Tips for UV Safety Awareness Month

July is Ultraviolet (UV) Rays Safety Awareness Month. Never expose your skin to unsolicited sunlight attention without sunscreen protection. Make a pledge to yourself to protect your skin from UV damage.

Prolonged UV Exposure

Every time you go outside during daylight hours, you are exposed to UV rays. A quick walk down the driveway to the mailbox probably won’t do any short term damage but prolonged exposure can have several consequences:

• Sunburn: Red, peeling skin is uncomfortable and unattractive.
• Skin damage: Sun exposure can lead to wrinkles, premature aging, and unwanted freckles.
• Skin cancer: Sunburn and sun exposure have been linked to skin cancer.

How can I keep from getting burned?

Avoid direct sunlight to your skin by:

1. Sunscreen. Experts recommend using at least Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30-50 and applying 15 minutes before going outdoors. Remember that sunscreen loses its effectiveness after 2 hours (Always read the direction). Make sure to bring sunscreen when you are planning a day outside.
2. Protective Clothing. Wide-brimmed hats can protect the delicate skin on your face. Some clothing has built-in SPF protection. Don’t forget SPF-rated sunglasses to protect your eyes.
3. Shade. The best way to block the sun is to stay out of the sun during the hot times. Spend some time under a tree, canopy, or bring an umbrella.

What’s the Hottest Time of Day?

While the sun is highest in the sky at noon, the hottest time of the day is actually around 3:00 p.m. During summer, sunlight is most intense between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Remember that even on a cloudy day, UV rays can still cause skin damage and even sunburn. Sometimes the best way to protect yourself on a hot summer day is to relax with a cold drink inside your climate-controlled environment.
Make sure your home stays cool this summer. Call Peterson Plumbing, in Grand Junction, CO, at (513) 398-5907 to schedule an A/C tune-up today.