News

Farming under UV Rays!

Working on the farm in the spring, summer, and fall not only comes with the heat of the sun blaring down on you, but also exposure to UV Rays.  It may seem like a good idea to wear a tank top and shorts, but you may want to consider proper skin protection to avoid serious skin damage.

UV Rays can cause aging skin, cataracts & other eye problems as well as skin cancer, melanoma.

To protect yourself from UV rays, consider your risk of exposure:

1. Spend many hours outdoors?
2. Fair skin? Light coloured hair?
3. Tan easily or burn?
4. Number of moles?

Protect yourself against the UV Rays:

1. Wear clothing that doesn't let much light through to your skin
2. Wear a wide-brim hat
3. Use a sunscreen with sun protection factor of at least 15 which blocks 93 per cent of UV rays and SPF 30 blocks 97 per cent
4. wear sunglasses rated for blocking 99 or 100 per cent of UV rays
5. Limiting your exposure to intense sunlight when the sun is higher in the sky

Examine your body regularly for early detection of skin cancer. Caught early it can almost always be cured.  Early warning signs may include a spot on your skin that changes in size, color or shape over a period of one month to one or two years.

Look for a red scaly patch that is outlined, a waxy pale pearly knob, or a sore that doesn’t heal.

The most serious, melanoma, often begins as a small growth looking like a mole. If you find an unusual skin change, see your doctor.