Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.
This week on Healthwatch, we're talking about coping with the height of summer. When you enjoy outdoor activities, doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center say you need to think about protecting yourself from the sun.
Sun exposure can cause more than a sunburn. Damage caused by the sun can lead to skin cancer and premature aging.
Dr. Stan Taylor, a UT Southwestern dermatologist, says even an hour of sun exposure can be damaging for people with fair skin. Protect yourself from the sun by using a broad-spectrum sun block of SPF 15 or higher. Wearing a broad-brimmed hat and staying indoors between 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon, when the sun's rays are most intense, can also help.
Dr. Taylor says when you feel the sun on your skin you should think about finding shade.
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August 2005
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