By the time you reach the age of 70, you have a 20 percent chance of developing skin cancer. Almost 90 percent of skin cancer cases are linked to sun exposure.

The sun does feel great after a long winter. It’s also dangerous if your parents are not taking precautions. Here are the things they must be doing when they go outside in the sun.

Wear Protective Clothing

It can be hard to cover up, but it also offers the best protection from the sun. Sheer clothing won’t help much, but a long sleeved t-shirt and long pants can help limit sun exposure. A wide-brimmed hat that shields all of the face is also important.

There are companies that make summer clothing that offers 100 percent SPF protection. The only areas of skin that will remain exposed and need sunscreen are the hands and top of the feet.

Use Sunscreen

Sunscreen must be applied before your parent goes out. Your mom or dad should apply it prior to leaving as it needs time to absorb. Sun exposure can happen on cloudy days too, so a skin cream with SPF protection is important throughout the year.

If your parent has gone swimming, sunscreen needs to be reapplied immediately upon getting out and drying off. While outside, sunscreen should also be applied every couple of hours. If your parent can’t keep track of time, make sure someone is.

The sunscreen should protect against UVA and UVB rays. Many products label this as broad-spectrum protection. Look for that protection. If you can’t find it listed on the sunscreen you’ve chosen, put it back and buy a different sunscreen.

Avoid Being Outside in Peak Sun Times

Depending on your location, the peak hours of sun are usually 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or near those hours. Your parent should avoid being outside for long during those hours. If they need to, they should try to sit in the shade.

They should remember that a fraction of the sun’s rays can reach you even if you’re under an umbrella or inside a car. The UV rays can reflect off patios, sand, or pavement. The rays can come in windows in a car. Sunscreen is still needed.

Keep your parents safe in the summer sun. Make sure someone is tracking time spent outside. Timing sunscreen usage is equally important. If your parent has a hard time remembering things, consider bringing in an elder care aide to help.

Elder care professionals can keep your parent inside when the sun is highest in the sky. Elder care providers can take care of harder tasks like housework, but they’re also there for fun. Your parent can have a fun day inside playing games, dancing, or watching movies. Call our elder care agency to discuss the full range of services.

Sources:  https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts

If you or an aging loved one are in need of Elder Care Services in Manhasset NY or the surrounding areas, contact the caring professionals at Star Multi Care Services today at (631)956-8835. We are the Right Choice for Home Health Care Services!

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Stephen Sternbach

CEO at Star Multi Care Services

With over 35 years of experience, Stephen Sternbach has been the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Star Multi Care Services since 1987. After the sale of the New York and New Jersey operations of Star Multi Care Services, Sternbach brought the company private where he remains President and CEO of this 40-million dollar company. With Sternbach at the helm, Star Multi Care Services employs more than 650 employees, in six offices throughout Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York.

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