Sense in the Sun – 2011 AAHPERD Conference – San Diego, CA
Presented by
Brenda Goodwin, Missouri State University; Springfield, MO brendagoodwin@missouristate.edu
Janice Clark Young, Truman State University; Kirksville, MO jcyoung@truman.edu
Facts about Melanin
http://www.uvsunsense.com/uvss/index.php/sun-safety/tips-for-healthy-skin/ - Retrieved on 3/11/11
Melanin is a natural substance in the human body that gives people their skin and hair color. Technically, it is
another term for natural pigmentation. People with darker skin, hair, and eyes typically have higher amounts
of melanin in the body and a lower their risk for sunburn. Individuals with fair skin and light eyes and hair
have lower melanin counts and tend to burn much faster and more severely. Those of European descent
often have lower melanin levels and tend to burn much more easily.
Sun Safety Tips
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http://www.uvsunsense.com/uvss/index.php/sun-safety/tips-for-healthy-skin/- Retrieved on 3/11/11
Avoid tanning salons and tanning beds, as these devices expose the skin to stronger, more harmful ultraviolet
rays.
Always apply a sunscreen with an SPF sun protection of 15 or higher. Apply sunscreen at least a half-hour
before sun exposure, and then re-apply every 1-2 hours afterwards.
Wear hats and other protective clothing while out in the bright sunlight for long periods of time.
Try to stay in shady places, such as under umbrellas or trees whenever possible to avoid direct sun exposure.
Be careful when spending time in the water, on sand, or even in the snow. All of these elements reflect the sun
and increase your chances of getting burned.
From the local weather channel, learn what the day’s UV index is. Use the UV index to plan for your day’s sun
protection.
Use cosmetics, lotions, lip-glosses, and foundation that contain SPF to protect your skin all year long.
Wear sunglasses with UV coating in the lenses to protect the eyes from sun damage.
Avoid direct sun exposure during the peak hours of 10:00 a.m. through 4:00 p.m. Go outdoors early or later in
the afternoon/early evening.
Check your skin regularly for any changes in freckles or potential skin growths that could be pre-cancerous.
Certain medications (like antibiotics or birth control hormones) can increase your skin’s sun sensitivity. Ask your
doctor if any of the the medications you currently take will cause sun sensitivity.
Children are much more susceptible to sunburn. One or more blistering sunburns before the age of 18 increases
the likelihood of skin cancer. Make sure kids play in the shade, apply sunscreen, and wear hats and other
protective clothing. Consider wearing UV protective clothing.
Avoid getting sunburned. As a precaution, when in the sun use a UVSunSense™ wristband. The band provides
a simple sun-sensitive gauge through color change when you need to reapply sunscreen and when to get out of
the sun.
The UV Index
Retrieved on 3/10/11 from: http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003184-pdf.pdf
The amount of UV light reaching the ground in any given place depends on a number of factors, including the time of
day, time of year, elevation, and cloud cover. To help people understand the intensity of UV light in their area on a given
day, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Weather Service have developed the UV Index. The
UV Index number, on a scale from 1 to 11+, is a measure of the amount of UV radiation reaching the earth's surface
during an hour around noon. The higher the number indicates greater the exposure to UV radiation. The UV Index is
given daily for regions throughout the country. Many newspaper and television weather forecasts now include the
projected UV Index for the following day. Further information about the UV Index, as well as your local UV Index
forecast, is available on the EPA's web site at www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html. As with any forecast, local changes in
cloud cover and other factors may change the actual UV levels experienced, but the UV Index reminds the public to take
precautions against too much exposure.
The UV Index
http://www.uvsunsense.com/uvss/index.php/sun-safety/uv-index-scale/
http://www.uvsunsense.com/uvss/index.php/sun-safety/
Retrieved on 3/9/11
The UV Index is a scale given to the level of UV radiation on a given day. It ranges from 0 to 20. The higher the index, the
greater the potential for damage to the skin and eyes and the less time it takes for this damage to occur.
A UV Index reading of 2 or less means low danger from the sun’s UV rays for the average person:
 Wear sunglasses on bright days. In winter, reflection off snow can nearly double UV strength.
 If you burn easily, cover up and use sunscreen.
Snow and water reflect the sun’s rays. Skiers and swimmers should wear sunglasses or goggles, and apply sunscreen
with an SPF of at least 15. Protect areas that could be exposed to UV rays by the sun’s reflection, including under the
chin and nose.
A UV Index reading of 3 to 5 means moderate risk of harm for unprotected skin.
 Take precautions, such as covering up, if you will be outside.
 Stay in shade near midday when the sun is strongest.
An easy way to tell how much UV exposure you are getting is to look for your shadow:
 If your shadow is taller than you are (in the early morning and late afternoon), your UV exposure is likely to be low.
