Soak up sun safety this summer | va washington dc health care | veterans affairs

Summer has arrived in the Nation’s Capital. With so much to see and do, and more than 62 national parks to explore between the Virginia, Maryland and DC area, there’s no better time to get

out and soak up the sun – as long as you do it safely. Ultraviolet (UV) rays, emitted from the sun, are classified into two types, and neither are good for you. UV A rays can cause skin to

wrinkle and age prematurely, while UV B rays are the ones that cause sunburns. Both can lead to skin cancer. “One in five Americans will develop skin cancer over the course of their life.

That’s why it is so important to protect your skin against UV exposure from a young age,” said Mary Maiberger, MD, Chief of Dermatology at the Washington DC VA Medical Center. UV rays have

been classified as a known carcinogen because of their link to skin cancer, and July is designated UV Ray Awareness Month to educate people about proper protection methods. But the Sun isn’t

the only culprit to blame for skin damage, tanning beds also emit the harmful rays. “There is no such thing as a safe tan. Along with sunburns, they represent a DNA mutation of the skin,

which over time can lead to skin cancer,” said Maiberger. “Take the necessary precautions to have fun safely.” Maiberger’ s tips for enjoying your summer without exposing yourself to UV rays

include: * Wear sun protective clothing (lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, wide brimmed hats) * Seek shade when possible * Avoid exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the suns

rays are the strongest For those who cannot avoid sun exposure, she recommends following these sunscreen tips: * Wear a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher *

Apply if going outside for more than 10 minutes * Ensure you use enough to adequately cover the body (typically an ounce) * Make sure to cover commonly missed areas like the ears, top of the

head, neck and feet * Use a lip balm with sunscreen * Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating Maiberger added that water can reflect and intensify UV rays, so proper

sunscreen usage and reapplication is vital when participating in water sports this summer. “Certain medications or health conditions can also make your skin or eyes sensitive to the sun,”

she said. “If you have questions about sun protection or your skin health, reach out to your VA primary care team. We’re here to help you enjoy your summer safely.”