In Florida, we are so lucky to have access to beautiful beaches and weather.
There are an infinite number of outdoor activities to do. This past week I tried a new one for me, SUP (Stand Up Paddle boarding). I fell a few times, but finally found my balance and had a blast all day long.
Things changed though when the fun was over and I realized that I forgot to wear a hat and had a blistering burn on my scalp. According to the Center for Disease Control, the sun can burn unprotected skin in as little as 15 minutes.
In order to protect yourself from the sun be sure to apply and reapply sunscreen (at least SPF 15) regularly, stay in the shade, wear a hat and UV protective sunglasses. When possible, wear protective clothing such as long sleeved shirts and pants, and limit time outdoors in peak sun hours of 10 a.m. through 4 p.m.
Oh, so you don’t need to because you tan? Well think again.
Besides leaving you with an awful burn, blisters and flaky skin, sitting out in the sun can cause lines, wrinkles and sunspots, as well as increase your chance of skin cancer.
The American Cancer Society is estimating 6,200 new cases of skin cancer this year in Florida alone.
Most of these cases can be linked to too much sun exposure. Regular sun protection can reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. Regular dermatologist skin checks and self-exams can help identify cases early.
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends keeping watch for individual moles that are:
●misshapen.
●have uneven borders.
●a variety of colors.
●a diameter of over one fourth of an inch
●have changed in any of the ways listed.
This summer have fun, live in the moment, try something new — but don’t forget your SPF.
For more information, contact me at 689-5850 or jbreslawski@ufl.edu.
Jill Breslawski is an agent at the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension office in Crestview.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: BRESLAWSKI: Sunscreen use by Florida residents may protect against skin cancer