Dr. Olasz Harken's safety tips for the holiday weekend.
Dr. Olasz Harken's safety tips for the holiday weekend.
Before you gas up the boat and start setting up for your holiday events, we wanted to remind you about a few sun-safe tips this holiday. Just like our food, we don’t like burns, especially on our skin. It’s important to make sure your family has sun protection for your holiday, as July is one of the hotter months on our calendar.
The skin of our children and that of the elderly, in particular, are prone to burning and are also sensitive, so pay close attention to the more vulnerable members of the family.
It is estimated that melanoma will affect 1 in 27 men and 1 in 40 women in their lifetime.
Before age 50, melanoma incidence rates are higher in women than in men; however, rates in men are twice as high by age 65 and three times as high by age 80.
Here are a few tips to keep you and your family safe this 4th of July weekend.
Brush your teeth and apply your sunscreen!
You are sure to have a hundred things on your mind this holiday, and you don’t want to forget one of the most important ones. Before you start your day, grab your tube of sunscreen and be sure to apply it to all exposed areas of your body in the morning. When you’re using Harken Derm, you can be sure that you will be protected all day.
Wear a wide brim hat!
Choose a hat that has a wide brim and provides shade to your face, neck and ears. Baseball caps are good for protection for your face but lack the protection for your neck and ears.
Every inch of brim can reduce your risk of skin cancer by 10%.
Make sure your sunscreen is water resistant!
If it’s hot out, you’re often doing one of two things: sweating or swimming. If your sunscreen is water resistant like Harken Derm, you don’t have to worry about your sunscreen coming off after one jump in the water. Remember, there isn't any harm in wearing a water-resistant sunscreen on days you aren't planning on swimming or sweating but it can be harmful to wear sunscreens without water-resistance when you are going to be in the water.
Wearing sandals?
This tip ties into the often-missed areas when we are applying sunscreen. If you’re wearing sandals, be sure to apply sunscreen on the tops of your feet. One of the worst places to get burned is on your feet, because it hurts every step. Take some time to apply sunscreen to often forgotten areas of the body such as ears, back of your hands, and the back of your neck.
Wear a mask or neck gaitor.
As some of us begin to increase our social bubbles, precaution should be taken to ensure the safety of yourself and others around you. Wearing a mask or a neck gaitor is a great way to protect your face from sun exposure, and aids in slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Be an advocate, not only for sun safety, but COVID-19 safety this weekend and remind your friends and family to protect themselves; cover with sunscreen and cover with mask, both can save lives.
We wish you well, safe, and fun 4th of July!