Franklin VNA & Hospice’s Health Corner: Protecting Your Whole Body While Enjoying the Weather

FRANKLIN — By now it is likely part of everyone’s routine to use sun protection daily, no matter the season, to help protect skin from ultraviolet radiation. It can easily be added to a morning routine, as many moisturizers, makeup, and lip balms contain sun protection.

When people spend time in the sun for longer periods like for gardening, hiking or a day at the beach, they should remember to increase both the sun protection factor, and the frequency used. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside, then reapply every two hours when outside, as well as after swimming or sweating. The academy recommends using SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97 percent of the sun's UVB rays, or higher if possible. No sunblock blocks 100 percent of rays though, and a high SPF doesn’t mean it can be applied any less frequently.

Speaking of UVB rays, the Skin Cancer Foundation reports that those are the rays that cause sunburns. UVA rays cause wrinkling and age-spots, but just like UVB, can also cause cancer. Sunblock should be labeled “broad-spectrum” or included language on the label about blocking both UVA and UVB rays.

Sunblock is just one part of a skin protection strategy. The World Health Organization says experts believe that four out of five cases of skin cancer could be prevented.

Kristin Jordan, director of home care and hospice at Franklin VNA & Hospice, said, "Checking the UV index is just like checking the weather. It helps plan for the day. If it’s going to rain, grab an umbrella. If the UV index is going to be anywhere from three to seven, plan to be in the shade during the midday hours and grab a wide brimmed hat and some UV-blocking sunglasses before you head out. Eight or above? Seek the shade, and try to avoid being out in weather like that! If you must, use as much protection as you can." That means sunblock, hats, sunglasses and protective clothing, and limiting exposure outdoors. Sunblock should be a physical barrier sunblock with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Avoid skin-penetrating chemical sunscreens which have ingredients such as octisalate, octinoxate, or avobenzone. The UV index was developed by WHO, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the World Meteorological Organization. It’s a measure of the levels of UV radiation that will occur 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The higher the UVI, the greater the potential for damage to the skin and eyes, and the shorter amount of time it takes for harm to occur.

Krystin Albert, chief executive officer of Franklin VNA & Hospice, is rarely photographed without her sunglasses. "Your eyes and the skin around them are easily damaged by the sun. This includes sun glare off of water, snow, or sand, and increases the higher your altitude, like when skiing or hiking. Damage builds up over time," she said. "My sunglasses help protect my eyes, and are definitely something you should include as part of your skin protection strategy." The American Cancer Society notes that sunglasses should block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Look for labels that say “UV absorption up to 400 nm” or “meets ANSI UV requirements”. Cosmetic sunglasses block about 70 percent of UV rays, and those without a label may not provide any UV protection.

Lastly, don’t forget a hat. Unless someone is bald, there isn’t an easy way to apply sunscreen to the scalp, which can easily burn. Find a hat with at least a 2 or 3-inch brim because it protects ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp. A dark, non-reflective underside to the brim can help lower the amount of UV rays reaching the face from reflective surfaces such as water. The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency has a chart comparing types of hats and how well they protect parts of the head and face. Baseball caps don’t fare nearly as well as a bucket hat or wide-brimmed hat. To see the comparison, visit arpansa.gov.au/understanding-radiation/radiation-sources/more-radiation-sources/sun-protection-hats.

For more information, call Franklin VNA & Hospice at 603-934-3454 or visit FranklinVNA.org.