Everyone needs some sun exposure. The emphasis is on “some” because too much sun can cause skin cancer, eye problems, weakened immune system, prematurely aged skin, or unsightly skin spots. People with fair hair and complexion, or a personal or family history of skin cancer are at greatest risk of sunburn. But regardless of skin color, everyone can take steps to be sun smart.

• Try to stay out of the sun when rays are strongest, typically from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Don’t be fooled by a cloudy day. Up to 80 percent of rays can penetrate even on an overcast day and reflect off water, sand, and concrete.
• Wear long-sleeve shirts, long pants and a hat to cover the skin and protect against harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays.
• Apply a generous amount of broad spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or higher 15 minutes before going out in the sun. Remember your lips, hands, ears, feet, shoulders, behind your neck, and top of your head if you don’t have much hair. Throw away suntan lotion that is past the expiration date or more than three years old.
• If around water or swimming, select waterproof or water resistant sunscreen that stays on skin longer. However, you will still need to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours.
• Protect your eyes with sunglasses that offer 99 to 100 percent UV protection.
• Check if any medications can increase sun sensitivity, such as antibiotics or acne medications. Sunscreen may not be able to protect skin from sun sensitivity caused by medications.
• If you use an indoor tanning bed, wear goggles and do not go over your time limit.
• Check your skin regularly for signs of skin cancer. See your doctor if you notice anything unusual.

Visit DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/sunquiz and take the ‘summer sun exposure quiz’ and test your knowledge.

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake
214 324-6100

www.doctorshospitaldallas.com

Fireworks are fun to watch, exciting to hear, and a wonderful way to mark the Fourth of July. Most people have fond memories of watching a dizzying display of starburst fireworks light up the night sky. Others, unfortunately, may recall a trip to the hospital emergency room because of a fireworks-related injury.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, approximately 8,800 people are treated annually in hospital emergency rooms for injuries caused by fireworks. More than 50 percent of injuries are to the extremities, while approximately 40 percent of injuries are to the head.

Here are some safety tips to share if you know someone who is planning a fireworks show of their own:

• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area.
• Children should not be allowed to play with fireworks.
• Watch children closely when setting off fireworks.
• Only adults should light fireworks.
• Keep an extinguisher, hose, or bucket of water nearby.
• Do not light fireworks inside or near dry vegetation.
• Do not pick up a firework that has not gone off. Do not try to relight it. Douse it with water and dispose of it.
• Read the directions on fireworks before setting them off.
• Stand several feet away from lit fireworks.
• Do not light more than one firework at a time.
• Do not wear loose-fitting clothing when lighting fireworks.

Fireworks can cause physical damage in addition to potential personal injury. Fireworks are associated with approximately 18,000 fires annually, including 1,300 structure fires and 400 vehicle fires. More fires in the United States are reported on Independence Day than any other day of the year.

To learn more about fireworks safety, visit the free, online health library on the Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake website at DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/FireworksSafety.

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake
214 324-6100

www.doctorshospitaldallas.com