 If your shadow is shorter than you are (around midday), you are being exposed to high levels of UV radiation. Seek
shade and protect your skin and eyes.
A UV Index reading of 6 to 7 means high risk of harm for unprotected skin. Apply a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15.
Wear a wide-brim hat and sunglasses (sunglasses protect the lids of the eyes as well as the lens) to protect your eyes.
 Protection against sunburn is needed.
 Reduce time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
 Cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen.
A UV Index reading of 8 to 10 means very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Minimize sun exposure
between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Protect yourself by liberally applying a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Wear protective
clothing and sunglasses to protect the eyes.
 Take extra precautions. Unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn quickly.
 Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Otherwise, seek shade, cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses,
and use sunscreen.
Be careful during routine outdoor activities such as gardening or playing sports. Spectators, as well as participants, need
to wear sunscreen and eye protection to avoid too much sun.
A UV Index reading of 11 or higher means extreme risk of harm for unprotected skin. Avoid sun exposure between 10
a.m. to 4 p.m. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 liberally every 2 hours.
 Take all precautions. Unprotected skin can burn in minutes. Beachgoers should know that white sand and other
bright surfaces reflect UV and will increase UV exposure.
 Seek shade, cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen.
It is possible to go outside when the UV Index is 11 or higher. Make sure you always seek shade, wear a hat, cover up,
wear 99-100% UV-blocking sunglasses, and use sunscreen. Or, stay rather than risk dangerous levels of sun exposure.
SKIN CANCER FOUNDATION PREVENTION GUIDELINES:
http://www.skincancer.org/Guidelines/ - Retrieved 3/9/11
The Skin Cancer Foundation has always recommended using a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher as one important part
of a complete sun protection regimen. Sunscreen alone is not enough. Their full list of skin cancer prevention tips
includes the following advice:
 Seek the shade, especially between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M.
 Do not burn.
 Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
 Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day.
 Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. (Do not rub it into
your skin, let the skin absorb it.) Reapply every two hours.
 Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
 Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months—be sure to consult
your doctor first.
 Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
 See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.
Using Sunscreen Properly
Retrieved on 3/8/11 from http://www.mdanderson.org/newsroom/news-releases/2007/sunscreen-and-summer-sun-safety.html
The proper application of sunscreen is important in order to obtain the maximum benefits of sun protection. Below are the
responses from the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX to questions about sunscreen application and protection.
1. Is there a significant difference in protection among SPF 15, 30 and 45?
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) does not increase proportionately with the designated SPF number. For example,
SPF 15 absorbs 93% of the sun's burning rays, while SPF 30 absorbs 97%. The SPF number on sunscreens only
reflects the product's screening ability for UVB rays. At present, there is no FDA approved rating system that
identifies UVA protection.
2. Can children use the same type of sunscreen as adults, or should parents purchase sunscreen made especially
for them?
Children over six months can use the same sunscreen as adults. For infants younger than six months, just cover
them up!
3. What are the specific instructions from health care professionals on how to apply sunscreen?
Sunscreen should be applied to dry skin 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied every two hours. One
ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) is the amount needed to properly cover the exposed areas of the body. Lips
can get sunburned, so it is important to apply a lip balm that contains sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
4. Are all sunscreens safe to use on a daily basis?
All sunscreens are safe to use on a daily basis. No evidence exists that suggests daily use of sunscreen is unsafe.
5. Are there certain environmental conditions that affect sunscreen efficacy?
Because an SPF measurement is the most protection a person can receive under the best possible conditions,
sunscreens often do not perform up to labeled SPF ratings. This is caused by a variety of factors, including the
effects of wind, humidity, perspiration and facial movement, as well as uneven or improper application. Many
people also wait too long to reapply.
A sunscreen use does not allow a person to spend unlimited time in the sun.
What is ultraviolet (UV) radiation?
Retrieved on 3/10/11 from: http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003184-pdf.pdf
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the major risk factor for most skin cancers. Sunlight is the main source of UV radiation,
which can damage the genes in your skin cells. Tanning lamps and booths are also sources of UV radiation. People with
excessive exposure to UV radiation from these sources are at greater risk for skin cancer. Ultraviolet radiation has 3
wave length ranges:
· UVA rays cause cells to age and can cause some damage to cells' DNA. They are linked to long-term skin damage
such as wrinkles, but are also thought to play a role in some skin cancers.
· UVB rays can cause direct damage to the DNA, and are the rays that primarily cause sunburns. They are also
thought to cause most skin cancers.
· UVC rays don't penetrate our atmosphere and therefore are not present in sunlight. They are not normally a cause
of skin cancer.
