Summer is in full swing, and with it comes plenty of sunshine, outdoor activities, and rising temperatures. July also marks UV Safety Month, making this the perfect time to remind our community how to enjoy the season safely. Whether you’re heading to the pool, working in the yard, or simply running errands, a little preparation can go a long way in protecting your health.
Our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Karen Hill, shared some simple, practical guidance to help Hoosiers stay safe outdoors this summer—from choosing the right sunscreen to recognizing when summer heat becomes dangerous.
Understanding Your Skin Cancer Risk
It’s easy to underestimate how serious sun exposure can be, but the numbers tell a compelling story. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and an estimated 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. Even more concerning, five or more sunburns can double a person’s risk for melanoma.
As Dr. Karen Hill explains, “Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and UV exposure can increase a person’s risk of developing it. To help protect your skin, wear sun-protective clothing such as tightly woven fabrics and wide-brimmed hats, and try to stay indoors or in the shade during peak UV hours. Sunglasses are an important part of sun safety, too. Protecting your eyes from UV exposure can help reduce the risk of sun-related eye damage and discomfort.”
Don’t Forget the Sunscreen
Clothing and shade are great first lines of defense, but sunscreen remains one of the most important tools for protecting your skin when you’re out and about.
“When you can’t avoid sun exposure, sunscreen is one of your best tools for protection,” says Dr. Hill. “Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, apply it generously and reapply at least every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating.”
A good rule of thumb: if you’re spending the day outdoors, keep sunscreen within reach and set a reminder to reapply. It’s an easy habit that can make a real difference in reducing your long-term skin cancer risk.
Recognizing the Dangers of Extreme Heat
Sun exposure isn’t the only summer risk to keep in mind. As temperatures climb, heat-related illness becomes a serious concern, especially for certain groups. Heat can be especially dangerous for pregnant people, adults age 65 and older, and people with chronic conditions such as asthma or heart disease.
“Not only is sun exposure a concern, but excessive heat can also cause health concerns,” Dr. Hill notes. “You should always take caution when there is a heat warning in effect, especially if you are pregnant, 65 years of age or older, or have chronic conditions like asthma or heart disease. When a heat warning is present, try to stay indoors as much as possible. When you are outside, seek out shade often and drink plenty of water.”
Simple Steps for a Safer Summer
Protecting yourself from sun and heat doesn’t have to be complicated. A few small changes to your routine can make a big impact. To summarize, here’s the best tips for keeping safe this summer:
- Wear sun-protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses
- Seek shade during peak UV hours
- Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen generously, reapplying every two hours or more often when swimming or sweating
- Pay attention to heat warnings and limit outdoor activity when they’re in effect
- Stay indoors when possible during extreme heat, and seek shade and hydrate frequently when you must be outside
- Check in on loved ones who may be more vulnerable to heat, including pregnant individuals, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions
By keeping these tips in mind, you can enjoy everything summer has to offer while keeping yourself and your loved ones safe and healthy.
For more information on sun safety, heat-related illness, or to schedule an appointment with one of our providers, contact us today!
Karen Hill, MD, FACP, FAAP has a career that spans medical practice and healthcare administration, adding a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) to her credentials in 2007. She has experience as a Physician Owner at Internal Medicine & Pediatrics Associates of Houston, TX before serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Community Health Choice in Houston. Most recently, she was Chief Medical Officer and Senior Vice President at Texas Children’s Health Plan, leading policy work and improvements in clinical efficiencies and quality outcomes.
