HOLLAND, Mich., July 17, 2024 — In recognition of UV Safety Awareness Month, which takes place annually in July, Kelli Lund, MD, a board-certified pediatrician at Holland Hospital Primary Care – Grand Haven and Carrie Roberson, advanced practice provider specializing in adult care, are teaming up to remind the West Michigan community about the importance of sun protection for people of all ages.
UV Safety Awareness Month serves as an important reminder to be aware of the most common cancer in the US, skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, having five or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma. However, when detected early, the five-year survival rate for melanoma is 99 percent.
“Sunburns are not just painful; they can also significantly increase your risk of developing skin cancer later in life,” says Dr. Lund. “It’s crucial to establish strong sun safety habits early on, which is why I encourage parents to incorporate sunscreen use into their children’s daily routines.”
Roberson adds, “Sun damage doesn't stop in childhood. Adults need to be just as vigilant about sun protection to maintain healthy skin and reduce their risk of developing skin cancer.”
Providers at Holland Hospital Primary Care – Grand Haven outline the key benefits that sunscreen provides, including:
- Reducing the risk of sunburn by acting as a barrier, absorbing, or reflecting UV rays before they can damage the skin.
- Lowering the risk of skin cancer. Sun exposure is a major risk factor for skin cancer, but regular sunscreen use can significantly reduce this risk.
- Protecting against premature aging. Sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots, and loss of elasticity. Sunscreen helps prevent these unwanted signs of aging.
Dr. Lund and Roberson recommend following these tips to offer protection from the sun's harmful rays: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and apply it liberally to all exposed skin 15 minutes before heading outdoors. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you're sweating or swimming. Seek shade during the peak sun hours between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. whenever possible. Consider wearing protective clothing, like hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved shirts, to add another layer of defense. Look for sunglasses and clothing that offer UV protection for even greater sun safety.
Sun protection is crucial for children and babies, but navigating the different sunscreen options can be confusing for parents. “By exploring the various types of sunscreens available and through conversations with their pediatrician, parents can choose the right product for their child's age and skin type, ensuring they're safe and comfortable during outdoor fun,” explained Dr. Lund.
Common sunscreen options for kids and babies include mineral sunscreens, which use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to physically block UVA and UVB rays from penetrating the skin, or chemical sunscreens that absorb UVA and UVB rays and convert them into heat, which is then released from the skin. Dr. Lund shares that mineral sunscreens are generally more gentle on sensitive skin and are less likely to irritate, while chemical sunscreens are typically thinner and easier to spread than mineral sunscreens, but they may irritate some people's skin.
Together, Dr. Lund and Roberson encourage families to make sun safety a priority this summer and throughout the year. By taking these simple precautions, families across West Michigan can protect their skin and enjoy the outdoors safely.
Holland Hospital Primary Care – Grand Haven is committed to providing comprehensive health care services to patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Lund or Roberson, call (616) 394-3200 or visit hollandhospital.org/grandhaven.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Jessica Meldrum, MS, APR
jmeldrum@hollandhospital.org
July 17, 2024