10 Things You Should Know About Exposure to The Sun

After a largely overcast Easter Sunday, the weatherman has us looking at a mostly sunny week. Before heading out under bright skies, however, let’s take a moment to consider the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s “UV Index” report for the 90041 Eagle Rock zip code.

The EPA’s ultraviolet index forecast for Monday, April 25, carries the number 10, which, the agency warns, is “very high.” (A low exposure category is assigned numbers less than 2; moderate is 3-5; high measures; very high is 8-10, and extreme is 11 and above.) In 2009, Los Angeles had 96 “very high UV” days and 62 “extreme UV” days, according to the U.S. National Weather Service. Only 23 days were recorded as low UV—57 were high and 115 moderate.

Here are some facts about the effects of sunny weather as well as tips on how to protect yourself from UV rays on days when the UV index forecast is high:

• Overexposure to the sun, for which California is particularly known, can cause a host of health problems, including skin cancer, cataracts and premature aging.

• The hours when you are most vulnerable to harm from UV rays are from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m.

• If you’re going to be out and about from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., wear a wide-brimmed hat as well as UV-protective sunglasses. If your skin happens to be sensitive to the sun and burns easily, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.

• Apply to your exposed skin a broad-spectrum UV-protective sunscreen that has an SPF of not less than 15. Make sure the sunscreen offers protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Reapply every two hours, even if it’s cloudy or if you’ve been swimming or sweating.

• If you decide to go the beach—or the mountains or the desert—take extra care. Water, snow and white sand not only reflect damaging UV rays but also can double UV exposure.

• Try not to act like a tourist by braving the sun during midday hours. Instead, duck into the shade whenever possible.

• Avoid getting a tan—whether directly from the sun or a tanning bed.

• Don’t be fooled into thinking that a little time in the hot sun will give your daily dose of Vitamin D. While that may well be true, the exposure isn’t worth it—get your vitamin D through your diet instead, including vitamin supplements.

• Monitor the EPA’s UV index regularly, especially on days when you plan to be outdoors a lot. The U.S. National Weather Service predicts the index every day for the following day.

• Examine your skin once a month for any early signs of melanoma. It just might save your life. Report any new or changing moles to a dermatologist.