[ad_1]
Mark A. Mahoney
I recently returned to California from a wonderful backpacking trip and I will soon be writing about the benefits of physical activity for my well-being and mental health. The serenity created by hiking and camping in the Ansel Adams Wilderness of the high Sierra Nevada after the pandemic brought some significant benefits.
However, as a precautionary measure, the emphasis of today’s column is on focusing on ultraviolet radiation (UV) as I came back with a slight sunburn on the front of my body.
Prevention:Choose a spot in the shade: double your skin cancer prevention
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of non-ionizing radiation emitted by the sun and artificial sources such as B. solariums, is delivered. While it does have some human benefits, including the formation of vitamin D, it can also cause health risks.
Our natural source of UV radiation is the sun.
Some artificial sources of UV radiation are:
- solarium
- Mercury vapor lighting (often found in stadiums and school gyms)
- Some halogen, fluorescent and incandescent lamps
- Some types of lasers
Different types of UV rays
UV radiation is divided into three main types: ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet C (UVC).
All of the UVC and most of the UVB radiation is absorbed by the earth’s ozone layer, so almost all of the ultraviolet radiation received on earth is UVA. Both UVA and UVB radiation can affect health.
Although UVA radiation is weaker than UVB, it penetrates deeper into the skin and is more constant all year round.
Benefits and Risks of UV Radiation
One of the positive effects of UV radiation is the production of vitamin D, a vitamin essential for human health. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus from food and supports bone development.
To maintain healthy blood levels, you should get 10-30 minutes of midday sunlight several times a week.
The risks of overexposure to UV radiation include:
- Sunburn is a sign of short-term overexposure, while premature aging and skin cancer are side effects of prolonged UV exposure.
- Some oral and topical medicines, such as antibiotics, birth control pills, and benzoyl peroxide products, as well as some cosmetics, can increase the UV sensitivity of the skin and eyes in all skin types.
- UV exposure increases the risk of potentially blind eye diseases if eye protection is not used.
- Excessive UV radiation can lead to serious health problems, including cancer.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. The two most common skin cancers are basal cell cancer and squamous cell carcinoma. They typically form on the head, face, neck, hands and arms, as these parts of the body are most exposed to UV radiation.
Most cases of melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer, are caused by UV radiation.
Anyone can get skin cancer, but it’s more common in people who:
- Spend a lot of time in the sun or get sunburned.
- Have light skin, hair, and eyes.
- Do you have a family member with skin cancer.
- Are over 50 years old.
Recommendations for protection against UV radiation
- Stay in the shade, especially during lunchtime.
- Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs.
- Think about how you can protect your children.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face, head, ears, and neck.
- Wear wraparound sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
- Use sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher for both UVA and UVB protection.
additional information
For an explanation of ionizing (and non-ionizing) radiation and additional sun protection tips
www.cdc.gov.
Check out the Food and Drug Administration’s tips, Tips for Staying Safe in the Sun: From Sunscreen to Sunglasses.
While the sunshine summer months here in the Sunshine State are abundant, we should take the time to properly educate ourselves about the science and then take proactive steps to mitigate the risks associated with excessive UV exposure.
Focus on a healthy summer without sunburn. Don’t forget your eyes by taking appropriate measures to protect them. Many thanks to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for much of the content provided here.
Mark A. Mahoney, Ph.D. has been a Registered Nutritionist for over 35 years and graduated from Columbia University with a degree in Nutrition & Public Health. He can be reached at [email protected].
Never miss another story: Subscribe to the Tallahassee Democrat using the link at the top of the page.
[ad_2]
