CMO Message: UV Protection

Summer beach trips, BBQs, tailgates, and pool parties mean more outdoor fun and time in the sun! These activities lead to even more sun exposure for agricultural workers who already spend long hours outside. While sunshine does have many health benefits such as improving mood and mental health, vitamin D levels, and sleep patterns; too much of a good thing can also put your health at risk.

UV radiation from sun exposure doesn’t just cause age spots and wrinkles. Too much sun can also harm your eyes by increasing risk of cataracts and vision problems, weaken your immune system, and cause heat stroke and dehydration. Although it’s common knowledge that UV radiation is a leading cause of skin cancer, it can also cause cancer in the eyes and lips. Even if your skin type doesn’t burn easily, you can still be at risk of skin cancer.

To keep you and your families safe from the sun, make sure you use a generous amount of broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and opt for a water resistant formula. Remember to reapply every 2 hours when you are outside and after swimming or sweating. Any skin that’s not covered needs sunscreen so don’t forget your lips, ears, neck, hands, and feet. Also, don’t skimp on sunscreen because of the weather. Even on cloudy days, the majority of the sun’s rays will still reach you. Aside from sunscreen, try to stay in the shade when possible and make sure you use hats or visors, sunglasses, and sun-protective light clothing. Lastly, there is no safe way to tan so avoid tanning beds.

Regardless of the time of year, make sun protection a part of your healthy lifestyle. It is just as important as nutrition, exercise, and avoiding tobacco. From all of us at UnitedAg, we hope you have a safe, fun-filled, and abundant summer!