While that sun sure feels good, it’s worth repeating a warning about the dangers of the sun on our skin and other protections to ensure a safe season ahead.
Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, develops in the cells that produce melanin — the pigment that gives your skin its color. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning lamps/beds increases your risk of developing melanoma so limit your exposure.
For adequate protection against melanoma, everyone over the age of six months should use sunscreen daily and year-round, in any weather. Infants should be kept out of the sun or protected with clothing and an umbrella or stroller hood. Sunscreen should not be neglected on overcast days, as 70-80 percent of the sun’s rays go through clouds and fog.
In addition to exercising caution with the sun, the warmer weather brings activities that can pose dangers, some of which are water related. For instance, from 2005-2014, there were an average of 3,536 fatal unintentional drownings (non-boating related) annually in the United States — about ten deaths per day. Here are some resources to help you enjoy a safe season, both in and out of the water.
- The National Safety Council offers numerous tips on keeping teens and kids safe in the water.
- Review the Centers for Disease Control’s list of Boating Safety tips for a safer sail.
- Check out the American Academy of Pediatrics’ array of safety reminders about fireworks, insect bites, biking and more.
Whether it’s at the beach, by the pool, camping or enjoying your favorite activity, Pearson Benefits wishes everyone a happy and safe summer!