Tips For (Safe) Fun In The Sun

The odds of developing skin cancer rise as you age. In fact,

between 40 and 50 percent of Americans who live up to age 65
will have at least one skin cancer. Older white men are at
particular risk.

Caucausian men over the age of 65 have had an 8.8 percent

annual increase in melanoma incidents since 2003, according to to
skincancer.org.

Whats even more devastating is that increase was the highest

annual increase of any gender or age group. The article further
states that melanoma would kill an estimated 5,700 men in the
U.S. in 2011.

Many older adults think theres no point in protecting themselves

since the damage has been done, but its never too late to help
prevent further damage and lower your skin cancer risk.

Here are some tips from the Skin Cancer Foundation on ways for
seniors to have fun in the sun without having to worry about
dangerous UV rays.

1. Wear protective clothing, broad-brimmed hats and UV-filtering

sunglasses on outdoor excursions.

2. Encourage the application of water-resistant, SPF 30 or higher

sunscreen before going outdoors.
3. Review available shade at places you go that are outside so
you know where you can go to get out of the sun.

4. Schedule outdoor excursions and other activities to avoid the

hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Ensure there are frequent
shade breaks, or times to rest in sheltered areas.

5. Keep your eyes on any unusual spots on your skin (and have a
friend or loved one check out spots that arent readily visible
by you, like your head), as this is key for the early detection of
skin cancers.

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