Guarding Against the Dangers of UV Rays![]() Caregivers in Glenview IL Temperatures are heating up outside and while it feels good to be outdoors, you still have to be careful when out in the sun. Those ultraviolet rays can do more harm than good. That’s why the month of May has been traditionally set aside as Ultraviolet Awareness Month, by Prevent Blindness, the nation’s oldest eye health and safety organization. The organization wants to help educate the public on the dangers of UV rays and steps that should be taken in order to protect vision today and in the future. UV damage to the eyes can be immediate, such as a corneal sunburn, and cumulative, including cataract and macular degeneration. Studies have shown that 20 percent of cataracts cases are a result of UV rays; and that number has been rising in recent years. But things can be done to lower the risk to everyone, including seniors. If you are a family caregiver for a loved one, consider these important, yet simple, steps to protecting your loved one’s eyes when exposed to the sunlight.
Of course, UV rays can cause problems for more than just one’s eyes. Help ensure your loved one is using sunscreen on any portion of their body exposed to the sun to help reduce their risk of getting skin cancer. Sunscreen should be applied about 20 to 30 minutes before going into the sun and re-applied every two hours if swimming or sweating excessively. They should also wear light-colored clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and lip balm with sunscreen in it. For more tips on how to protect your loved one against harmful UV rays, see www.skincancer.org. Additional source: https://www.consumerhealthdigest.com/health-awareness/ultraviolet-awareness-month.html If you or an aging loved one are considering caregivers in Glenview, IL, contact the caring staff at Gentle Home Services. Call today (800) 860-9823. |
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