Did you know that the odds of developing skin cancer rise as we age? Maybe it was those years of sunbathing coming back to haunt us, or maybe not.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation between 40 and 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will have at least one skin cancer. And, Caucasian men over the age of 65 have had an 8.8 percent annual increase in melanoma incidence since 2003, the highest annual increase of any gender or age group.
Whatever your age group or gender, it is never too late to prevent further skin damage and lower your risk of skin cancer. Here are some tips for you:
Wear protective clothing, broad-brimmed hats and UV-filtering sunglasses
Apply water-resistant, SPF 30 or higher sunscreen before outdoor excursions
Avoid outdoor activities during the hours between 10 AM and 4 PM. If you happen to be outside during those hours, ensure that there are frequent “shade breaks,” or times to rest in sheltered areas.
Hydrate! As we age the ‘thirst trigger’ becomes an unreliable indicator of hydration, so we need to be aware of our fluid intake.
Just a few Summer Safety Tips from the folks at Stay At Home.