‘We are expecting near-record levels of ultraviolet radiation over North America this summer,” warns Betsy Weatherhead, Ph.D.,
a senior research scientist at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Although the rate of decline in the ozone layer is leveling
off, it is still close to its lowest point in history, according to a report by Weatherhead and a Danish colleague in the
May 4, 2006, journal Nature.
Overexposure to UV radiation is a preventable cause of skin aging and skin cancer, so it’s more important than ever to take
precautions when spending time in the sun. Here’s how:
Use sunscreen, but know its limits. Check the label for products that help protect against UVA and UVB rays, since both types can cause potentially cancerous
changes in cells. Choose a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, or higher for more protection. Apply an ounce of sunscreen
on all exposed skin a half-hour before sun exposure. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or heavy sweating. Remember
that repeat applications do not mean you can prolong the time you can stay in the sun. Even when scrupulously applied, sunscreen
lets some radiation slip through, so limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Wear sunscreen on overcast days, too,
since a substantial amount of the sun’s radiation penetrates clouds.
Wear the right clothing. Wear clothes of tightly woven fabric, and boost their sun-shielding ability by washing them with detergent that contains
“brighteners,” which absorb some ultraviolet rays.
Shield your eyes. Wear a broad-brimmed hat and choose large-frame, wraparound sunglasses for maximum protection. Sunglasses that block UVA
and UVB rays may reduce the cumulative effect of UV damage linked to cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.
Don’t rely on shade. Just because you’re sitting under a leafy tree doesn’t mean you’re shielded from the damage of the sun’s UV rays.
Stay hydrated. Thirst can lag behind dehydration, so in warm weather drink before you become thirsty. When exercising on humid or hot, overcast
days, sweat won’t evaporate quickly or cool you efficiently, so you’re at greater risk of dehydration.
Recognize heat-stroke symptoms. Swelling of the hands and feet, fatigue, and prickly heat (a rash caused by blocked sweat pores) are signs that you need
to cool off. To avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke, seek immediate help if you develop any of these symptoms: confusion,
lethargy, agitation, intense muscle aches, fever, nausea, convulsions, or loss of consciousness.
Check medication side effects. Certain drugs can increase sensitivity to sunlight, sometimes resulting in severe burns or other skin reactions. Examples
include acne drugs, such as tretinoin (Renova, Retin-A); antibiotics, such as tetracycline (Sumycin) and ciprofloxacin (Cipro);
and certain blood pressure drugs, such as chlorothiazide (Diuril) and hydrochlorothiazide (Esidrix, Hydrodiuril). Take protective
steps if a medication you’re taking lists sun sensitivity as a side effect.
