Protect the Skin You're In
By Dr. Jack Lesher
Chief of Dermatology
MCG Health System

Augusta, Ga. -- If you knew something was bad for you, would you keep doing it? Sadly, for many people, the answer is yes, particularly as it pertains to sun exposure and skin cancer. More than 1 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year alone.

Sun exposure is the leading cause of skin cancer. But the solution is simple: protect your skin. In recognition of National Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, MCG Health System and the American Academy of Dermatology offer the following tips on staying safe in the sun this summer.

• Know your enemy. The sun's rays are strongest between 10
  a.m. and 4 p.m. And remember, even if it's cloudy, you still need
  to protect yourself.
• Apply, reapply and reapply again. A broad-spectrum
  sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and has a Sun
  Protection Factor of at least 15 is recommended. Those with a
  history of skin cancer should use sunscreens with an SPF of at
  least 30. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours
  when outdoors.
• Get the right stuff. When you can, wear protective, tightly
  woven clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt and pants. A wide-
  brimmed hat and sunglasses are important for protecting the
  delicate skin on your face and your eyes.
• Head for the shade. Did you know that if your shadow is
  shorter than you are, you're more likely to sunburn? This means
  the sun is near its zenith. Seek the shade. And at all times, stay
  in the shade whenever possible.
• Beware. Reflective surfaces can reflect up to 85 percent of the
  sun's rays, so avoid them. Also, if you love the look of tanned
  skin, find a good self-tanner and avoid tanning beds. Just
  remember tanned skin still needs to be protected with
  sunscreen.
• Start early. Children are at risk too. Minimize sun exposure
  and apply sunscreen to children 6 months and older who are
  outdoors.

MCG Health System is composed of MCG Health, Inc. and the clinical services offered by the faculty of the Medical College of Georgia and the members of the Physicians Practice Group. MCG Health, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCG Hospitals and Clinics, Children's Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center and related clinical facilities and services. MCG Health, Inc. was formed to support the research and education mission of the Medical College of Georgia and to build the economic growth of the CSRA, the state of Georgia and the Southeast by offering the highest level of primary and specialty health care. For more information, please visit MCGHealth.org.