June's Health + Wellness Pulse: Summer Safety

Enjoy a safe and relaxing summer when you take Just One Step to protect yourself from sun and heat. Whether it’s for work or play, many of us spend more time outside during the sunny months. An ounce of protection can help keep your summer carefree.

Protect Yourself from Summer Sun

Most of us know how a sunburn feels. It’s a common summertime injury, especially for people who work outside. Unprotected skin can be burned in as little as 15 minutes, but a few minutes caring for your skin can banish this summertime rite of passage. Take this one step for June: Commit to wearing sunscreen.

Save Your Skin

In this season of sunny days, keep yourself protected from harmful rays. Here’s how:

1. Apply sunscreen generously.

Use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen to all exposed areas before you go outside. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days, especially after swimming or sweating. Used regularly, sunscreen helps prevent sunburn, skin cancer and premature aging. Make it part of your routine to keep yourself sun safe!

Save money on sunscreen.

Sunscreen and other over-the-counter health-related products are eligible expenses for your Health Savings Account (HSA). Get tips on how to use your HSA and save money.

2. Sport sunglasses. Not only do sunglasses look cool, they protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. They also protect the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure. Try a pair of wraparound sunglasses for extra protection.

3. Dress for the season. When you’re working in the sun, wearing a long-sleeved shirt will protect you. Synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester and dark colors offer the best sun protection. Look for options with added UV protection.

4. Keep it under your hat. Consider a hat with a wide brim to shade your face, ears and the back of your neck. Avoid straw hats with holes that let sunlight through. If you wear a baseball cap, protect your ears and the back of your neck with extra sunscreen.

5. Stay in the shade. If possible, minimize your exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when UV rays are strongest.

6. Schedule a skin check. Complete regular skin checks with your dermatologist or primary care provider.

Beat the heat. Stay hydrated.

When the temperatures rise, keep that water bottle close — whether you’re playing sports, traveling or just sitting in the sun

Signs of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, affecting one in five Americans. Having five or more sunburns doubles your risk. The good news: When skin cancer is detected early, the five-year survival rate is 99 percent. A change in your skin is the most common sign of skin cancer, and not all skin cancers look the same. If you see any of these signs, contact your doctor.

A new growth
A sore that doesn’t heal
A change in a mole
A mole that is asymmetrical, has a jagged border and is uneven in color and size

Need help finding a doctor? Call an Anthem nurse at 1-844-441-1513 or visit anthem.com.

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