Sun Safety Starts with You: Protecting Your Skin from Harmful UV Rays
posted by Darcie Follon on Monday, July 21, 2025
As summer is in full swing and we all spend more time outdoors, it's a perfect time to talk about UV safety – a topic that’s critical to protecting your health and well-being.
At Clay County Public Health, we are passionate about prevention. One of the most preventable forms of cancer is skin cancer, and understanding how ultraviolet (UV) radiation affects your body is the first step in reducing your risk.
What Are UV Rays and Why Do They Matter?
UV rays, or ultraviolet rays, are a form of radiation that comes not only from the sun but also from artificial sources like tanning beds. There are two main types to be aware of: UVA and UVB. Both can cause serious damage to your skin over time. UV exposure contributes to painful sunburns, premature aging (like wrinkles and age spots), and increases your risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, which can be deadly.
Steps You Can Take to Stay Safe
The good news is that there are several simple and effective ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful UV exposure:
- Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher – reapply every two hours, or more often if you're sweating or swimming.
- Wear protective clothing – including long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Seek shade – especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest.
- Avoid tanning beds – which emit concentrated UV radiation and significantly increase your risk of skin cancer.
And don’t be fooled – UV rays can still harm your skin on cloudy or overcast days.
Check Your Skin Regularly
Early detection of skin cancer can save lives. That’s why we encourage everyone to perform monthly skin self-checks. Keep an eye out for new moles or changes in existing spots – especially anything asymmetrical, with irregular borders, multiple colors, or that is growing or bleeding.
An annual skin exam by your healthcare provider is also a smart step, particularly for individuals with fair skin, a history of sunburns or tanning bed use, or a family history of skin cancer.
If you notice something unusual, don’t delay. Contact your primary care provider or dermatologist. A biopsy may be performed to determine whether the spot is cancerous, and if so, appropriate next steps will follow depending on the diagnosis.
Local Care, Close to Home
We’re fortunate to have the Abben Cancer Center right here at Spencer Hospital, offering comprehensive cancer care from diagnosis through survivorship. If a skin cancer diagnosis is more serious, Abben provides:
- Medical oncology and radiation therapy
- Nurse navigation to help guide patients through their care journey
- Nutritional support and emotional counseling
Access to this level of care locally can ease the stress for patients and their families during what can be a difficult time. Be sure to ask your provider if testing or treatment can be done right here in Spencer.
Final Thoughts
Enjoy the outdoors – but do so with care. Practicing sun safety is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent cancer. Protect your skin, check it regularly, and reach out to a provider if you notice anything unusual.
As always, Clay County Public Health is here to support you on your wellness journey. If you have questions or need resources, don’t hesitate to reach out by calling 712-264-6380.
Stay safe, and don’t forget your sunscreen!
- cancer
- public health