July is National UV Safety Month

Yellow sun on a multicolor background with text that reads 'uv safety awareness month'

With summer in full swing, it's the perfect time to head outdoors and enjoy the sunny weather. But are you protecting yourself from potential risks?

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has named July as Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Month. The goal is to spread the word about how important it is to protect everyone's skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. Understanding the potential dangers associated with UV radiation and taking precautions to minimize the effects of exposure is something each of us should practice — not just during July, but all year long.

The goal of UV Safety Month is to raise awareness of the dangers of UV radiation and to remind people of all ages to protect their skin and eyes. In the U.S., skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, with more than 4 million new cases diagnosed each year. It's widely known that overexposure to UV radiation is the main cause of skin cancer. However, UV radiation also causes eye damage and even vision loss, particularly in seniors.

This month, Summit Medical Group will focus on UV Safety by:

  • Explaining UV radiation and the different forms it takes
  • Steps we can take to protect ourselves from overexposure to the sun
  • The effects of short- and long-term exposure
  • How to perform skin self-exams: what we should look for
  • Partnering with your doctor to stay healthy and informed

By learning the risks associated with too much sun exposure and taking the right precautions to protect you and your loved ones from UV rays, we can all enjoy the sun and outdoors safely.