60 Seconds to better health…a message from Kaiser Permanente

Ah, summer. Time to head for the great outdoors or just relax by the pool.   And it’s also a time to pay special attention to our skin.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States.  What’s the good news? Most skin cancers can be cured if they’re diagnosed early and treated promptly.

To lower your risk of getting skin cancer, you must protect against both types of rays, UVA and UVB, even on cloudy days.

The simplest way to do this is to limit your time in the sun. Avoid spending too much time in the direct sun during the midday hours, and always wear protective clothing, a hat, sunscreen, lip balm, and sunglasses when you’re outside. And check your skin regularly, including your scalp.

For more information about sun safety, go to kp.org/health and search our health encyclopedia. You can also drop by your local Health Education Department to pick up a copy of Self-Exam for Melanoma or Skin Health.

That’s this month’s 60-seconds to better health, a message from Kaiser Permanente—Live well and thrive!