A recent study shows that the trend for melanoma in minority
groups in Florida are different than national trends which is felt to be
due to the high UV index in Florida.

Here are some questions and answers regarding UV safety-

Question: Why do we Floridians need to pay particular attention
to UV safety?

Answer: Florida, the Sunshine State, naturally has a very
high UV index meaning that there is more UV light here than other parts of the country. Today the UV index in our area is measured as "extreme".

Question: Why should we be concerned about UV exposure?

Answer: UV light leads to skin damage which runs the spectrum
from premature aging of the skin to the life threatening skin cancer,
melanoma.

In the United States, for example, the percentage of people who develop melanoma has more than doubled in the past 30 years.

People with light colored skin are at the most risk because their skin
lacks some of the protection of darker skin. However, a recent study
showed that Florida is unique for melanoma risk in people with a darker skin color with a 20% higher incidence of melanoma in Hispanic men and a 60% higher incidence in black women. Interestingly, there was a 30 % lower risk in Hispanic women and black men had the same risk as black men nationally.

Question: What precautions should we take to reduce our risk?

Answer: Doctors recommend that people take steps to help prevent and reduce the risk of melanoma caused by UV radiation: (I'll shorten this up since I think we all know most of these recommendations

* Avoid exposure to the midday sun (from 10 a.m. to 4
p.m.) whenever possible. When your shadow is shorter than you are,
remember to protect yourself from the sun.

* If you must be outside, wear long sleeves, long pants,
and a hat with a wide brim.

* Protect yourself from UV radiation that can penetrate
light clothing, windshields, and windows.

* Protect yourself from UV radiation reflected by sand,
water, snow, and ice.

* Help protect your skin by using a lotion, cream, or
gel that contains sunscreen

.
Many doctors believe sunscreens may help prevent melanoma, especially sunscreens that reflect, absorb, and/or scatter both types of
ultraviolet radiation. These sunscreen products will be labeled with
"broad-spectrum coverage." Sunscreens are rated in strength according to a sun protection factor (SPF). The higher the SPF, the more sunburn protection is provided. Sunscreens with an SPF value of 2 to 11 provide minimal protection against sunburns. Sunscreens with an SPF of 12 to 29 provide moderate protection. Those with an SPF of 30 or higher provide the most protection against sunburn.

* Wear sunglasses that have UV-absorbing lenses. The
label should specify that the lenses block at least 99 percent of UVA
and UVB radiation
. Sunglasses can protect both the eyes and the skin around the eyes.

In addition, children who have severe blistering sunburns appear to have a higher risk of melanoma later in life so it is important for parents
to get sunscreen on their kids early in life.