Even when you’re walking on sunshine, sunscreen matters

“Sunshine on my shoulders makes me happy.” – John Denver, 1971

Two quote references here: 1. I turned 21 in 1971, but that is a very different column. 2. Recalling John Denver’s soothing tenor.

Anyway, getting off topic here. The topic of sunshine is a happy one most of the time. After a particularly gray and chilly winter we turn our faces up to the sun and welcome those warm rays and some gentle breezes.

I may be nostalgic about 1971 (mostly) and listening to Denver on my 8-track (serious) but I am not nostalgic about the basking in the sun without benefit of sunscreen! “Back in the day” as children and teenagers we were oblivious to the term sun damage; a good tan was considered healthy and attractive. Personally, I have never been a very good tanner so I worked on it extra hard! Good memories of swimming at Forest Park pool, boating with my parents, and lying about on the good old chaise in the backyard working on a “tan” while listening to the Beatles and top 40 hits on the transistor radio. I am sure I have a wrinkle or three as a legacy from what we called “sun bathing.”

Not long ago my dermatologist informed me that most people who find they have skin cancers caused by sun damage are unaware that damage resulted from sun exposure as children. Melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer, with over 112,000 people diagnosed annually and with 90 percent directly linked to UV radiation sunlight or indoor tanning.¹ Thankfully most skin cancers can be resolved early if you are vigilant.

While we certainly cannot turn back the clock, we can diligently protect ourselves with the plethora of sunscreen products currently on the market. Although I will not use this space to share products I specifically use, I will share that my usual is a broad-spectrum SPF of 30, and sometimes SPF 50 as well. A good product will protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Checking your skin on a regular basis is critical to note any changes. As always, I encourage my readers to do their own research and check with your medical professional for the best options for you and your family.

Tanning beds – don’t get me started! Being a person of pale skin, I understand the draw of tanning beds particularly for the young and young at heart but there are some great products available which can give the illusion of a tan without the dangers. Using tanning beds before the age of 20 increases the chance of melanoma by 47 percent.²

Going forward into the warm (and sometimes quite warm!) summer months I suggest that you replenish your sunscreen products, be sure to see your dermatologist annually and if you have the opportunity to care for children please make sure that they are regularly wearing sunscreen and limiting time in the sun if necessary. Easier said than done but a great investment in their future. Your pets can also suffer from too much sun exposure, please protect them.

Yes, I enjoy that “sunshine on my shoulder” and feeling those warm rays and hope you enjoy our rather brief summertime here in Indiana, but also care for your largest organ, your skin. You will look better, feel better, and most importantly be healthier as a result.

¹ American Cancer Society

² American Academy of Dermatologists

Sharon McMahon, CNWC

The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace advice of your personal physician or licensed health professional. Please consult your physician for any issues you may have related to nutrition or fitness activity.