July is UV Awareness Month

☀️ Did You Know?

• UV rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes.

• Sunburns increase your lifetime risk of developing skin cancer.

• UV exposure occurs year-round—even on cool or cloudy days.

• Your lips, ears, scalp, and the back of your neck are some of the most commonly forgotten areas when applying sunscreen.

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy longer days and sunshine, but it's also when exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays is at its highest. Whether you're working outdoors, driving between job sites, or spending time with family on the weekends, protecting your skin from UV exposure is an important part of staying healthy.

Why UV Protection Matters

Too much exposure to UV rays can cause sunburn, premature skin aging, eye damage, and increase the risk of skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun's UV rays can reach your skin, making sun protection important every day.

Protect Yourself While Working Outdoors

If your job keeps you outside, make UV safety part of your daily routine:

• Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all exposed skin 15 - 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours, or more often if you're sweating heavily.

• Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and clothing with built-in UPF protection when possible.

• Don't forget your hat. A wide-brimmed hat or hard hat with a neck shade can help protect your face, ears, and neck.

• Protect your eyes by wearing safety glasses or sunglasses that block 99 - 100% of UVA and UVB rays.

• Seek shade during breaks whenever possible, especially between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.

• Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps your body regulate temperature and supports overall health while working in the heat.

  
  

Know the Warning Signs

Pay attention to changes in your skin. New or changing moles, spots that don't heal, or unusual growths should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Early detection is one of the best ways to successfully treat skin cancer.

Small steps each day can make a big difference in protecting your health for years to come.

Stay safe, protect your skin, and enjoy the sunshine responsibly!