by Jennifer Johnson, APN
Beebe Family Clinic
A Baptist Health Affiliate

Are you one of those people who love the sun? Even if you aren’t lying on a beach on the lakes or in a boat every weekend, chances are if you live in Arkansas you might be a sun worshipper and not realize it. Many farmers and ranchers here in central Arkansas get their fair share of the sun on a daily basis. It is my job to make sure that everyone knows the risks of prolonged sun exposure and how to best protect themselves. SPF…I know it isn’t the most fun thing to do but wearing sunscreen can protect even the fairest skin from sunburn, premature aging and skin cancer. An SPF of 30 or above is recommended to wear daily on areas exposed to the sun to prevent damage from those golden rays. If you are going to be outside working, wearing a hat, long sleeves and long pants can also protect areas from damage as well. Were you a beach baby when you were younger or have you worked outside all of your life? Moles and problematic skin areas can change rapidly from non-concerning to cancerous. If you have any current skin areas that you are concerned about, see your doctor and have them checked out. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Enjoy the sun this summer but be smart and take care of your skin. For more information on sun safety visit Baptist Health’s website.