AFCR encourages everyone to wear sunglasses, sunscreen, and wide-brimmed hats whenever spending prolonged time outdoors.
Be prepared! If you are planning to spend time outside, pay attention to the day’s UV Index and take appropriate precautions.
• Make sure your sunglasses block 99 to 100 percent of both types of ultraviolet (UV) rays—UV-A and UV-B. Look for a label that lists the amount of protection. Owning UV-protecting sunglasses is not enough; you must remember to wear them whenever you’re outside.
• Don’t be fooled by a cloudy day. The sun’s rays can still burn through the haze and thin clouds.
• Buy and apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply 30 minutes before you are in the sun for sunscreen absorption by your skin.
• Use extra care at the beach or on the slopes: Bright surfaces like sand, water, and snow reflect UV rays, nearly doubling exposure.
• And remember to be especially cautious with children. Severe sunburns in childhood can greatly increase the risk of melanoma later in life. Children should also wear sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats. In addition, try to keep them out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s ultraviolet rays are the strongest.
0 to 2 Low Risk
Wear sunglasses on bright days. If you burn easily, cover up and use broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen. Watch out for bright surfaces, like sand, water and now, which reflect UV and increase exposure.
3 to 5 Moderate Risk
Stay in shade near midday when the sun is strongest. If outdoors, wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Generously apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
6 to 7 High Risk
Reduce time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If outdoors, seek shade and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
8 to 10 Very High Risk
Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If outdoors, seek shade and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
11 or more Extreme Risk
Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If outdoors, seek shade and wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses. Apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
