Working outside in the sun can cause serious skin problems, including burns and skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, exposure to the sun is the primary cause of skin cancer, and with more than 3.5 million skin cancer diagnoses a year, this disease should not be ignored.

To help prevent skin damage when working outdoors, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a variety of tips, including:

Cover the skin as much as possible when working in the sun. Wear a long-sleeved shirt, pants, sunglasses and a hat.

Apply water-resistant sunscreen rated with an SPF of 15 or above. Reapply every few hours – more often if sweating profusely.

Be aware that light bounces off sand, water, concrete and other colored surfaces. If you work near any of these, take extra care in protecting your skin.

Now that summer is here, beaches are starting to reopen and after being in quarantine for weeks, we are all itching to get out of the house. Don’t let the excitement of the fresh outdoors cause you to forget how damaging the sun can be to you and your children. Here are a few more sun safety tips from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Seek shade. UV rays are strongest and most harmful during midday, so it’s best to plan indoor activities then. If this is not possible, seek shade under a tree, an umbrella, or a pop-up tent.

Get a hat. Hats that shade the face, scalp, ears, and neck are easy to use and give great protection. Baseball caps are popular among kids, but they don’t protect their ears and neck. If your child chooses a cap, be sure to protect exposed areas with sunscreen.

SPF. Sunscreens are assigned a sun protection factor (SPF) number that rates their effectiveness in blocking UV rays. Higher numbers indicate more protection. You should use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. And remember, sunscreen works best when combined with other options, like sun protective clothing, to prevent UV damage.

DID YOU KNOW?

You can use your Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) to purchase sunscreen! Your HRA card can be used instead of cash or personal credit card to pay for eligible expenses. To view all eligible expenses visit hsastore.com.

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