| Protecting Yourself from the Sun Walk along a beach or spend a day at the pool and it will quickly become evident that a "golden tan" is often considered an outward indicator of one's overall health or fitness. Medically speaking, though, these are very dangerous sentiments - especially when you consider the potential ramifications of unprotected exposure to the sun. THE FACTS? According to the CDC, exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is the biggest factor in developing skin cancer. And, cases of skin cancer have increased at a rate of roughly 3% every year, making it the most common type of cancer in the United States. Malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is also the most common type of cancer for women between the ages of 25 and 29. Even though it is curable if caught early, when left unattended it can spread to other organs, most commonly the lungs and the liver. THE FIX? The very best thing you can do to protect yourself from the sun is to avoid intentional sunbathing altogether. However, for those who work in the sun, enjoy outdoor sports, or insist on obtaining a tan, there are a few things you can do to help your cause. First, invest in a quality sunscreen. The best brands contain a UVA blocking ingredient known as avobenzone or Parsol 1789. Look for products with an SPF of at least 15 for the body, and 30 for the face. The bottom line is the more SPF the better, especially for fairer-skinned people. Apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before any activity in the sun - allowing time for absorption - and reapply it every two hours or more frequently if you are swimming or partaking in strenuous activities. Make sure you wear sunglasses with UV protection, since the rays have been linked to everything from cataracts to skin cancer of the eyelids. Hats and protective summer-weight clothing are also a must. For headwear, a wide-brimmed hat works much better than a baseball hat. Also, make sure you take breaks (especially during mid-day) out of the sun. Seeking refuge in the shade for 5 to 10 minutes every hour helps maintain skin temperature. Finally, do NOT bring an infant into the sun. Infants under six months are NOT supposed to wear sunscreen at all, which means they are even more susceptible to sun damage. FINAL THOUGHTS ON SKIN? It is believed that roughly 80% of skin change associated with aging is actually due to sun exposure. To help protect your skin, practice the tips above. In addition, perform regular self-checks for abnormal moles and freckles ? and see a doctor at least once a year so he or she can do the same. For more information, visit www.skincancer.org or www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin.
Economic Calendar for the Week of July 05 - July 09 | Date | ET | Economic Report | For | Estimate | Actual | Prior | Impact | | Tue. July 06 | 10:00 | ISM Services Index | Jun | 55.5 | | 55.4 | Moderate | | Wed. July 07 | 10:30 | Crude Inventories | 7/3 | NA | | -1.90M | Moderate | | Thu. July 08 | 08:30 | Jobless Claims (Initial) | 7/3 | NA | | 472K | Moderate |
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