By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
The dog days of summer are a few months away but cooler temperatures now do not mean the sun is not a threat. The UV Index, which measures the effect of the sun on outdoor activities, reached a high level of seven out of 10 Tuesday in Great Bend. Karissa Winkel, family and community wellness agent with K-State Research and Extension - Cottonwood District, reminds residents that sun-related skin damage is not seasonal.
"We don't really think about how much UV exposure we really get even in the winter, let alone this time of year," she said. "Light will reflect off snow and water. It comes in through windows at work and home, and also while we drive. This light isn't going to cause a burn but it can still cause damage."
Winkel said it's important to protect all exposed skin from prolonged exposure to the sun. The face and neck are obvious targets, but arms, legs, ears, and even the tops of feet for those in sandals should also be protected. A hat and sunglasses can also be beneficial. Using the right sunscreen is also important.
"Anything SPF 30 or above is great," Winkel said. "If you're going to be in the sun, you need to reapply every two hours. This is because sunscreens are broken down by the effects of direct exposure, not by the passage of time. It's important to reapply, especially if you are in the sun."
Just one-fourth of a teaspoon of lotion is typically enough to use on the face and neck, and the American Academy of Dermatology says one ounce, or approximately enough to fill a shot glass, can cover the entire body. Winkel said sprays or lotions are both effective though lotions make it easier to know where the sunscreen has been applied.