Las Vegas Urban League WIC Warns Parents To Be Vigilant During July UV Safety Awareness Month

LAS VEGAS - July 5, 2023 - PRLog -- The American Cancer Society estimates that 5.4 million basal skin cancers are diagnosed each year, resulting in nearly 3.3 million people being diagnoses with skin cancers annually. It's extremely important during these hot summer months in Southern Nevada, Las Vegas Urban League WIC counselors warn, for both parents and children to follow preventive protocols to protect themselves from the harmful rays of the sun.

"Preventing exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays is the most important way to cut down on the risks of developing skin cancer," Shannon Johnson, Clinic Coordinator at WIC Flamingo East, said. "Minimize your exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the hours when UV rays are strongest. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen before you go outside with a sun protective factor (SPF) of at least 30. Then reapply sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days. Also, reapply after swimming or sweating."

It's important to wear clothing that covers your body and a hat to shade your face. Long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats are recommended when spending extended hours out in the sun. Hats should provide coverage of your face, ears and back of the neck.

"Wear sunglasses with a UV coating of 100 percent UVA/UV protection," Johnson said. "And be especially cautious of protecting your children. Skin damage from UV rays early in life can lead to skin cancer later in life. Keep children away from too much sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen often to children 6 months and older. Keep babies younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight."

"Dress your baby in hats and lightweight clothing that covers most of their skin," Johnson added. "The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) approves using sunscreen on babies younger than 6 months, if clothing and shade does not provide enough coverage."

The AAP recommends applying a small amount of sunscreen only on your baby's exposed areas, such as the face and back of the hands.

For more information and advice on how protect yourself and your children from harmful UV rays, visit Las Vegas Urban League WIC at www.wiclv.org or its 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.

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