Things you should know… SUN THINGS TO THINK ABOUT

WRITER: TRISHA KHANNA // ILLUSTRATOR: ANTHONY CASTO

Many people are under the erroneous impression there is no harm done if they spend just a few minutes each day in the sun.

One mustn’t fail to realize that UV rays make contact with the body’s surface the very moment one sets foot outdoors or experiences sunlight.

Our challenge is to block the sun and not the fun.

“I used to fry,” is a common retort heard by physician’s assistant Jennifer Valentin when she questions senior skin cancer patients about their teen years.

Jennifer has treated hundreds of skin cancer sufferers perturbed by this disease’s sudden appearance late in their lives. She tactfully reminds them of their numerous beach rendezvouses and sunbathing sessions when in high school.

Skin cancer is a result of the cumulative DNA damage that begins in youth. If patients take proper precautions in their youth, the long-term outcomes would be more favorable. The moral is to educate children about the importance of good sun sense early.

You can reduce risk of skin cancer by:

• Avoiding direct sunlight and seeking shade during the hottest part of the day;

• Always wearing a daily face/body lotion with a Sun Protection Factor of at least 30 that protects against both UVA and UVB rays (and coating your entire body when planning to engage in outdoor activities);

• Reapplying sunscreen often, especially after sweating or swimming, even if the label claims it is waterproof (try to reapply approximately every two hours);

• Not wearing sheer clothing in direct sunlight (wear opaque garments manufactured from thicker material);

• Using wide-brimmed hats and/or umbrellas to create shade.

Here are some treatment options Jennifer recommends:

• Aloe vera. Gels or lotions containing aloe vera can be found in any drugstore and large grocery. Even better is using the actual plant. Squeeze a leaf to extract the juice. Apply the aloe to your sunburn, but do not rub it in. Leave a substantial layer on top of the sunburn. This keeps the skin from drying out and becoming more irritated. Reapply as needed.

• Potatoes. According to naturalnews.com, potato peels are an age-old remedy for sunburns mentioned in ancient texts. And potato peels appear to have science on their side. Doctors have found that in case of minor burns, potato peel bandages work better than conventional dressing. Potato peels provide moisture and they also have anti-bacterial properties.

• Toothpaste. Run cold water on the sunburned area, then liberally apply toothpaste to the area. Toothpaste can also be used to treat minor bug bites. Source: thestressreliefcenter.com

• Oatmeal. Great for full-body relief. Take about two handfuls of dried oatmeal (not cooked — any type is fine) and mix it into your warm bathwater until it forms a slurry. Soak as needed for relief.