Sun Safety for Everyone

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Brightstar Care of MSC

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Brightstar Care

Posted on

Aug 01, 2023

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Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties

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Stay Sun-Safe with These Sun Safety Tips 

Summer is in full swing and with it comes the long-awaited sunshine. While the sun can provide many benefits, it can also be detrimental to our health if we do not take care to protect ourselves.  

Whether you're spending time outdoors on a sunny day, going for a walk or just sitting on the porch, protecting yourself from harmful rays should always be a top priority. In this blog post, we will share tips and tricks on how to keep safe in the sun. 

Facts and Stats About Skin Cancer  

Staying ahead of skin cancer means staying informed about its causes, risks, and outcomes. The Skin Cancer Foundation(Opens in a new window) shares the following staggering facts and stats about skin cancer in the United States:  

1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. 

Every hour, more than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. 

Your risk for melanoma doubles after experiencing five or more sunburns. 

Early detection of melanoma leads to a 99% 5-year survival rate. 

Risks of Skin Cancer and Who is Most at Risk 

Although anyone can develop skin cancer, some people are more at risk than others. According to the American Cancer Society(Opens in a new window), those with fair skin, light hair, and blue or green eyes are more likely to get skin cancer, as are those with a personal or family history of skin cancer. Additionally, exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds can greatly increase your risk. And while skin cancer can happen at any age, it's more common in people over the age of 50, says the Skin Cancer Foundation(Opens in a new window).  

Tips for Staying Safe in the Sun 

We all want to make sure that we’re taking the best possible care of ourselves and our loved ones, especially when it comes to protecting ourselves from the dangers of spending too much time in the sun. Overexposure can lead to serious health risks such as dehydration, sunburns, heat exhaustion – even skin cancer – so it’s imperative for us to be aware of sun protection methods during outdoor activities. Here are some sun safety tips to bear in mind when spending time outside: 

Apply sunscreen regularly: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF of 30 or higher) that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. To ensure that sunscreen is evenly applied, use about an oz (a shot glass) worth of sunscreen or enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. 

Wear appropriate clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing that covers as much skin as possible, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants. Consider sun protective clothing with UV blocking fabric. 

Seek shade: Stay under the shade as much as possible and always use an umbrella, tent, or other porous objects to provide shade. Again, avoid being in the midday sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when UV rays are the strongest. 

Wear a hat: Wearing a wide-brimmed hat is a great way to protect your face, ears, and neck from the sun. 

Hydrate: Drink plenty of water – being in the sun can be dehydrating. 

Don’t be fooled by cloudy weather: UV radiation can still damage your skin, even on a cloudy day. It is important always to apply sunscreen when going outside for an extended period. 

Tips for Preventing Skin Cancer 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(Opens in a new window), skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. and it affects millions of people every year. It is caused by damage to the skin cells caused by the sun's harmful UV rays. CDC research show that certain people carry risk factors that make them more susceptible to skin cancer(Opens in a new window). Whether you have risk factors for cancer or not, there are plenty of ways to protect your skin from the sun and prevent skin cancer: 

Monitor your medications: Some medications can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. If you are taking any prescription drugs, talk to your doctor, or pharmacist, about the potential side effects and how to protect your skin. 

Live a healthy lifestyle: Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and managing stress can all have a positive effect on your skin. By living a healthy lifestyle, you can give your skin the best chance of staying healthy and avoiding skin cancer. 

Avoid Tanning Beds: If you're looking to get a tan, skip the tanning bed and opt for a self-tanner instead. Tanning beds expose your skin to harmful UV rays, increasing your risk of skin cancer. 

Get Regular Skin Checks: Schedule regular appointments with a dermatologist to have your skin checked for any signs of skin cancer. Catching it early can greatly improve your chances of successful treatment. 

Protect. Protect. Protect: As mentioned above, some of the most proactive steps you can take to protect yourself from skin cancer is to seek the shade; avoid the sun’s UV rays when they are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm; wear sun protective clothing; and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.  

Enlist Help from a Professional Care Team 

It's important to take extra precautions to protect your family from the risks associated with prolonged sun exposure. But we understand that sun safety can be a challenge, especially with those who have special needs or those who require additional care. That's where BrightStar Care comes in. Our team of qualified caregivers can provide child care services(Opens in a new window) or special needs care(Opens in a new window) to help keep your family healthy and safe this summer. Contact us today(Opens in a new window) to learn more about how BrightStar Care can help! 

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A GCM is familiar with the best local options and can navigate these choices to create the most effective care plan for your loved one.Managing long-distance caregiving: Many families in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte Counties find themselves in a situation where the primary caregiver is located out of state. A GCM can be a trusted local presence to ensure that care is being delivered properly.Specialized care options: Whether your loved one requires assistance with chronic conditions such as dementia, or they need rehabilitation after an injury, a Geriatric Care Manager can guide you to the right services in the local area.Support with aging in place: Many seniors prefer to remain in their own homes as they age. 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A Complete Guide to Long Term Care Insurance in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte County, Florida

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Understand Your Medicare Enrollment PeriodsThere are specific enrollment periods when you can sign up for Medicare or make changes to your coverage. The main enrollment periods include:Initial Enrollment Period: The seven-month period that starts three months before you turn 65 and ends three months after.Annual Election Period (AEP): Occurs each fall from October 15 to December 7, allowing you to make changes to your Medicare Advantage or Part D plans.Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Available if you qualify due to certain life events, such as moving to a new location or losing other health coverage.Missing these windows can result in delays or penalties, so staying informed about the enrollment dates is crucial.2. Determine the Right Medicare Plan for YouYou can choose between Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) or a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C). Some seniors prefer the flexibility of Original Medicare, while others may opt for a Medicare Advantage plan that includes extra benefits, such as vision, dental, and hearing services.Additionally, many seniors choose to enroll in Part D to cover prescription drugs, ensuring that their medications are affordable.3. Consider Medigap (Supplemental Insurance)Medigap plans help cover the gaps in coverage that Original Medicare doesnt pay for, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. If you decide to go with Original Medicare, consider adding a Medigap policy to help with these out-of-pocket costs.4. Review Available Local ResourcesSeniors in Manatee, Sarasota, and Charlotte Counties can benefit from local resources that provide assistance with Medicare planning. There are several organizations and experts in the area that offer guidance on Medicare enrollment, eligibility, and plan selection.For further information, you can explore local resources for senior services in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte Counties: Explore Senior Resources for Medicare Planning Medicare Planning and Support Services Final Thoughts on Medicare Planning in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte CountiesMedicare planning is an essential part of ensuring that seniors have access to the healthcare services they need. By understanding the different parts of Medicare, knowing the enrollment periods, and seeking local resources, seniors in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte Counties can make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage. To start your Medicare planning journey, visit the Seniors Blue Book directory for more resources and support services available in your area. 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