Winter
Sun Safety Tips from Baby Banz
(Knob Noster, MO; October 8,
2008) As we head into winter, we'd like to share some
tips on how to stay protected this season.
Sunlight reflecting off snow, sand
or water further increases exposure to UV radiation,
increasing your risk of developing eye problems such as
cataracts.
Long hours on the beach or in the
snow without adequate eye protection also can result in a
short-term condition known as photokeratitis, or
reversible sunburn of the cornea. This painful condition
- also known as "snow blindness" - can cause temporary
loss of vision.
When buying sunglasses, look for a
label that specifically offers 99-100% UV protection.
This assures that the glasses block both forms of UV
radiation. Eyewear should be labeled "sunglasses." Be
wary of dark or tinted eyewear sold as fashion
accessories that may provide little or no protection from
UV or visible light. Consider that light can still enter
from the sides of sunglasses. Those that wrap all the way
around the temples can help. Children should wear real
sunglasses - not toy sunglasses - that indicate the UV
protection level. Polycarbonate lenses are the most
shatter-resistant.
Winter's Coming: Stock up on
Sunscreen
"Don't put away the sunscreen in
the winter just because the days are short and the sun is
low in the sky," says Noreen Nicol MS, RN, FNP, Chief
Clinical Officer at National Jewish Medical and Research
Center. "Winter sports enthusiasts can face just as much
risk of sunburn as summer sunbathers when exposed skin
isn't protected."
Nicol explains that snow amplifies
the burning potential of the sun by reflecting the
ultraviolet radiation (UVR) that causes sunburns. At
higher elevations, where skiers and snowboarders
generally play, the thinner atmosphere screens out
significantly less of the incoming UVR than it does at
lower elevations.
Sunburn and other sun-caused damage
to the skin increase the risk of developing skin cancer.
More than 1 million Americans will be diagnosed with skin
cancer this year. Ms. Nicol offers several tips for
avoiding sun damage and skin cancer during winter
months.
Sunscreen. When selecting a
sunscreen, look for the label "broad spectrum (UVA/UVB)"
and a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
"Sunscreen isn't fully effective right away," says Nicol.
"For the best protection, apply sunscreen half an hour
before going out in the sun. Then apply it generously and
apply it often - don't forget your ears, neck and hands."
Discard old or expired sunscreen.
Eye Protection. Wrap-around
sun glasses and ski goggles with appropriate UV
protection can protect both the eyes and the skin around
them.
Hat. Wear a wide-brim hat
that protects the face and back of the neck.
Peak Hours. The most
significant sun exposure occurs between 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Either put on extra sunscreen then or take a break from
the sun and get some lunch.
Feel free to contact us with any
questions regarding these tips or product information. We
can be reached at 877-333-0074 or visit babybanz.com.
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to 2008 News Briefs
