Las Vegas Urban League Raises Awareness of Sun's Rays During July Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Month

LAS VEGAS - June 30, 2021 - PRLog -- As summer kicks into full gear and everyone becomes antsy to get outdoors, Las Vegas Urban League WIC counselors are cautioning moms, dads, and children about the harmful rays of the sun.

"The sun emits radiation in three forms of UV light," Shannon Johnson, Clinic Coordinator, of the Flamingo East Office said. "They are UVA, UVB and UVC. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and can cause wrinkling. UVB causes sunburns. Exposure to both is associated with skin cancer. That's why it's important to take precautions before venturing outdoors on sunny, and even overcast days during the summer."

Self-protection is the best defense in combating the sun's harmful rays. Instead of wearing shorts or short-sleeved shirts and blouses, opt for long-sleeved shirts, long pants or long skirts. Also, darker clothing is better because the sun's rays can penetrate light-colored fabric.

Sunglasses are a must during the summer. Make sure they have a label that says they protect 99 percent of UV radiation. Wear a hat with a broad brim, so as to protect your face, ears and neck. A hat will also protect your scalp from UV rays.

"The easiest thing to do is for parents to keep themselves and their children inside the house or shaded areas, especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when UV radiation is most intense," Johnson said. "Also, be careful when you are near reflective surfaces such as water. And wear sunscreen with a protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. "

The American Cancer Society strongly recommends that individuals stay away from artificial UV light commonly associated tanning beds, which has been linked to an increase in melanoma cases. The ACS estimates that 5.4 million basal skin cancers are diagnosed annually, and some 3.3 million people are diagnosed with cell skin cancers annually. Overexposure to US radiation can also cause eye cataracts, eye damage, skin aging, skin growths and immune system suppression.

Our WIC Nutrition Education Counselors are available 24/7 to advise parents on ways to protect themselves and their children from harmful UV rays during Southern Nevada's hot summer months. Several phone apps are also available to track local UV index conditions on a daily basis.

The Las Vegas Urban League Women, Infants and Children Subsidy Program is a 501c (3) program that is funded by the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health.

Visit our two convenient locations: 6480 W. Flamingo Road, Suite B, Las Vegas, phone (702) 227-1573 or 3320 E. Flamingo Road, Suite 50, Las Vegas, phone (702) 476-9561.

For more information, visit the Urban League WIC website at: https://www.wiclv.org.