Be Well Bulletin
June 2015
Fun in the Sun
“Prevention and early
detection are the most
important weapons
in the battle against
skin cancer. ”
It’s the perfect time of year to have fun outdoors. Taking
a walk, going swimming, and riding a bike are all great ways
to be active and enjoy the nice weather. While outdoor
activities can be good for your health, getting too much
sun can be harmful. It’s linked to skin and eye damage,
as well as skin cancer.
Shedding light on skin cancer
Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers and cases
of skin cancer are on the rise. Melanoma is the most
dangerous form of skin cancer because it can spread to
other parts of the body. You are at increased risk of getting
skin cancer if you have:
• Gotten a lot of sun exposure in your life and have used
tanning beds.
• Fair, white skin that burns rather than tans.
• Red hair; and/or blue eyes.
• A lot of freckles when you were a child or now have
many on your back.
• At least 50 moles.
• A family member that has had skin cancer.
Sun Safety Tips
1
Always wear sunscreen. Choose
a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or more.
2
Avoid sitting out in the sun or in
a tanning bed.
3
Wear sunglasses, a hat, and clothes that
cover your arms and legs.
4
Seek shade under an umbrella, tree,
or other covered area.
Read more about how the sun affects
you here.
Protecting children from the sun is also important. It can
reduce their risk for developing skin cancer later in life.
Their skin is more sensitive to the sun and can burn easily.
The best ways to protect children depend on their age.
Infants 0-6 months old should always be completely kept
out of the sun. Babies 6-12 months old should be protected
with SPF 30+ sunscreen.
Prevention and early detection are the most important
weapons in the battle against skin cancer. Sun exposure
is not the only risk—genetics play an important role too.
Check yourself regularly for new changes in your skin, and
report any new or unusual growths to your doctor. Learn
more about protecting your skin here.
Resources
Losing your cool
Too much fun in the sun can lead to heat-related health
problems. Our bodies have many ways to keep us cool
but there are limits to what it can do. It is important to
always drink plenty of water while enjoying warm weather.
If you aren’t feeling well during or after being out in the
sun, check your symptoms to decide if and when you
should see a doctor.
We have a number of resources and
tools to keep you healthy and help you
manage chronic conditions. Check out
these additional resources:
Health and Wellness A–Z Library
CaféWell
Children First Program
Quit for Life
New Arrivals
720 Olive Way, Suite 300
Seattle, WA 98101-1830 / www.CHPW.org