By Lisa M. Belisle, MD, MPH
Originally published July 10, 2008, The Maine Switch

While most of us think of mid-summer as a time for fairs and fireworks, in the health-care world July known is UV Safety Month. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to eye problems such as cataracts and macular degeneration—both of which may lead to blindness. UV rays also cause premature aging and skin cancer.

UV rays are also our best source of Vitamin D. Once thought to be simply a bone-builder, we now know that this substance is important for our mental health and other aspects of our physical well-being (such as cancer prevention). Medical experts have recently suggested that the “recommended daily allowance” (RDA) of Vitamin D be increased. Vitamin D is also necessary in non-human organisms like plants and animals, many of which we are highly dependent upon for food.

Obviously we need UV rays. We also need healthy eyes and skin. So in honor of UV Safety Month:

• Cover your parts. Grab a hat, roll down your sleeves and slather on the sunscreen. Pick one with an SPF of at least 15—preferably one containing a “physical” sun blocking ingredient like zinc or titanium oxide. Avoid products containing parabens, cinnamates, benzophenones and padimates. These may cause health problems in humans, and are thought to be partially responsible for the death of sea creatures such as coral.
• Shield your eyes. Chose sunglasses that protect against at least 97% of UV-A and UV-B rays, and wear them outside during daylight hours. (FMI visit www.geteyesmart.org.)
• Eat skin-friendly edibles. Foods high in selenium and Vitamins A, C and E may protect against certain forms of skin cancer. Luckily, many of these foods are coming into season now—break out the strawberries, salmon and peas!
• Grab some green tea and get going. Preliminary studies suggest that the combination of exercise and caffeine may stave off skin cancer. Join me weekly for “Walk with the Doc.”
• Know your moles. Watch your skin for any new or changing lumps, bumps or odd-looking freckles. Contact the MaineHealth Learning Resource Centers (1-866-609-5183) for information about dermatologist-directed skin cancer screening programs.
• Encourage your kids to do all of the above. Stress UV safety beginning at an early age. For more information, visit www.kidshealth.org.

Finally, don’t stress about the sun: be sane. Life is short. Summer is even shorter. Enjoy the fairs and fireworks.