SUMMER SAFETY – SKIN

Carla Hay-Perdue, DNP, APRN, FNP, ANP-BC, NC-BC

Community Education Coordinator/ Family Nurse Practitioner at Palo Pinto General Hospital

July 9, 2022

SAVE YOUR SKIN:   SLIP, SLOP, SLAP AND WRAP

Skin Cancer is on the Rise in the United States.  Skin Cancer is the most common form of Cancer. 

What can you do to prevent skin cancer? 

Most skin cancers are preventable.  Limit the amount of time you spend in the sun especially between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM AND:

SLIP on a shirt – Wear clothes to protect your body while outside. Cover up as much of your skin as possible by wearing long sleeves, pants, and/or sun protective clothing. 

SLOP on sunscreen – Use an SPF of 30 or higher and preferably water resistant, on all exposed skin. Make sure it protects against UVA as well as UVB. Apply 20 minutes before going outdoors.  Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, and toweling off.  Don’t forget your lips, nose, ears, neck, and feet.

SLAP on a hat – Wear a wide-brimmed hat to help keep sun off your face and shoulders.  Baseball caps do not shade the ears and neck which can burn easily.

SLIDE under shade – Stay in the shade or under an umbrella. Shade provides a good barrier between our skin and the sun.  Always Keep babies and toddlers in the shade. Never rely on shade alone.  Always combine it with personal protection measures. 

WRAP on sunglasses – UV rays can be damaging to the eyes so look for sunglasses that offer 99% to 100% UV protection.  Wraparound sunglasses offer the most protection. Don’t forget to have your kids wear them too.