By Real Age

The days are short, the sun is weak, and you’re up to your chinny-chin-chin in coat, hat, muffler, and gloves. Give yourself a new iPod if you’re also cocooned in an invisible layer of sunscreen. Year-round use cuts your risk of melanoma — the deadliest skin cancer — in half.

Read the full post on Remember Winter Sun Protection for Skin Cancer Prevention.

Did you know?
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation comes in three forms: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. UV-A and UV-B rays cause skin and eye damage. UV-C rays don’t reach the earth.

Steps to take
Use sun screens that protect against both UV-A and UV-B rays. Choose eyewear that that absorbs 99-100% of both UV-A and UV-B rays.

Did you know?
July is UV Safety Month. UV is short for ultraviolet radiation. Exposure to the sun’s UV rays causes most skin cancers. Even a few serious sunburns can raise the risk.

Steps to take
Limit exposure to the sun. When in the sun, wear sun screen and lip balm with a sun protective factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Find out more from 800.4.CANCER (422.6237) or cancer.gov.

Did you know?
When found early, skin cancer can be treated with high success

Steps to take
Do a skin self-exam monthly. Look for changes in birthmarks, blemishes, and moles. Check for a sore that does not heal. If you have any of these problems, let your doctor know. Find out more from National Cancer Institute at 800.4.CANCER (422.6237) or www.cancer.gov.

The incidence of skin cancer is rising. The likelihood of skin cancer is increased with frequent or long-term exposure to the sun. Fair-skinned individuals are even more susceptible. In addition to limiting sun exposure, be sure to cover up with clothing and use sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.