By Jahiah Wilson, Executive Director of Spring Creek Senior Partners
JULY IS UV SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH
July is UV Safety Awareness Month. July is UV safety awareness month. During the sunny summer months, a lot of emphasis is placed on protecting our skin and eyes from Ultraviolet (UV) rays. Many of us know that overexposure to UV rays from the sun during the summer months (when we are often outside for extended periods of time) can cause severe skin and eye injuries, including sunburn, skin cancer, cataracts, macular degeneration, and growths on our eyes – including cancer. In the continental U.S., the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. are the most hazardous for UV exposure and are at their greatest intensity during the late spring and early summer.
Before we explain the harmful effects of overexposure and provide tips on minimizing these effects, we should explain exactly what we are dealing with.
Tips for protecting your skin against UVA and UVB overexposure
Look for three letters. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is an essential factor when determining which sunscreen you use. SPF values measure how much a
sunscreen can protect you from sunburn. For example, if you apply SPF 30 sunscreen sufficiently and evenly, it will take 30 times longer for your skin to begin to burn than if you did not wear any sunscreen protection at all. With this in mind, you should reapply sunscreen at least every two hours and after swimming, towel dry, and apply again for extended sun exposure.
Cover all your bases. Because SPF measures protection against sunburn caused primarily by UVB rays, be sure your SPF sunscreen protects against UVA rays as well by choosing products that provide both UVA and UVB protection. These lotions and sprays are usually labeled broad spectrum and are available as body and face sunscreens as well as daily moisturizers.
Be consistent. Wear or use a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Apply generous amounts of sunscreen, especially when you are active outdoors. Use a water-resistant sunscreen when swimming or sweating and always choose a sunscreen that offers an SPF of 30 or higher.
If you need to see one of our NORC Nurses or Social Worker, please call for an appointment. Our telephone number is 718-348-7620. Our office hours are Monday-Friday from 9:30am to 12:30pm, Spring Creek Senior Partners offers free blood pressure, Body Mass Index, Weight and Oxygen Level screenings. Call our office at 718-348-7620 to schedule an appointment.
Spring Creek Senior Partners NORC will be conducting several workshops this month pertaining to health and wellness.
For more information, visit the office of Spring Creek Senior Partners and speak with Jasmine Jennings to attend.
The staff of Spring Creek Senior Partners is here to assist those living in Spring Creek Towers who are 60 years and older. You are always welcome to participate in our many events and activities.
ABOUT SPRING CREEK SENIOR PARTNERS
Spring Creek Senior Partners is a Naturally Occurring Retirement Community/Supportive Service Program (NORC/SSP) and we serve all residents who are 60 years or older. Our services are free and open to all residents of Spring Creek Towers. You can visit Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at 160 Schroeders Ave. (G5) or call us 718-348-7620.