UVA and UVB rays make up only a very small portion of the sun's wavelengths, but they are the main cause of the
damaging effects of the sun on the skin. UV radiation damages the DNA of skin cells. Skin cancers begin when this
damage affects the DNA of genes that control skin cell growth. Both UVA and UVB rays damage skin and cause skin
cancer. UVB rays are a more potent cause of at least some skin cancers, but based on current knowledge, there are no
safe UV rays. The amount of UV exposure depends on the intensity of the radiation, the length of time the skin was
exposed, and whether the skin was protected with clothing or sunscreen. Skin cancers are one result of getting too
much sun, but there are other effects as well. The short-term results of unprotected exposure to UV rays are sunburn
and tanning, which are signs of skin damage. Long-term exposure can cause prematurely aged skin, wrinkles, loss of skin
elasticity, dark patches (lentigos, sometimes called age spots or liver spots), and pre-cancerous skin changes (such as
dry, scaly, rough patches called actinic keratoses). The sun's UV rays also increase a person's risk of cataracts and certain
other eye problems, and can suppress the skin's immune system. Although dark-skinned people are generally less likely
to get skin cancer than light-skinned people, they can still get cataracts and suppression of the skin's immune system.
Useful web sites:
http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/SkinCancer-Melanoma/MoreInformation/SkinCancerPreventionandEarlyDetection/index
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/skincancer-melanoma/index
http://www.cancer.org/cancer/skincancer-basalandsquamouscell/index
http://www.cancer.org/acs/groups/cid/documents/webcontent/003184-pdf.pdf
http://www.uvsunsense.com/uvss/index.php/about/where-to-buy/locator/
http://www.uvsunsense.com/uvss/index.php/sun-safety/
http://www.uvsunsense.com/uvss/index.php/sun-safety/tips-for-healthy-skin/ Sun safety tips for healthy skin:
skincancer.org
http://www.mdanderson.org/newsroom/news-releases/2007/sunscreen-and-summer-sun-safety.html
Educational information:
http://www.uvsunsense.com/uvss/index.php/sun-safety/tips-for-healthy-skin/
http://www.sunsafetyforkids.org/resources/curriculum/
http://www.epa.gov/sunwise/doc/brochure.pdf
http://www.sunsafetyforkids.org/schoolpolicy/sample/
http://www.sunsafetyalliance.org/pdfactivities/Activities_for_Middle_School.pdf
http://nasbe.org/Safe-and-Healthy-Schools/Model-Policies/policies-to-promote-sun-safety-and-prevent-skin-cancer.html
http://www.who.int/uv/publications/en/sunprotschools.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/pdf/shade_planning.pdf
http://dermatology.cdlib.org/149/commentaries/sunprotection/dadlani.html
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/pdf/sunsafety_v0908.pdf
http://www.skincancer.org/school/teacherresources/pdf_downloads/SCF_SunPoster_Activity_ALL.pdf
Skin Cancer Foundation - Teacher Resources: free!
http://www.skincancer.org/school/teacherresources/resources.php
Lists the Nat’l Health & Science Standards - http://www.skincancer.org/school/teacherresources/correlations.php
Sun Safety Alliance: Free and the program has 4 sun safety sessions with student worksheets.
Family Reproducibles: Activity game and Permission Forms for the Sun-safety Event!
It also has teacher resources including a student assessment tool & “Sun Certified" student diploma
http://www.sunsafetyalliance.org/block_the_sun.html
National Safety Council - K-8 Sun Safety Activity Book - free!
http://www.nsc.org/safety_home/BringSafetyHome/Documents/Sun%20Safety%20Activity%20Book.pdf
Video available for $30 from: www.nsc.org/ehc/sunwise/suvideo.html
SunSmart America - K-12 curriculum and materials - free!
http://66.147.240.198/~melanom1/lms/login/index.php
www.melanomafoundation.com - 561-687-2400
Project S.A.F.E.T.Y. (Sun Awareness For Educating Today's Youth) - Grades 4-12 curriculum compatible with national H & Sci.
standards. 3-lesson CD-ROM with 80-page Teacher's Guide. Order CD-ROM ($13) from University of TX: 713-745-1205 www.mdanderson.org/projectsafety
Sun Guard Man online - Grades 7-8 curriculum & website with interactive sun-safe learning activities
free! - 800-492-1056 ext. 340 - www.sungardman.org
K-5 Curriculum - Educator’s resource kit: http://sdhw.info/index.asp
CD-ROM ($79.95)
Sun Safe School Guide, K-12, free guide with tips about skin cancer, prevention, and designing a sun-safe school environment http://sdhw.info/pdfs/schoolguide02.pdf
UV Detection Products- Grades K-8+
UV-reactive beads, t-shirts & paints to emphasize sun protection
Available from Educational Innovations, Inc. 888-912-7474, www.teachersource.com
(select “Color, Light, and Sound,” and then select “UV Detecting Products”)