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Stay safe in the summer sun

  • Published
  • By Patricia Opong-Brown
  • TRICARE Management Activity
FALLS CHURCH, Va. --  Summertime is here and it's important to protect exposed skin from the sun's damaging rays. Warm temperatures tempt beneficiaries outside for a variety of fun activities, but whether it's going to the beach, flying a kite, picnicking or riding bikes, the Military Health System and TRICARE encourage beneficiaries to protect themselves when they're outside.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, everyone needs to avoid sunburns and protect themselves from sun exposure throughout the year. Sunburns can increase the risk of skin cancer; the most common form of cancer in the United States.

Any time the sun's ultraviolet rays reach the earth, exposed skin should be protected from excessive sun exposure. UV radiation is at its peak during the late spring and early summer in North America, There is also UV on cloudy, hazy days. According to CDC, the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. during daylight savings time are the most hazardous for UV exposure in the continental United States. It's best to avoid outdoor activities during midday when UV rays are the strongest.

To protect skin from damaging UV rays, apply sun screen with at least SPF 15 on exposed skin and lips. Wearing protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt and long pants is also a wise choice when it comes to protecting skin from the sun.

Adults and children should wear sunglasses that provide 99 to 100 percent UV ray protection. Goggles or sunglasses that wrap around the temples offer better protection when spending time in the water, and when ultraviolet light is most intense.

To help beneficiaries catch potential problems early, TRICARE covers skin cancer screening exams for individuals with a family or personal history of skin cancer, increased occupational or recreational exposure to sunlight or clinical evidence of precursor lesions.

The MHS and TRICARE want all beneficiaries to have safe fun in the sun. For information about TRICARE's coverage of skin cancer exams go to the covered services section under the medical tab at http://tricare.mil/mybenefit.