The Department of Defense 2010 Employee Wellness Campaign explores monthly health topics and provides you with information you need to maintain good health.

July's Theme is "Sun Safety". An adequate amount of sun exposure can provide an excellent source of vitamin D, but it's also important to stay protected against the sun's harmful rays. Overexposure to the sun can cause skin damage, eye damage, and may lead to cancer. Try these sun safety tips to limit those risks while having fun in the sun!

Get the Bare Facts about Sun Safety!

Don't Toast! It doesn't matter who you are or where you live, sunburn significantly increases your risk of developing skin cancer. Studies have shown that those with lighter skin tones have a higher incidence of skin cancer and those with a darker skin tone have a significantly lower survival rate once diagnosed. Regardless of skin type, take proper precautions.

Go With a Natural Glow! UV light from tanning beds and the sun causes skin cancer and premature aging. Don't ruin the natural beauty of your skin! Feel and look years younger by simply protecting your skin from these harmful sun rays.

A Tan from a Pill? If you thought that tanning pills were a safe way to get a tan, think again! No tanning pills of any kind have been approved by FDA. Some of these pills include the ingredient, Canthaxanthin, which is only approved for use as a color additive in foods and oral medications, and only in minimal amounts.

Apply and Reapply! Generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin using a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15. Keep in mind that "water-resistant" does NOT mean "water-proof". Reapply every 2 hours, even on cloudy days. For people with thin or thinning hair, apply sunscreen to the scalp as well.

Wear Protective Gear. Wear dark-colored clothing, wide-brimmed hats, or sunglasses when spending time out in the sun. Spending long hours in the sun without eye protection can damage your eyes by contributing to cataracts and other growths, including cancer. Be smart and select contact lenses that offer UV protection. Look for labeling when purchasing sunglasses that specify 99-100% UV protection.

Seek Shade. Look for shade when possible, remembering that the sun's UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Keep in mind, it's still possible to get sunburned on a cloudy day. Because sunburn takes 6 to 48 hours to develop, you may not realize your skin is burned until it's too late.

Be Extra Cautious! Concrete, water, snow and sand reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn by 85-90%. Use the UV Index forecast by the National Weather Service and EPA to determine which level of SPF protection you need for the day.

Do a Simple Self-Exam. Examine your skin every few months. Look for changes in the size, color, texture or shape of any dark spots. Also check for any unusual bumps and growths on your face, ears, arms, chest, or back. Consult your physician or dermatologist if you have any of these physical changes.
These sun safety tips were provided by Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Food and Drug Administration Consumer Health Information. For more information about the 2010 DoD Monthly Wellness Awareness Campaigns, please visit: www.cpms.osd.mil/wellness

SUNSCREEN FOR YOUR SUN DAY

What is sunscreen?

Sunscreen filters out the sun's dangerous UV (ultraviolet) rays. These invisible rays can cause skin cancer. Some skin cancers can cause death if not found and treated early.

Who should wear sunscreen?

People of all skin colors can get skin cancer from the sun's UV rays. Those who are most likely to get skin cancer from these rays have:

• Lighter natural skin color.
• Skin that burns, freckles, gets red easily, or becomes painful from the sun.
• Blond or red hair.
• Blue or green eyes.
• A family member who has had skin cancer.

Also, people who spend a lot of time outdoors, either for work or play, are more likely to get skin cancer from UV rays.
Which sunscreen should I use?

Use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Sunscreens come in many forms, including ointments, creams, gels, lotions, wax sticks, and sprays. Follow the directions on the package for using a sunscreen product on babies less than 6 months old. All products do not have the same ingredients; if your or your child's skin reacts badly to one product, try another one or call a doctor.

When do I need to apply sunscreen?

The sun's UV rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes. Put sunscreen on before you go outside, even on slightly cloudy or cool days. Don't forget to put a thick layer on all parts of exposed skin. Get help for hard-to-reach places like your back.
Sunscreen wears off. Put it on again if you stay out in the sun for more than 2 hours, and after you swim or do things that make you sweat.

What is sunscreen?
Sunscreen filters out the sun's dangerous UV (ultraviolet) rays. These invisible rays can cause skin cancer. Some skin cancers can cause death if not found and treated early.

Who should wear sunscreen?
People of all skin colors can get skin cancer from the sun's UV rays. Those who are most likely to get skin cancer from these rays have:
• Lighter natural skin color.
• Skin that burns, freckles, gets red easily, or becomes painful from the sun.
• Blond or red hair.
• Blue or green eyes.
• A family member who has had skin cancer.

Also, people who spend a lot of time outdoors, either for work or play, are more likely to get skin cancer from UV rays.

Which sunscreen should I use?

Use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Sunscreens come in many forms, including ointments, creams, gels, lotions, wax sticks, and sprays. Follow the directions on the package for using a sunscreen product on babies less than 6 months old. All products do not have the same ingredients; if your or your child's skin reacts badly to one product, try another one or call a doctor.

When do I need to apply sunscreen?

The sun's UV rays can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes. Put sunscreen on before you go outside, even on slightly cloudy or cool days. Don't forget to put a thick layer on all parts of exposed skin. Get help for hard-to-reach places like your back.

Sunscreen wears off. Put it on again if you stay out in the sun for more than 2 hours, and after you swim or do things that make you sweat.