Continued from page 1
MYTH THREE: Taking Care Of Your Skin Now Will Protect You
Sadly, skin cancer can take 20 or more years to develop. The Skin Cancer Foundation states that most people receive about 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure before age of 18. Just one blistering sunburn in childhood is estimated to double risk of melanoma later in life. Taking better care now will reduce risk, but not eliminate damage already done.
MYTH FOUR: Having a Tan Means You're More Protected
Dark skinned individuals are less likely to develop cancer, but tanned skin is actually damaged skin. Repeated tanning injures skin and increases risk of skin cancer.
MYTH FIVE: You Can't get Burned on Overcast Days
Just because sun is hidden by some cloud does not mean that you don't need protection from harmful effects of suns rays.
So how do you plan to protect your family this year? Some suggestions are to limit exposure to sun - especially for infants. Examine your skin for early signs of damage. Use a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and apply it at least 30 minutes before exposure and every two hours after that. Teach your children good safety habits and be sure you and they are covered up when outdoors. Have fun and be safe. The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.
Emily Clark is editor at Lifestyle Health News and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.