Progressive Agriculture Safety Days

By Progressive Agriculture Foundation

Ensure your skin does not become overdone with too much exposure to the sun.

Did you know the skin is the body's largest organ? Our skin protects us from heat, sunlight, injury and infection. However, we often neglect to make it a priority to protect our skin on a daily basis. July serves as UV (ultraviolet) Safety Month and reminds us why damage to our skin today can have serious long-term effects. During a sun-safety station at a Progressive Agriculture Safety Day®, participants take part in hands-on activities involving ultraviolet-detecting beads to learn the dangers of excessive sun exposure.

Sun Safety 101:

Safeguard your skin from the harmful effects of the sun's UV radiation by following these six simple steps:

1. Wear clothing that will protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays. Do not be fooled by cloudy days and winter months, as harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays are still present.

2. Protect your eyes. According to the CDC, some of the more common sun-related vision problems include cataracts, macular degeneration and pterygium (noncancerous growth of the conjunctiva that can obstruct vision) are caused by exposure to the sun. Be sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat or wrap-around style sunglasses with 99 or higher UV block.

3. Avoid sunburns, as they significantly increase one's lifetime risk of developing skin cancer.

4. Seek shade, especially during 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when UV rays are their strongest.

5. Use extra caution near reflective surfaces like water, snow and sand, which can reflect damaging rays. Also, use extra caution when at higher altitudes because there's less atmosphere to absorb UV radiation.

6. Generously apply broad-spectrum sunscreen over exposed skin. Be sure to reapply every two hours, especially after sweating or swimming. Daily use of an SPF (sun protection factor) 15 or higher sunscreen can reduce the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by about 40% and melanoma by 50%.

SEND A KID TO SAFETY DAY:

> To donate, text the word SAFETYDAY to 44321.

FIND US ONLINE:

> Visit progressiveag.org or call us at 888-257-3529 for a complete list of all upcoming 2020 Progressive Agriculture Safety Days or to see how you can host a Safety Day during 2021.

> Hurry! Applications to host a 2021 Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® are due by July 15. Visit www.progressiveag.org to apply TODAY!

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