As we joyfully bask in the extended daylight hours of the Land of the Midnight Sun this July, let’s not forget that this month is also UV Safety Month. While we Alaskans cherish our unique summers, it’s crucial to remember that the risk of harmful UV radiation exposure is real and can increase, especially for those enjoying the outdoors or planning trips to sunnier locales.
Exposure to UV radiation, whether from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds, can cause significant health issues. It’s the leading cause of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer. Other harmful effects can include premature aging of the skin, cataracts, and other eye damage, and immune system suppression.
Despite our cooler climate, the reflection of the sun’s rays off water, snow, or ice can enhance UV radiation exposure, making it as important in Alaska as it is in sunnier states. The good news is that with a few precautionary measures, we can enjoy our summers while staying sun-safe. Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, broad-spectrum sunscreen, and protective clothing, along with limiting peak hour sun exposure, are proven measures to shield you from the sun’s harmful rays.
It’s not too late to Catch the Wellness Wave and Schedule Your Fall Health Fair!
For local community organizations, it’s not too late to schedule a fall health fair with AHF. Don’t miss the opportunity to bring affordable blood tests, free screenings, and vital health education to your community. Let’s ride the wellness wave together! Contact the AHF team at (907) 278-0234 for Anchorage and statewide inquiries, (907) 374-6853 for Fairbanks, or (907) 723-5100 for Juneau and SE AK, or use this form.
About AHF
Alaska Health Fair, Inc. is a non-profit organization that has been dedicated to providing health education and preventive health screenings throughout Alaska since 1980. Our commitment to enhancing the health and wellness of Alaskans continues to be at the forefront of everything we do.