Flourish

Flourish: UV Safety Awareness Month

7/5/2023

During the month of July, we celebrate UV Safety Awareness Month. Enjoy the warm summer days by going to outdoor picnics, swimming in the pool or relaxing on the beach! But make sure you cover up to avoid skin and eye damage from the sun's U.V. rays.

Older woman in the sun with a hat and sunglasses on

Did you know?

Too much exposure to Ultraviolet rays from the sun can weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight infections.

Source: District Health Department

Take Charge Tip

What is U.V. light and why is it damaging?

Radiation is emitted from the sun in the form of Ultraviolet or U.V. light. This light is invisible and present during the day, especially during the times of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the sun is at its peak. Too much exposure to this U.V. light can cause sun damage if you're not protected. 

5 ways to protect yourself against the sun's harmful light

Consider some ways to protect yourself against harmful U.V. rays this summer.

  1. Stay in the shade. The sun is the brightest and most harmful during the times 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Make sure you are shaded during those times.
  2. Protect your skin. Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs. If it's warm, consider lightweight long sleeves and pants.
  3. Wear a hat. Protect your ears, face, and neck by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
  4. Use sunscreen. Apply sunscreen on all skin exposed to the sun. Dermatologists recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 which blocks about 95% of the sun's harmful rays.
  5. Wear sunglasses. Minimize your eyes' exposure to bright sunlight by wearing large sunglasses that cover your eyes and skin. Many eye diseases, such as cataracts and glaucoma, can develop without the use of sunglasses.

 

Class of the week

Older adult woman in a class

If you have a chronic condition such as hypertension, arthritis, lung disease, diabetes, depression or anxiety, you’re not alone. Eight out of ten older adults have one or more of these chronic conditions. Managing your chronic condition can improve your health and quality of life in our Living Well With Chronic Conditions class.

Participants in this six-week class make weekly action plans, share experiences and help each other solve problems as they carry out their plans. Topics include nutrition, exercise, medication use, pain management, emotions and communicating with medical providers.

July 12 - August 23 | 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Wednesdays
Location: Online 
Cost: Free

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