Healthcare Awareness Spotlight: July is UV Awareness Month

It's the middle of summer, so it seems appropriate that it is UV Awareness Month!

Whether by the pool, hitting the hiking and biking trails, or simply gardening this summer, it is important to remember that both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from the sun are harmful to the human body's largest organ—the skin. In fact, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting one in five Americans by the age of 70.

But there are many ways to protect our skin year-round and not become a statistic. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, the best way to do this is by seeking shade when appropriate, wearing sun-protective clothing, and applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Dermatologist Recommendations: Clothing and Accessories

Top dermatologists in the nation uniformly offer five recommendations for effective sun protection.

These recommendations include:

• Wear dark-colored, lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants.
• Wear clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) marked on the label.
• Wear large-frame sunglasses with dark lenses and UV protection.
• Wear wide-brimmed hats, protecting ears, head, and neck.
• Wear shoes that cover your feet.

Dermatologist Recommendations: Sunscreen

When it comes to sunscreen, it helps prevent sunburns and skin cancer, as well as premature skin aging, including wrinkles and age spots. However, dermatologists continue to advise their patients on matters involving effectiveness.

Here are some reminders:

• Use broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB), water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Use enough. Apply one ounce of sunscreen to fully cover areas of skin not covered by clothing or shoes.
• Apply 15 minutes before going outdoors.
• Reapply one ounce of sunscreen every two hours while outdoors, sweating, or swimming.
• Use sunscreen outdoors, even on cloudy days.
• Throw out old, expired sunscreen. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires sunscreens to maintain their efficacy for three years from the date of purchase.
• Use sun-protective clothing and accessories in addition to sunscreen.

Skin Cancer Facts

Unfortunately, neglecting or using inadequate skin protection risks serious consequences.

Sobering facts from the Skin Cancer Foundation:

• One out of every five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.
• More than two people die of skin cancer in the United States every hour.
• Having five or more sunburns doubles the risk of melanoma.

UV Awareness and Education

Let's take action this summer and continue promoting UV awareness and education to protect our skin and eyes from the sun's harmful rays. Remember, you can always step aside and enjoy summer under the shade of large trees, beach umbrellas, and park pavilions or gazebos.

Enjoy summer with all the protection you need!

For more information, visit the resources cited herein: Skin Cancer Foundation (skincancer.org) and the American Academy of Dermatology (aad.org).

Sonal Patel, BA, CPMA, CPC, CMC, ICDCM, is CEO and Principal Strategist of SP Collaborative, LLC. Sonal has over 13 years of experience understanding the art of business medicine as a nationally recognized thought-leader, speaker, author, creator, and consultant to elevate coding compliance education for the business of medicine.

https://www.spcollaborative.net