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 I know you are scratching your head
wondering, "Why is she writing something about sunscreen?" The answer? We have
to protect ourselves from the sun too!
Spring has sprung and with spring flowers, we also
get to enjoy an abundance of sunshine. The sunrays given to us by our Heavenly
Father, while beautiful and energizing, can also be harmful if we don't take the
necessary precautions. Over 1 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer each
year. As a result, it is the most common form of cancer. Here are some facts, as
well as a few tips to make sure you can enjoy the outdoors but also avoid sun
damage.
What is Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation?
This is the form of radiation that comes from the
sun and actually reaches the Earth. In addition to increasing the risk of skin
cancer, there is also an increased risk of developing cataracts and other eye
problems.
There are two main types of UV radiation; UVA and
UVB.
- Short-term exposure leads to sunburn and tanning.
- Long-term exposure leads to premature skin
aging, wrinkles, dark patches (also called age spots or liver spots), and
skin cancer.
- Research has shown that both UVA and UVB can
cause skin damage and skin cancer.
Are Some People More Prone to Sun Damage?
According to the American Cancer Society,
"Everyone's skin and eyes can be damaged by the sun and other UV rays. Although
people with light skin are more likely to have sun damage, darker skinned
people, including African Americans and Hispanic Americans, also can be
affected".
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