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Skin cancer in Washington state among highest in nation
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Let the sunshine in, Seattle. Just remember the dark side behind these sunny rays: Skin cancer.
Today, the federal Environmental Protection Agency has issued an Ultraviolet A
lert for Seattle, rating the intensity of the sun's radiation at 8 or "very high." The UV index, which is available online, gauges areas' ultraviolet exposure by city or ZIP code on a scale of 1-11, with 11 and above "extreme."
lert for Seattle, rating the intensity of the sun's radiation at 8 or "very high." The UV index, which is available online, gauges areas' ultraviolet exposure by city or ZIP code on a scale of 1-11, with 11 and above "extreme."Wednesday, temperatures almost surpassed the 91-degree record as seldom-seen sundresses, short sleeves, and skirts finally broke out of the closet. Wide-brimmed hats, UV-protective sunglasses and loads of sunscreen are the order of the day. Yes, even in Seattle, where summer temperatures' "highs" don't even register as "lows" in most cities, which is why the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance has its own bevy of tips and information.
The sun is definitely a threat in the rainy Northwest, land of fleece and four-season down comforters. Washington state has become a poster child state for the EPA's SunWise program, a free outreach and educational teaching tool rolled out here last week.
Meeting with Gov. Christine Gregoire on an overcast , windy July day (maybe a high of 68-degrees) EPA officials said Washingtonians need to heed stay-out-the-sun advice here just as seriously as as they do when traveling to sunnier locales.
In rates of melanoma, an often fatal skin cancer, the state ranks fifth-highest. In melanoma deaths, it ranks seventh-highest.
Premature aging and cataracts are also linked to sun overexposure.
Public health officials say several reasons may account Washington's high rates of skin cancer: The state has a higher population of whites than the national average -- 82 percent versus 75 percent nationally -- and residents rush to get out and play in the rays, hiking, biking, boating, yoga-ing, whenever the sun sticks around for more than five minutes.
But the benefits of the sun's vitamin D boost are also acknowledged by health experts. Low vitamin-D levels have been linked to a host of disorders, including depression, and vitamin D helps prevent osteoporosis, high blood pressure and autoimmune diseases.
To get such benefits, scientists suggest 10 minutes a day under the sun is plenty.
So let the sunshine in. Just don't let it go skin deep.
UV ALERT |
| EPA has issued a UV Alert for your area today, August 7, 2008 |
| Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is expected to be unusually intense. EPA strongly recommends that you take the following steps to reduce risk of overexposure: |
| Be mindful that UV radiation is highest from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and protect yourself accordingly. Cover up by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective sunglasses, and long sleeves. Generously apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection and an SPF of at least 15 to exposed skin. Reapply every 2 hours. Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect damaging UV rays. Whenever possible seek shade in the midday hours. |
| While UV intensity is unusually high today and you will need extra protection, it is important to pay attention to the daily UV Index and practice sun safety EVERY DAY to protect yourself from the negative health effects of overexposure to the sun, including skin cancer, cataracts, and premature aging. |
Source: Environmental Protection Agency
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