​Keeping it Fun in the Sun

July is UV Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and the importance of sun safety. The thought of relaxing outside on a sunny day is a welcome one and there are significant benefits associated with this: 

⦁Increased vitamin D production: Sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and immune function. 

⦁Improved mood: Sunlight exposure has been shown to boost mood and reduce the risk of depression. 

⦁Reduced risk of some chronic diseases: Sunlight exposure may help reduce the risk of some chronic diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. 

⦁Improved sleep quality: Sunlight exposure helps regulate the body's natural sleep-wake cycle. 

⦁Increased energy levels: Sunlight exposure can help increase energy levels and improve overall well-being. 

There can be too much of a good thing and sunlight is no exception. 

Those concerns include: 

⦁Dehydration: Sunlight can cause dehydration, so it is important to drink plenty of fluids when you are outdoors.

⦁Heatstroke: Sunlight exposure can lead to heatstroke, a serious medical condition that can be fatal 

⦁Eye damage: Sunlight exposure can damage the eyes, leading to cataracts and macular degeneration. 

⦁Premature aging: Sunlight exposure can accelerate the aging process, causing wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of skin damage. 

⦁Skin cancer: Excessive exposure to sunlight is the leading cause of skin cancer. 

Solar-UV radiation is the main cause of skin cancer, including malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

One helpful tool for recognizing malignant melanoma is the ABCDEs of melanoma... 

Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half. 

Border: The border of the mole is irregular or notched. 

Color: The color of the mole is uneven or has multiple shades of brown, black, or red. 

Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser). 

Evolution: The mole has changed in size, shape, or color over time. 

In addition to the ABCDEs, there are other signs that can indicate malignant melanoma which include: 

A mole that itches or bleeds 

A mole that feels different from other moles on your body 

A mole that appears on a previously unexposed area of skin 

A mole that appears in a child or young adult 

Early detection and treatment of malignant melanoma is essential for a good prognosis. For melanoma that is caught early and localized to the skin, the 5-year survival rate is about 99%. For a melanoma that has spread to other parts of the body, the 5-year survival can drop dramatically, depending on the extent of the spread. 

So, have your fun in the sun and be mindful of your skin's tolerance. Put on sunscreen daily (SPF ≥ 30), wear protective clothing and get regular skin exams by a healthcare provider.

At Green Scrubs, we believe looking good and feeling good go hand in hand. Providing awesome surgical hats may be our passion but keeping this community of health care heroes safe and informed is our inspiration. We will continue to offer news and tips in the hope that they give some clarity and guidance.