This year ’ s Cary Medical Center parade float theme was “ Fun in the Sun .” The float was designed to represent a camp site with a tent , campfire and Adirondack chair with an umbrella . The umbrella and tent represented the necessary materials to provide shade for yourself from the sun ’ s harsh rays while enjoying the weather and our beautiful earth .
The importance of using sunscreen with a high sun protection factor is commonly forgotten amongst New Englanders – especially beyond the summer season . Aroostook County residents are far more focused on surviving the winter months than on how the sun can be damaging their skin every day , snow or shine . With a handful of sunny days each summer season , folks are programmed to worry more about how much rain we ’ re getting for our crops and to savor the sunshine whenever there is a chance .
UVA rays cause skin aging and contribute to skin cancers , such as melanoma , the most dangerous form of skin cancer . A sunburn is a clear sign that the DNA in your skin has been damaged by too much UV radiation . Studies say that getting sunburnt just once every 2 years , can triple your risk of melanoma skin cancer . Sunburn doesn ’ t have to be raw , peeling or blistering . If your skin has gone pink or red from the sun exposure , it ’ s sunburnt . UV rays can also damage your eyes because , more than 99 % of UV radiation is absorbed by the front of the eyes . Corneal damage , cataracts , and macular degeneration are all possible chronic effects from UV exposure and can ultimately lead to blindness .
It ’ s not all bad news , though . A small amount of UV rays can be good for us . It creates vitamin D , which helps our bodies absorb calcium . The body needs calcium to build and maintain healthy bones . You also can get vitamin D from certain types of food and if a person ’ s vitamin D levels are too low , your doctor might suggest taking a supplement . This is most common north of the equator where sun exposure is limited . Aroostook County sunshine can be limited , so making sure your vitamin D levels are adequate is very important .
Sunlight can also increase an individual ’ s serotonin levels which , in turn may make a person happier . Sunlight can be effective at improving happiness levels for those who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder , known as SAD . Seasonal affective disorder ( SAD ) can be described as “ a type of depression that ’ s related to changes in seasons — SAD begins and ends at about the same times every year . If you ’ re like most people with SAD , your symptoms start in the fall and continue into the winter months , sapping your energy and making you feel moody .” This can be extremely relative for those who live in The County . The northern Maine winters are long and the days are short . This can affect individuals differently .
Follow a path to safety so you can prevent the harmful effects of sun exposure . It is important to listen to your body and understand how it reacts to the sun and what that can mean for your present and future health . Most importantly , use sunscreen year round . The higher the SPF , the more it will protect against UV rays . Although no sunscreen can block 100 % of the sun ’ s UVB rays , dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 , which blocks 97 percent of them . Broad-exposure sunscreen blocks out both UVA and UVB . Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and remember to cover overlooked areas , like your ears , lips , and hairline . Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours , as well as after swimming or sweating .
Make sure to plan your exposure . Avoid direct sun between 10 a . m . and 2 p . m . This is when the sun ’ s rays are strongest . Even outside of those times , be sure to take breaks . Too much sun exposure can be dehydrating and harmful . Go inside , get in the shade , or use an umbrella . Cover up by wearing clothing and hats to protect your skin from UV rays . This should always apply to babies and kids , who are more sensitive . Sunglasses that block UV rays are another essential year-round tool as UV rays reflect off surfaces , such as water , concrete , sand , and snow . We often forget that we can get sunburned while skiing or even when it appears to be a cloudy day . Educate yourself about sun safety and eliminate risky sun behaviors to reduce your personal risk for melanoma or other skin cancers . Stay smart and safe when it comes to playing and working outdoors as you enjoy each and every beautiful season in Aroostook County .
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