hat with a wide brim to help shade your eyes, ears and head.
Wear wrap-around sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV protection to safeguard your eyes.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that protects a larger area of your skin. Tightly woven fabrics in light or bright colors are best.
Expand the use of sunscreen beyond the summer; snow reflects up to 80 percent of the sun's rays.
Early detection of skin cancers provides the best opportunity for a cure. The Cancer Center offers these tips:
Perform skin self-examinations in a well-lit room in front of a full-length mirror. Use a handheld mirror for hard-to-see places.
Learn the pattern of your moles, freckles and other birthmarks so that you will notice any changes.
Look for new growths, spots, bumps or sores that do not heal normally.
Don't forget hard-to-see areas of your body such as your head, the underside of your arms, the backs of your legs and between your toes.
Know the ABCDs of moles. If you have any moles that fit the following criteria, ask your doctor to check them out: Asymmetrical: Is the mole oddly shaped? Border: Does the mole have irregular or vaguely defined borders? Color: Does the mole have uneven coloring or multiple colors? Diameter: Is the mole larger than a pencil eraser or is it growing in size?
The Cancer Center also offers a free skin cancer screening each year. To learn more about the screening, interested parties should call 522-0480.
Source: Schneck Medical Center Cancer Center
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