888-765-5400Here Comes The Sun – Protecting your Skin while Enjoying the Sun
One of the nicest parts about spring is that the sun is shining brighter and more often than during the long months of winter. Children are heading to school without jackets wearing short sleeves, pets are spending afternoons lounging in the yard, and restaurants are offering outside patio dining once again. Let’s face it, human beings (and our furry friends) simply love the sun!
And believe it or not, the sun is good for us, providing our bodies with essential vitamins and nutrients that help us function better. Despite the negative press the sun has received in recent years, sunlight has many benefits. For one, sunlight increases the oxygen content in human blood, enhancing the body’s capacity to deliver oxygen to tissues efficiently. Sun exposure has also been known to help cure depression and related conditions, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), that come from sunlight deprivation. In addition, the sun provides our bodies with Vitamin D, a vitamin known to increase bone health and even reduce the risk of certain cancers!
Even with all the good the sun does our bodies, however, there can be no denying that overexposure to the sun’s rays can be hard on the skin. Known to increase the signs of aging and also for causing certain kinds of skin cancer, the sun is a pleasure we need to partake of wisely. Luckily, research has shown that most skin cancer can be prevented. Avoiding midday sun (from 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon) is one way to limit skin’s exposure to the strongest sunlight, without completely eliminating sun from your schedule. Also, if you know you are going to be out in the harshest part of the midday sun, wear protective clothing such as a hat with a wide brim, sunglasses with UV ray protection and loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs.
Younger children, especially, need to be sure their skin is protected from the sun. Some research suggests that most of the damage done to our skin happens before the age of 20 so it’s important to start young. Babies under 6 months should rarely be in the direct sunlight and never during midday rays. Also, babies and children should use a sunscreen with an SPF factor of 30 or above to make sure their very sensitive skin is protected. Lip balm with an SPF of 30 or above is also a great way to protect your lips from getting sunburned or developing cold sores.
Remember that the best plan is to never allow your skin to become burned by the sun’s rays, but if you do happen to get a sunburn, keep in mind that skin healing from a sunburn is sensitive to more damage from the sun so be especially cautious to care for already overexposed skin. Tanning beds are also never a good idea. Artificial tanning devices can cause skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer without providing any of the benefits we receive from natural sunlight.
The sun is shining and we are the first to admit we love it! A good plan of action is to maintain a balanced approach to sun exposure, enjoying the benefits of being in the great outdoors without letting your skin be overexposed. As Benjamin Franklin said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina believes strongly in the benefits of preventive care maintenance. Your skin is your body’s largest organ so make a plan to protect it while soaking in the sunlight!
For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov to apply for your subsidy, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents. Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.