July is UV Safety Month: Be Sun Smart Nevada!

Every summer, Nevadans embrace our beautiful outdoors—the parks, pools, lakes, and mountain trails. But July isn’t just about fun in the sun—it’s also UV Safety Month, a time to focus on protecting our skin and eyes from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Why UV Safety Matters

Exposure to the sun’s UV rays increases the risk of skin cancer, which is the most common cancer in the United States. In fact, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, making sun safety an essential lifelong habit. UV rays can also lead to premature skin aging, painful sunburns, and eye damage such as cataracts.

Sun Smart Nevada, a program of the Nevada Cancer Coalition, encourages everyone—kids and adults alike—to follow the easy-to-remember 5 S’s for everyday sun protection:

• Slip on sun-protective clothing with long sleeves.
• Slop on broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), and reapply every two hours.
• Slap on a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head, face, and neck.
• Seek shade, especially during peak UV hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Slide on UV-protective sunglasses to shield your eyes.

Practical Tips for UV Safety

• Use Sunscreen Properly: Apply liberally to all exposed skin 20 minutes before going outside. Reapply at least every two hours, or after swimming or sweating. Don’t forget often-missed spots such as your ears, neck, tops of the feet, and scalp.
• Check the SPF: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Look for water-resistant types for pool or outdoor sports. Replace sunscreen that’s past its expiration date or over three years old.
• Dress for Protection: Lightweight, tightly woven long-sleeved shirts and long pants or skirts shield your skin. Special sun-protective clothing labeled with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) offers extra assurance.
• Accessorize Wisely: Choose hats with a 2-3 inch brim and sunglasses that block 100% of both UVA and UVB rays.
• Keep Little Ones Safe: Babies under six months should avoid direct sunlight. Dress them in protective clothing and keep them in the shade rather than using sunscreen.

Nevada is leading the way with Sun Smart Nevada, promoting sun-safe habits across schools, parks, and community spaces. Over 100 free public sunscreen dispensers are located throughout our state to make sun protection easy and accessible, especially for children and families enjoying Nevada’s great outdoors.

Stay Sun Smart Year-Round

UV rays can be dangerous every day—not just in summer, not only at the pool or lake. Remember to practice the 5 S’s all year long, and check UV levels before you head outside, even on cloudy days.

Making a habit of sun safety keeps our communities healthier and helps everyone enjoy Nevada’s natural beauty. This July and every month, be a Sun Smart Nevadan!

Let’s protect our skin today for a healthier tomorrow—because sun safety is always in season!