However, new research suggests that some exposure to UV rays is essential for good health, and may even protect against other forms of cancer.
NO TAN IS A HEALTHY TAN, say most dermatologists. They cite dozens of studies that link sun exposure to premature wrinkles, cataracts, and skin cancer. To prevent these problems, some recommend that you avoid the sun as much as possible and slather on sunscreen whenever you go out, even if you're only going out for a few minutes. But the sun doesn't just have a dark side. "Anybody who tells you you're supposed to wear sunscreen in the winter all day every day, even in the office, hasn't looked at the data," says Marianne Berwick, Ph.D., a researcher and epidemiologist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. In fact, research shows that sun exposure is necessary for good health; it boosts your mood, strengthens your bones, and may lower your risk for certain cancers, among other benefits.
Protection
There are many ways to protect your self from UV rays but the top five are:
1. Avoid Direct Sun Exposure: Avoid exposing your skin to direct sunlight during midday (generally from 10am to 4pm). This is the time when UV rays are most intense. Plan your schedule to avoid outdoor activities during these hours. Also, be aware that sand and snow reflect sunlight, so if you’re at the beach or a ski resort, direct sunlight can bombard you from every direction with UV rays.
2. Cover Yourself: When out in the sun, keep your skin covered. Wear long-sleeves and long pants if possible. Wearing a hat with a 3 to 4 inch brim all around is preferable. This will guard your neck and cheeks from dangerous prolonged exposure. Also note that dry, dark-colored garments offer the best protection.
3. Use Sunscreen Properly: You should always use sunscreen when enduring prolonged exposure in the sun. Find a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor of at least 15 and read the directions for proper application. The higher the SPF, the higher the protection you will receive against dangerous sunburns. However, sunscreen does not offer “bulletproof” protection, and UV rays can penetrate water, so just because you feel “cool” in the water doesn’t mean you’re protected from sunburn.
4. Use Sunglasses That Block UV Rays: Making certain your sunglasses can block UV rays helps to guard your eyes from serious sun damage. The best constructed sunglasses should have a UV ray absorption rate of 99% to 100%. Never assume that darker lenses equal increased protection. UV rays are blocked by a chemical applied to the lenses. This chemical has nothing to do with the color of transparency of sunglass lenses.
5. Stay Away From Tanning Beds: It is a myth to believe that tanning beds and sunlamps are free of harmful UV rays. These cosmetic instruments might make your skin more attractive in the short-term, but they can significantly increase your risk of developing skin cancer in the long-term. Health professionals advise their patients to avoid them.
By implementing these 5 steps in your daily routine, you can significantly decrease your risk of developing skin cancer, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle that allows for proper exposure to the sun. Another important step in prevention of skin cancer is routine examination by a doctor. If skin cancer is detected early, then your odds of survival are markedly increased.
This information is provided by
if you do not protect your self from the sun then you chances of getting skin cancer are more likely. This happens because the suns rays are ionizing.
What does ionizing radiation mean?
Ionizing radiation is radiation with enough energy so that during an interaction with an atom, it can remove tightly bound electrons from the orbit of an atom, causing the atom to become charged or ionized.
Here we are concerned with only one type of radiation, ionizing radiation, which occurs in two forms - waves or particles.
Why do we enjoy sunbathing?
Well there are may reasons some of the main reasons are it can give you a healthy glow and makes you feel better in your self. But some other reasons are that It activates a gene called pom-C, which in turn helps to:
create melanin that determines your skin colour,
enhance your sex drive,
stimulate your happiness hormones (endorphins) and
help you burn fat to keep you thin (by stimulating leptin).
Content page
1. Introduction
2. Thoughts on sun bathing and how strong it is
- Sunbathing and cancer
- Why is it good
- Protection
- Ionizing radiation
- Why do we enjoy it
- Conclusion