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Safe Family: Sun exposure Save Email Print
Posted: 4:46 PM Jun 17, 2008
Last Updated: 4:46 PM Jun 17, 2008
Reporter: Ryan Loyd
Email Address: ryan.loyd@kxii.com

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As you head outdoors, don't forget the sunscreen. Sun exposure does give us the natural vitamins we need, but too much can be a bad thing. Ryan Loyd has more in our Safe Family report.

"It's going to get to your skin if you're not careful." Frances Nelson at the Grayson County Agriculture Extension Office says.

The sun gives us the warmth we need and the tan many desire during the summer, but a suntan is a form of skin damage and does not protect you from skin cancer. Plus, ultraviolet rays from the sun can create vision problems and even flare up your allergies.

"Anytime your face turns red, you're burned," Nelson says.

Three types of ultraviolet exist, but the national institute of health says UVB and UVA rays are both causes of skin cancer, and once the damage is done, it cannot be reversed.

"Sunscreens protect against the rays, and wear a hat to shade your face."

Most skin damage happens before the age of 18, and that is why experts say to protect your kids with sun block lotion. A lotion with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 is good for year round use. If you have fair skin, SPF 30 will better guard against the sun's rays.

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Posted by: Amy on Jun 17, 2008 at 05:00 PM
In the summer I wear a wide-brimmed hat and long-sleeve linen shirts (and pants) if I am going to be out in the sun for an extended period of time. Everybody else thinks they feel cooler in shorts and spaghetti-strap tops, but how can you possibly feel cool when the sun is beating down on your skin like that? (I'm in my 20's, and I don't want to look like a piece of old leather when I'm 40, so hopefully covering up well will help).