Brattleboro Memorial Hospital (BMH) is a not-for-profit hospital that provides high quality inpatient, outpatient, and ambulatory services for the communities in the tri-state area of Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts.

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is the root cause of most skin cancers. And skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. That’s why UV Safety Awareness Month (July) is held in the summer when many Americans are outside spending more time enjoying the warmer weather.

UV light is a form of radiation produced by the sun. And even though it’s invisible to the naked eye, it’s always present during the day…even when you can’t see or feel the sun. And too much exposure to UV light can be harmful to our skin and eyes leading to wrinkles, sunburn, and skin cancers such as such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer).

The sun is at its peak between 10 am to four pm. Head indoors or under shade during these hours. If you stay outside longer for work or play, always apply a sunscreen with a high S.P.F. (30 or higher). Increase your protection by wearing a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and breathable clothing that covers you up. And remember, U.V. rays can pass through clouds and reflect off of surfaces like sand, snow, cement, and water.

Protect your skin and eyes from the sun today and every day. And increase your chances of a cancer-free tomorrow!