Summer is officially here! But before you start enjoying the sunshine, remember to protect yourself from its damaging UV rays. July is Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Month, sponsored by the AmericanAcademy of Ophthalmology (AAO). The AAO encourages you to prevent cancers by shielding your eyes and skin from prolonged exposure to UV rays. This is especially important during the summer months when UV radiation is at its highest.

UV rays are invisible waves of light radiating from the sun that are known to cause leathering, wrinkling, skin aging and skin cancer. They can also damage the immune system, causing sunburns and cataracts. More than 90 percent of skin cancer is a result of sun exposure and more than one million cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year. While individuals with fair complexions remain at the greatest risk for skin cancer, it is most deadly for Asians, Latinos and African Americans. Studies have shown that those with darker skin coloring are at a greater risk of dying from skin cancer due to late detection.

The risk factors and symptoms of skin cancer are the same for every race, although there is a perception that those with darker skin are immune to skin damage. The pigment melanin, which is responsible for the color of skin, blocks harmful UV rays but does not protect from skin cancer. While the melanin levels in Asian skin may prevent most from experiencing sunburns, this does not mean that Asians are less likely to get skin cancer. Any exposure to harmful UV rays may damage the skin.

 

To protect yourself and your loved ones, practice these safety tips suggested by the Skin Cancer Foundation:

 

• Seek the shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Do not allow your skin to burn.

• Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.

• Use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher every day.

• Apply one ounce (two tablespoons) of sunscreen to all exposed areas 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.

• Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.

• Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreen should be used on babies

   older than 6 months.

• Examine your skin from head to toe every month.

 

It is recommended that everyone receive an annual skin health check from a dermatologist. A dermatologist will look for suspicious growths, moles or lesions over the entire body. The exam is performed using a bright light and occasionally, a magnifying lens.

You can now receive a full skin exam for $80 at KHEIR. Mark Taper Foundation Community Clinic, along with other dermatology services, courtesy of Dr. Agatha Park. Park has more than 37 years of experience and ran a successful private practice in Beverly Hills for 13 years. Although she recently retired, she has made a commitment to give back to the community by volunteering her services at KHEIR. To make an appointment for a full skin exam, or any of the other dermatological services offered, please contact KHEIR. Mark Taper Foundation Community Clinic at (213) 637-1070, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The clinic also offers primary and preventive care for people of all ages.