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 More than 5 million cases of skin cancer are
diagnosed each year and most are associated with exposure to the
ultraviolet rays from the sun. And even though it’s the most common
form of cancer in the U.S. it is also one of the most preventable.
Help reduce this percentage and keep yourself and others safe with a
bit of skin cancer prevention.
Use sunscreen year-round. It is easy to overlook during those
extremely cold or hot months where we may be bundled up or spending
minimal time outdoors. In fact, running errands and even time spent
in the car results in sun exposure.
Apply a sunscreen with UVA/UVB protection and a minimum SPF of 30
over your entire body at least 30 minutes before going outdoors.
This includes cloudy days when we often forego this precaution.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or excessive
sweating. Pay close attention and make a generous application to
lips, tips of ears, and the backs of your neck and hands.
Keep a bottle of sunscreen in your garden tool kit as a reminder to
apply throughout the day. If it’s easily accessible, you are more
likely to apply it as needed.
Avoid gardening and outdoor activities when the sun is most intense.
This is usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Find those shady spots in
the landscape to weed or relax during that time. Avoiding the
intense sunlight means cooler temperatures that make working in the
garden more enjoyable.
Cover up for greater protection. Wear a broad brimmed hat to protect
your ears, scalp, neck and face from the sun. Don clothing of
tightly woven fabric that helps block harmful UV rays. And talk to
your dermatologist about the benefits of investing in
photoprotective clothing.
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Be sure to include gloves when purchasing sun
protective clothing. Look for knit gloves like Foxgloves (foxglovesinc.com)
that provide 50+ UPF, Ultraviolet Protection Factor. These gloves
are made of lightweight, breathable fabric and come in a variety of
colors, including skin tone, making them easy to wear when working,
driving or participating in any outdoor activity.
And don’t forget about your eyes. Wear sunglasses and a broad
brimmed hat to protect your eyes when gardening, relaxing or
recreating outdoors.
Check your skin regularly for any suspicious moles, spots, growths
and changes. And visit your dermatologist at least once a year. They
can help you detect and manage problems early.
As you work to improve your landscape or do other outdoor activities
this season, add sun protection to your to-do list. Then encourage
your family and friends to do the same. A bit of prevention can
reduce your risk of becoming that one individual in five that
develops skin cancer by the age of 70.
Melinda Myers has written numerous books, including Small Space
Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” DVD
series and the nationally-syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV &
radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for
Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Foxgloves for her
expertise to write this article. Her web site is
www.MelindaMyers.com.
[Photo credit: photo courtesy of
FoxGlovesInc.com] |
