Sun safety: quick tips

Use a sunscreen.
Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF or sun protection factor of at least 15.

Use it everywhere.
Particularly on the head in frequently missed spots like the tips of ears, nose, and on the lips themselves. These are areas that sustain significant sun damage over the years and where sun-induced skin cancer typically appear as a result.

Apply ahead of time.
Remember to apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before you go outside to allow time for the ingredients to penetrate the skin.

Keep protected.
Reapply sunscreen frequently and liberally following the manufacturer's instructions.

Don't forget sunglasses.
Protect your eyes with sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection. Overexposure to sunlight can cause both short-term and long-term damage to your eyes.

Wear a hat.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head, neck and ears. These regions are most susceptible to sun damage. A hat with a brim at least 3 inches wide will provide the best protection.

Wear protective clothing.
Use clothing to cover your skin.

Choose the proper clothing.
Do the lightbulb test when selecting the hat and clothing you plan to use for protection. If you hold the fabric up to a lightbulb and light filters through, it will be less effective than material that does not allow light to filter through. The material will act as a physical block to prevent UV rays from penetrating the skin.

Seek the shade and avoid the noonday sun.
Try to stay out of the sun between 11 am and 4 pm. This is when the sun's ultraviolet B radiation is strongest. It is safer to be outside in the early morning or late afternoon.

Think ahead.
Do not rely on your skin to tell you when to get out of the sun. If you are burnt, your skin has already been severely sun damaged.

Use sunscreen all year.
Protect your skin from spring to early fall, and exposed skin areas in the winter if you participate in winter sports.

Be careful all year.
Remember that reflected light from snow, sand, and cement can cause skin damage.

Don't forget sun after care.
Moisturize your skin after sun exposure to replenish lost moisture.

Ask a health professional.
If you are taking medication check with your physician or pharmacist before seeking the sun. Some medications can make your skin more sensitive.

Watch for the signs of skin cancer.
These include moles or birthmarks that change color, size, or texture, skin growths that increase in size, spots that continue to itch, crust, hurt, scab, or erode or any open sore or wound that does not heal in 4 weeks or one that heals and reopens - see your doctor immediately if you have any of these signs.

Keep your workplace safe

In 1998, 15% of injuries and illnesses that resulted in lost time from work occurred in workers under the age 24. Machine injuries and electrocutions are among the leading causes of death in young people.

As a worker in the United States, you have rights and responsibilities to ensure that your workplace environment is safe. In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Act protects you against dangers on the job. This law outlines the rights and responsibilities of the Government of the United States, the employer, and you, the worker.

There are three keys to maintaining a safe workplace:

• Know how to recognize and be aware of hazards in the workplace:
  • If you're uncertain about the safe use or operation of anything you work with, insist on getting proper training.
  • Be aware of things that may injure you or damage your health, including not only any heavy or sharp objects but also such things as cleaning fluids, poor posture, and sources of stress.
  • If you work with chemicals, attend health and safety training sessions.
  • If you are an employer, you are required to inform and train your workers about hazardous materials used in the workplace.
• Participate in workplace health and safety:
  • Take charge of your own safety - don't expect others to look out for you.
  • Use proper safety equipment.
  • Adjust your workspace to minimize strain and bad posture.
  • Pay attention to air quality and noise levels.
  • Report unsafe conditions to your supervisor.
  • Know who to go to for help if you have any questions about the safety of your workplace or job.
• Refuse unsafe work: Stop working or using the equipment if you think that you are at risk of injury, and talk to your supervisor. Unless you are told that the situation is corrected, and you are no longer at risk of injury, do not continue to work. This also applies to any work condition that may damage your health over the long term, whether poor air quality, a work arrangement that puts you at risk of carpal tunnel syndrome, or an unusually stressful environment.

It is in the best interests of employers to maintain safe Workplaces. Healthy, happy workers may mean more profitable businesses and will help keep workplace insurance costs down. And, of course, it is in the best interests of workers to stay healthy!