Manley Highlights UV Safety Awareness Month

ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – As families begin spending more time outdoors during the summer months, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, is highlighting July as Ultra violet (UV) Safety Awareness Month and is reminding residents of the importance of protecting your skin.

“With summer now in full swing as we continue to shelter-in-place, many families have more time to spend together outdoors, so it is important to protect your skin by taking simple steps like wearing sunscreen,” said Manley. “While we can enjoy our time in the sunshine, melanoma and other skin cancers can be deadly and hard to detect, so it is critical to take preventative action to protect yourself from the sun especially during the summer months.”

July is UV Safety Awareness Month. Overexposure to UV rays can damage the skin, resulting in sun burns and potentially causing different forms of skin cancer. Manley is reminding residents who venture outdoors to take the following precautions to protect their skin from harmful UV rays:
• Wear broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 protection;
• Wear protective clothing such as pants, long sleeved shirts and hats when possible;
• Avoid direct sunlight when the sun is at its strongest, typically between 10 am and 4 pm;
• Avoid tanning beds;
• Perform monthly skin self-examinations and yearly skin examinations with a health care provider to identify possible skin cancers.

“Prioritizing your skin’s health now by wearing sunscreen and protective clothing are simple ways to protect your future health,” continued Manley. “I encourage residents to enjoy summer safely by making sure to protect themselves from the sun when outdoors.”