By Latha Raja Shankar, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and VP of Health Care Delivery, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico
As we enjoy the warmth and sunshine of summer, it’s important to remember that protecting our skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays is crucial, especially for seniors. Our skin becomes more delicate as we age, making us more vulnerable to sunburn, age spots and even skin cancer. Here’s how you can stay safe while still enjoying the outdoors.
Sun Safety Tips:
- Seek Shade: Try to avoid the sun when UV rays are strongest, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you’re outdoors, rest under trees, awnings or umbrellas.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Opt for lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face, neck and ears.
- Use Sunscreen: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to all exposed skin. Don’t skip your ears, neck and the tops of your feet. Reapply every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
- Protect Your Eyes: Sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays help prevent cataracts and other eye damage.
- Check Your Medications: Some medicines make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your prescriptions if you’re unsure.
Get Your Skin Checked:
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and seniors are at higher risk. Early detection can make all the difference.
- Self-Exams: Once a month, check your skin for new growths, spots or any changes in existing moles or marks. Use a mirror for hard-to-see areas or ask a loved one for help.
- Professional Checks: Schedule a full-body skin exam with your health care provider or dermatologist once a year, or sooner if you notice changes. If you have a history of skin cancer, more frequent checks may be needed.
- What to Look For: Watch for spots that change in size, shape or color, sores that don’t heal, or any new, unusual marks.
Why It Matters:
Catching skin changes early means easier and more effective treatment. If you notice anything unusual, don’t wait to make an appointment to get it checked.
This summer, make sun safety a priority. Protect your skin, enjoy the sunshine and give yourself peace of mind with regular checks. Learn more about staying healthy as you age at connect.bcbsnm.com.
If you have a health question that you would like to be considered in Ask a Health Care Professional, please email [email protected]. BCBSNM will select questions that may appear. Questions will not be personally answered. The opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and not necessarily those of BCBSNM.
