Presbyterian | Your Story | Centennial Care | Summer 2021

6 Did you know New Mexico enjoys more than 300 sunny days each year? Don’t forget to wear sunscreen! Why? Because sunscreen protects your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are present even on cloudy days. These rays not only can cause skin cancer, they also can cause wrinkles, skin sagging, and age spots. What should you look for in a sunscreen? The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using a sunscreen that: ● Offers broad-spectrum protection (protects against both UVA and UVB rays) ● Has an SPF—sun protection factor— of 30 or higher ● Is water-resistant Howshouldyou apply sunscreen? Most people don’t apply the right amount of sunscreen, according to the AAD. You should put on enough sunscreen to cover all of your skin not covered by clothing. Most adults need about one ounce of sunscreen—two tablespoons—to fully cover their body. Also: ● Apply sunscreen about 15 minutes before going outdoors. ● Be sure to apply it to the tops of your feet, your neck, your ears, and the part line at the top of your head. ● Reapply about every two hours. You should also reapply after swimming or sweating. Follow the directions on the sunscreen bottle. Does the type of sunscreen matter? Sunscreens come in many forms, from sprays to sticks to lotions. The best type to use is the one you’ll apply over and over again. Creams and lotions are best for dry skin and the face, according to the AAD. Sticks are good to use around the eyes. Sprays are easy to use, especially on kids. But keep in mind that it can be hard to know if all skin areas have been covered when you use a spray. Sunscreens are sometimes sold as a mix of sunscreen and bug spray. The AAD recommends against using these products. You want to use a lot of sunscreen and not as much bug spray. So it’s best to buy these products separately. The first thing to know about concussions is this: There’s no such thing as a minor one. If you or your child has a concussion, take it seriously. A concussion is an injury to the brain that briefly affects normal function. They can be caused by direct trauma to the head (like a fall or hit) or rapid Everyone needs to wear sunscreen These numbers add up to sun safety When you spend time outside, you need to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays, which can cause skin cancer. Learning these numbers can help you remember some key safety advice: SPF 30. Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. One ounce. That’s about how much sunscreen it takes to cover an adult’s skin. 15 minutes. For sunscreen to work best, wait 15 minutes after applying it before you go outside. Two hours. Reapply sunscreen every two hours—or sooner, if you’re swimming or sweating. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If possible, stay out of the sun when its rays are strongest. Source: American Academy of Dermatology Know the signs of a concussion back-and-forth movement of the head (whiplash). Symptoms of a concussion According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, symptoms of a concussion include: ● Confusion ● Headache ● Double or blurry vision