July is Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Month, and health officials are reminding Iowans about the importance of sun safety to prevent skin cancer. Most skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV light, which can damage skin cells. These harmful rays, which can come from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps, can reach you even on cloudy or cool days and reflect off surfaces like water, cement, sand, and snow. They are typically strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. To protect yourself, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that filters both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of 15 or higher. Apply a thick layer to all exposed skin and reapply every two hours or after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. Sunscreen is not recommended for infants under six months; keep them out of the sun during midday and use protective clothing. Other sun safety tips include seeking shade, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, planning activities for morning or evening, and wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes. For more information, visit the CDC’s sun safety page, which is included below.
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www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/sun-safety/index.html
