SunSmarts

Slide 1:SunSmarts

Alison Myers Utah Department of Health Cancer Control Program

Slide 2:Good and Bad Effects of Sunlight

Warmth Helps Plants Grow Vitamin D Syntheses Kills Germs Vision Sunburn Wrinkles / Age Spots Decreased Immune System Skin Cancer Eye Damage GOOD BAD

Slide 3:Health Effects from the Sun

Sunburns Skin cancer Decreased immune system Cataracts Premature aging of the skin Snow Blindness Snow Blindness (photokeratisis) A day at the beach without sunglasses, reflection off of snow, water or concrete; or exposure to artificial light sources such as tanning beds can cause a temporary but painful burn to the cornea of the eye Pterygium: An abnormal but usually non-cancerous, growth in the corner of the eye – it can grow over the cornea, partially blocking vision, and may require surgery to be removed Skin Cancer around the Eyelids: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer to affect the eyelids. In most cases, lesions occur on the lower lid, but they can occur anywhere on the eyelids, in the corners of the eye, under the eyebrows, and on adjacent areas of the faceSnow Blindness (photokeratisis) A day at the beach without sunglasses, reflection off of snow, water or concrete; or exposure to artificial light sources such as tanning beds can cause a temporary but painful burn to the cornea of the eye Pterygium: An abnormal but usually non-cancerous, growth in the corner of the eye – it can grow over the cornea, partially blocking vision, and may require surgery to be removed Skin Cancer around the Eyelids: Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer to affect the eyelids. In most cases, lesions occur on the lower lid, but they can occur anywhere on the eyelids, in the corners of the eye, under the eyebrows, and on adjacent areas of the face

Slide 4:What is a UV Index ?

UV index provides a daily forecast of the expected risk of overexposure to the sun. 

Slide 5:What about Utah?

Slide 6:Why is this Important?

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Utah High altitude, predominantly fair-complexioned population and 237 days of sunshine per year combine to put all Utah’s adults and children at high risk for skin cancer. Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays is the most important environmental factor involved in the development of skin cancer. When used consistently, sun protective practices can prevent skin cancer. The color on this slide will be really hard for the kids to see I wouldn’t solely talk about how many people die and how horrible the disease is. . .because it is a preventable disease – we know a lot about the importance of sun safety – so our message is really: it is a common cancer – be smart in the sun. The local twist will probably be more interesting than the US “stuff”. . .What I have put in the slide is how we speak about sun safety and skin cancer. I have never heard the one in every hour dies – where did this come from? The color on this slide will be really hard for the kids to see I wouldn’t solely talk about how many people die and how horrible the disease is. . .because it is a preventable disease – we know a lot about the importance of sun safety – so our message is really: it is a common cancer – be smart in the sun. The local twist will probably be more interesting than the US “stuff”. . .What I have put in the slide is how we speak about sun safety and skin cancer. I have never heard the one in every hour dies – where did this come from?

Slide 7:How to Prevent Skin Cancer?Choose Your Cover!

Limit Time in the Midday Sun - The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Seek Shade – Practice the shadow rule; if your shadow is shorter than you, the sun’s rays are at their strongest.

Slide 8:How to Prevent Skin Cancer Cont.

Slop on Sunscreen – Apply a broad spectrum of sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15 or higher 20 minutes before going outside. Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors. Slip on a Shirt– Wearing tightly woven, loose fitting and full –length clothing is a great way to protect from UV rays.

Slide 9:How to Prevent Skin Cancer Cont.

Slap on a Hat – Cover your head with a wide-brimmed hat, shading your face, ears, and neck. Wear Sunglasses – That provide 99-100% UVA and UVB protection. This will greatly decrease your chances of getting cataracts. Avoid Tanning Beds – There are no safe rays. Rays from a tanning bed are just and dangerous as the sun’s natural rays.

Slide 10:Utah’s Sun Guy

Slide 11:Sun Safety Review Video

At what time of the day is the sun’s rays the hottest? 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The minimal Sun Protection Factor (SPF) that protects against UV rays is? SPF 4 SPF 15 SPF 30 Years of summer suntans can cause? A few moles later in life A future of wrinkles and age spots A great tan The UV index is at a level 10 (very high), what should you bring to the park? SPF 30 SPF 4 SPF45, a hat and sunglasses How often do you need to reapply sunscreen? Every 2 hours or sooner After sweating or swimming All of the above T / F Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. 7. T / F It is safe to get a tan in a tanning bed? 8. T / F Too much sun ages you prematurely.At what time of the day is the sun’s rays the hottest? 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The minimal Sun Protection Factor (SPF) that protects against UV rays is? SPF 4 SPF 15 SPF 30 Years of summer suntans can cause? A few moles later in life A future of wrinkles and age spots A great tan The UV index is at a level 10 (very high), what should you bring to the park? SPF 30 SPF 4 SPF45, a hat and sunglasses How often do you need to reapply sunscreen? Every 2 hours or sooner After sweating or swimming All of the above T / F Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. 7. T / F It is safe to get a tan in a tanning bed? 8. T / F Too much sun ages you prematurely.

Slide 12:Sun Safety

Any Questions ???