HEALTH
A BURNING ISSUE
A few simple safety steps can help prevent
The warmer weather brings with it more opportunities for outdoor activities and fun in the sun. Although Florida’s climate offers conditions ripe for healthy
pursuits, too much sun exposure can lead to unhealthy skin damage.
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skin damage, aging and cancer
BY JERRY SHAW
As the days get longer and the sun gets stronger, it
can only mean one thing: Summer is just around the
corner. And with summer, comes more time in the
sun swimming, snorkeling, diving, boating on the
waterways or enjoying outdoor activities in parks.
It may also not only mean painful sunburn but more serious
issues that include skin damage, skin aging and skin cancers.
The Treasure Coast is a haven for sun worshippers who
relish in the recreational and sporting opportunities available
here. That shouldn’t change as long as people know the risks
and take a few simple steps for health safety.
The good news about summertime is that the sun in small
doses offers health benefits. It creates vitamin D, which helps
absorb calcium into the body for healthy bones. Some doctors
even recommend exposure to the sun for patients with skin
conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
The problem arises when there is too much sun exposure,
which can result in early aging signs, a lowered immune
system, eye damage and skin cancers.
Lighter-skinned people are more at risk for sunburn and
skin cancers than darker-skinned people. However, everyone
is at risk for the effects of sun exposure, especially when
spending a lot of time outside. The protections needed may
depend on your type of skin and the time you spend under
the sun.
LIMIT EXPOSURE
Guidelines for protecting yourself against the damages of
the sun include wearing wide-brimmed hats and protective
clothing that limits exposure to the sun as well as staying in
the shade whenever possible. Wearing flaps that cover the
neck also offers protection.
“Don’t forget to also wear sunglasses to protect your eyes,”
advises Dr. Larry Landsman, a Vero Beach dermatologist. >>