July is UV Safety Month – Catch the Rays, Not the Damage
7/15/2026
As summer peaks, we spend more time outdoors enjoying the sunshine. And, while a little sunshine boosts our mood and helps our bodies produce vitamin D, too much sun can cause lasting harm. July – UV Safety Month – is the perfect time to remind ourselves and our loved ones about the importance of protecting our skin and eyes from the sun’s UV radiation.
The sun’s two kinds of ultraviolet radiation, or rays that reach the Earth's surface are UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, contributing to premature aging, wrinkling, and long-term skin damage. UVB rays contribute to sunburn and skin cancers.
UV radiation is invisible, and its strength is not determined by temperature. You can still soak up high levels on UV on a cool, breezy – or even overcast – day. In addition, certain medications (like antibiotics and blood pressure medications) can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun.
Protecting yourself doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors all summer. Instead, adopt a daily sun protection toolkit proven to drastically lower the risk of sunburn and skin cancer:
- Choose the Right Sunscreen. Use a "broad-spectrum" sunscreen – which protects against both UVA and UVB rays – with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply generously to all exposed skin 15 minutes before heading outside, and re-apply at least every two hours – and immediately after swimming, sweating, or using a towel to dry off.
- Seek the Shade. The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you’re outdoors then, try to stay in any kind of shade available.
- Dress for Protection. Cover up with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Clothing woven with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) label offers excellent built-in defense. Add a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, ears, and the back of your neck.
- Protect Your Eyes. UV radiation can cause cataracts and damage the delicate skin around your eyes. Wear sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB radiation.
- Check with your PCP. Do your medications make you more vulnerable to sun exposure?
- Check Yourself. Skin cancer – the most common cancer in the United States – is also one of the most preventable and treatable when caught early. Take a few moments each month to check your skin from head to toe. Look for any new growths, sores that don’t heal, or changes in existing moles. Use the "ABCDE" rule to identify warning signs: asymmetry, border irregularity, color changes, diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and evolving size or shape. If you notice anything unusual, schedule an appointment.
Enjoy the summer weather, but remember to seek out the shade, and slap on the sunscreen!
Dr. Srivastava sees patients at Northwest Primary Care at Fountain Plaza. To learn more about all our Primary Care providers, or to schedule an appointment, visit https://www.nwalliedphysicians.com/internal-medicine-care or https://www.nwalliedphysicians.com/family-medicine-care/.
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