Summer Sun Safety

By: Dr. Richard Bezozo

As the summer weather continues, many of us are spending more time outdoors under the strong summer sun. While the sun’s effect on our bodies can be beneficial, we take a great risk exposing our skin to sunlight without taking the proper precautions. This summer, ensure that both you and your family are enjoying the sun safely. Below are some tips for safe sun exposure that can help prevent you and your loved ones from developing skin cancer.

Tips on How to Protect You and Your Kids from the Strong Sun Rays

• Apply sunscreen about 15 to 30 minutes before kids go outside so that a good layer of protection can form.
• Apply about one ounce of sunscreen in order to thoroughly cover all of your exposed skin.
• Reapply sunscreen often, approximately every 2 hours. Reapply after a child has been sweating or swimming.
• The sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. It's best to limit your direct exposure between those times.
• Apply a lip balm that offers SPF protection and reapply throughout the day.
• Choose wrap-around sunglasses that absorb at least 99% of UV rays to protect your eyes and the skin around your eyes.
• Wear light, breathable clothing.
• Choose a sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection.
• Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight and layered lightly with clothing.
  • Use extra caution near water and sand, as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
  • Perform skin self-exams regularly to become familiar with existing growths and to notice any changes or new growths.
  • Check the daily UV index; the higher the number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.
  • Wear sunscreen under your clothing – a basic T-shirt only provides protection equal to SPF 5-8.

For more information, go to www.molesafe.com or visit www.facebook.com/molesafe.

About Richard Craig Bezozo, M.D.

Richard Craig Bezozo, M.D. is President of MoleSafe U.S.A., where he helps direct all operational and service logistics.  In addition to his role in day-to-day responsibilities, Dr. Bezozo is an influential force behind the expansion of MoleSafe facilities in the U.S.  MoleSafe services provide a special imaging technology, dermoscopy, which can help to detect early skin cancer, specifically melanoma.  Additionally, Dr. Bezozo is currently also CEO and full-time physician at Care Station Medical Group of New Jersey.  He is a consultant on current issues including, Occupational Medicine, Occupational work practices, controlling healthcare costs and improving outcomes and drugs in the workplace.

An active member of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dr. Bezozo was a board member and founder of the Urgent Cares of New Jersey as well as a board member of the New Jersey Workers Compensation Education Association.  He is also a Regional Medical Director for major companies throughout New Jersey.  Dr. Bezozo attended Alfred University and in 1979 received a B.A. degree from the C.W. Post Center at Long Island University.  In 1983 he earned his M.D. from St. Georges University School of Medicine.