August 2022 – Summer Sunshine

The summer sun is here!  Having fun with loved ones, being active, doing yard work or taking a loved one out for a leisurely wheelchair walk for some sunshine are great ways to soak in the sunshine.  Whether you’re hiking with family, barbequing with friends at the park, or just enjoying getting out of the house, protecting your skin by implementing healthy habits for summertime is always important. We at Good Shepherd Hospice wanted to offer some tips for protecting your skin from UV exposure while enjoying the sun this summer!

1. Stay in the shade- Although you can still be exposed to UV rays while in the shade, staying out of direct sunlight helps to significantly reduce exposure.
2. Wear UV protective clothing- when the heat allows, wear long sleeve shirts, long pants, or beach cover ups to cover your skin. Remember, wet clothing offers much less UV protection than dry clothing
3. Wear Hats- With any headwear, make sure it provides shade for your face, ears, and back of the neck. Avoid straw hats with holes that let small beams of light peak through. Fabrics like canvas work well to prevent light from peeking through.
4. Always wear sunscreen-Using broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher is the best way to protect yourself from UV rays. Apply a thick layer over all exposed skin, and ask for help for hard to reach places like your back.
5. Don’t be afraid to reapply- Sunscreen wears off, on average, after 2 hours in the sun. Reapply after swimming, sweating, toweling off, or after more than 2 hours has passed.

90% of skin cancers are associated with sun exposure to UV radiation from the sun. These easy to follow tips help prevent exposure to UV rays and bring healthy habits to our everyday summer enjoyment!  At Good Shepherd Hospice, we provide exceptional patient care, allowing you to rest assured that you can enjoy the summer sun knowing that your loved one is receiving the compassionate and dignified care they deserve.  To learn more about how we care for our patients and their families during the summertime sunshine or if you’re interested in joining our team, contact us today!