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Sunlight, specifically UV radiation, is the Number #1 cause of skin cancer as well as unsightly wrinkles, age spots, thinning, more fragile skin. In short, excessive sun exposure is the main culprit for premature aging of the skin?
The thermometer is reaching 90 more and more frequently, making it imperative that you think about the dangers of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. There is never a good time to let down your guard against premature aging and skin cancer.
Sun exposure dries out skin and reduces its ability to hold moisture. The resulting lines and wrinkles sharpen the appearance of aging. And the cute, charming freckles that the sun brings out in childhood morph into the brown spots and discoloration that plague us as we get older.
With your sun safety in mind, here are three things to keep in mind about summer sun protection:
1. UVA rays age skin cells and can damage their DNA. These rays are linked to long-term skin damage such as wrinkles, but they are also thought to play a role in some skin cancers. Most tanning beds give off large amounts of UVA, which has been found to increase skin cancer risk.
2. UVB rays have slightly more energy than UVA rays. They can damage skin cells’ DNA directly, and are the main rays that cause sunburns. They are also thought to cause most skin cancers.
3. Sun damage is cumulative – Many people do not realize that the worst areas for skin cancer and premature aging are those areas exposed to the sun throughout the year, not just in the summertime. Small doses of ultraviolet light that never cause overt skin damage, over the years, causes a collection of micro-scars that damage the skin. The result is premature aging.
4. Medications can mean unexpected sun sensitivity – Protecting your skin from the sun’s rays is always important, but it becomes even more so when your medication causes photosensitivity. Hundreds of medications, (including everyday antibiotics, hormones and diuretics) may cause you to be extra sensitive to the sun.
So what’s a body to do? To better protect your face, choose a sun hat that has a brim. Preferable a three-inch wide brim or greater, depending on the outdoor activity you doing.
Remember UV radiation that has been reflected up or scattered from a surface such as water or sand. It is extremely important to protect yourself from these reflective sun rays which are almost as dangerous as direct rays. To combat reflective rays, wear a thick coat of broad spectrum sunscreen reapplied throughout the day.
A quality broad spectrum sunscreen will protect against the UVA as well as the UVB rays of the sun. It is important to make sure your skin is protected from both these rays in order to prevent damage and cancer.
The worst type of skin cancer is malignant melanoma, which only accounts for approximately 4% of all skin cancer but accounts for about 79% of skin cancer deaths. Skin cancer claims the lives of approximately 8,000 deaths in the U.S. annually. Don’t become a skin cancer statistic this summer.
You don’t have to stay inside, get out and enjoy the sunny Florida beaches, just please be conscious of how much time you do spend in the sun and always, always wear sunscreen.
Active Lifestyles Encouraged at Retirement Communities
Many local retirement communities offer indoor activities for residents so that they can say active while avoiding the harmful rays of the sun. For instance, indoor pools are a great alternative to swimming and exercising in an outdoor pool, especially during summer months when the sun’s rays are most harmful to the skin. This is just one of many conveniences that may be offered at our local retirement communities.
If you or a loved one are considering a move to a retirement community, you need an agent who is well versed in the area and the various communities to provide the answers you will need to make informed decisions. Without the proper information, the decisions you make can prove costly and won’t only waste time, but keep you from making the best decisions.
The members of the Trout Team will listen to your concerns and provide the answers you need. We will assist you in finding the right community that best suits your needs and your lifestyle.
All said, for the best Buyers Agent representation, call Judy Trout today! Help is only a phone call away, 352-208-2629.
352-208-2629
www.judytroutrealestate.com | email: judy@judytroutrealestate.com
