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Arizona and Australia Share in the Spotlight Submitted By Gina Phalen, Arizona Native and Founder of SunSational Style, LLC
(A leader in fashionable, high quality UPF 50+ sun protective swimwear, kids sunglasses & sun hats, innovative sunscreens, SPF laundry detergents and more for the whole family. Let your family play outdoors with confidence! Visit us at www.sunsationalstyle.com.) Here’s a riddle for you. What do Arizona and Australia have in common other than both starting with an A? Arizona doesn’t have coral reefs or koala bears. The answer may surprise you. READ MORE...
Arizona and Australia rank the highest in skin cancer rates in the world (Australia ranking 1st while Arizona ranks 2nd) (www.azdhs.gov). Just last year (2008), Arizona had almost 200 days that were rated with a UV Index ranging from high to extreme (www.epa.gov) so we are not limited to just a few summer months of dangerous sun exposure. In fact, the Spring & Fall months can be equally as dangerous as the summer months because the weather is still cool and people spend more time outdoors but they fail to follow basic sun precautions. Although this fact may be alarming, it’s really not a cause to pack your bags and move your family to Oregon. It’s true that skin cancer rates are rising at an all-time high and the sun’s UV rays are becoming increasingly stronger (this summer is forecasted to break heat records in Phoenix). However, skin cancer is also fairly easy to prevent with some healthy habits and common sense. Here are some facts about this deadly disease:
• One in 5 Americans and 1 in 3 Caucasians will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.
• More than 20 people die each day from skin cancer, primarily melanoma.
• One blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles a person's chances of developing melanoma later in life.
• Skin cancer is the #1 cancer in men over age 50, ahead of prostate, lung and colon cancer.
• Melanoma is the third most common cancer in women aged 20-39.
• Occasional use of tanning beds almost triples the chances of developing melanoma. New high-pressure sunlamps emit doses of UVR that can be as much as 15 times that of the sun.
• Sun damage is not done mostly during childhood, as previously believed, but is continual over a person’s lifetime. Adults should practice sun safe habits as well as teaching them to their children.
However, with some simple everyday precautions, you can protect your family and teach them healthy habits for a lifetime. Here are some tips:
• Cover Up - Choose hats that shade your child's face, neck, and ears. Sun protective swimwear and clothing with a UPF 50+ blocks out 98% of the dangerous UV rays and is comfortable and quick-drying. Plus, it doesn’t wash or sweat off and there are no missed spots.
• Play in the Shade - the sun's rays are generally strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Use Sunscreen Every Day - Apply sunscreen everyday on exposed skin. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher (such as our Sun Essence aromatherapy sunscreens and Shady Day sunscreen wipes_. Remember to reapply after swimming, sweating, or toweling dry.
• Keep an extra bottle of sunscreen in the car and pack sunscreen in your child's knapsack or gym bag.
• Protect children younger than 6 months of age with sun protective clothing and keep them in the shade when possible.
• Wear sunglasses that block UVA & UVB rays to protect eyes and the surrounding tender skin.
• Avoid Tanning Booths - Tanning booths and sunlamps are not a safe alternative to natural sun. They use UV rays that can cause damage.
• Encourage your children to appreciate the beauty of their natural skin tone
• Remind children to wear sunscreen, hats and sunglasses - even to school where they spend time on the playground during peak sun hours.
Establish these sun smart habits with your family and you can remain active and enjoy the outdoors while maintaining youthful skin and great health! |
