Potential Magazine Summer 2020 | Page 53

FOLLOW THESE RECOMMENDATIONS TO PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY: SKIN CANCER IS THE MOST COMMON FORM SUNSCREEN ALSO ONE OF THE MOST PREVENTABLE. OF CANCER IN THE UNITED STATES, BUT IS I  t is important to use sunscreen every day, even if it is cloudy. C  hoose a water-resistant sunscreen and lip balm or lipstick with an SPF of 30 or higher. A  pply at least 1 ounce of sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. Reapply every hour if you are swimming or sweating. A  void using sunscreen products that have expired. ANOTHER WAY TO PREVENT CANCER—IT’S WORTH A SHOT! SHADE HPV VACCINE IS CANCER PREVENTION S  eek shade to avoid exposure to UVA and UVB sun rays. L  imit exposure to the sun during peak hours of 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM when the sun rays are most intense. FACTS: The HPV vaccine prevents 90% of all HPV-related cancers B  e careful around reflective surfaces that can increase your risk of being sunburned such as water, snow, and sand. The vaccine is safe and long-lasting  very year 14 million men and women are E infected with HPV K  eep babies younger than 6 months old completely covered and in the shade. Everyone is at risk WHAT CAN YOU DO? PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES  ractice safe sex, be smoke-free, and P maintain a healthy weight W  ear protective clothing including long sleeves and pants made from tightly woven fabric. Women start getting screened at the age of 21 W  ear sunglasses that are made to block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. Talk to your doctor about the HPV vaccine and cancer prevention W  ear a hat with a wide brim to protect your face, head, ears, and neck. Visit alabamapublichealth.gov/cancer for more information TANNING A  void tanning and recreational sunbathing, including tanning beds. Both can cause skin cancer and wrinkles. Please visit https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/cancer/skin.html for more information. www.potentialmagazine.com Summer 2020 | 29