July is <\/em><\/em>UV Safety Awareness Month<\/em><\/em><\/a>. <\/em><\/em><\/p>\n Stars \u2014 they\u2019re just like us!<\/p>\n Take the sun, for example. The fiery ball in the sky is 4.6 billion years old \u2014 that\u2019s middle age in star years.<\/p>\n And the sun is responsible for keeping all the plants, comets and asteroids from spinning out of control. Sound familiar?<\/p>\n While we tip our wide-brimmed hats<\/a> to the sun for all it does for us, it\u2019s also important to be aware of its harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. <\/p>\n Studies show UV rays cause 9 out of 10 cases of melanoma<\/a> \u2014 the deadliest form of skin cancer<\/a> \u2014 and rates of melanoma are on the rise<\/a> for women 50 and older. <\/p>\n UV rays are natural energy produced by the sun. You can\u2019t see them, but your skin feels them.<\/p>\n There are two main types of UV rays:<\/p>\n Both types of UV rays damage skin, and both can cause skin cancer. <\/p>\n Thankfully, there are many different products that can help protect you head to toe from UV rays.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n iStock.com\/krblokhin<\/p>\n Sunglasses are a real face-saver when you’ve been up all night (thanks, vasomotor symptoms of menopause<\/a>!) or got sucked into a marathon of This Is Us<\/em><\/em>.<\/p>\n Sunglasses also help protect your eyes from UV exposure that can cause cataracts, eyelid cancer and sunburned eyes. And yes, sunburned eyes are as terrible as they sound.<\/p>\n The good news is most sunglasses sold in the U.S. are designed to block UVA and UVB rays. When in doubt, look for a label that says 100% protection against UVA and UVB or UV absorption up to 400nm. <\/p>\n When it comes to style, the more coverage the better. Wrap-around sunglasses go the extra mile by blocking UV rays from the side. <\/p>\n You might consider:<\/strong> <\/strong><\/em>Fifth and Ninth Racer 72mm Polarized Wraparound Sunglasses<\/em><\/em><\/a>, <\/em><\/em>Sunski Strada<\/em><\/em><\/a>, <\/em><\/em>Quay Press Tour<\/em><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n iStock.com\/ansazan<\/p>\n One simple way to make sure your body is protected against UV rays: Wear clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 50 or higher. A UPF 50 means the fabric is designed to block 98% of UV rays. And since the sun protection is built into the clothing, you never have to worry about reapplying.<\/p>\n You might consider:<\/strong> <\/strong><\/em>REI Sahara Shade Hoodie<\/em><\/em><\/a>, <\/em><\/em>Beneunder Cooling Sun Protection Jacket<\/em><\/em><\/a>, <\/em><\/em>Coolibar Hydra Tie Pants<\/em><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n iStock.com\/Lisa-Blue<\/p>\n While we all love a fun summer sandal, flip flops are the thong of shoes \u2014 they provide zero coverage and leave your feet exposed to UV rays.<\/p>\n Whenever you\u2019re out strutting in the sun, don\u2019t forget to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to exposed skin including the tops of your feet and your toes.<\/p>\n For added protection, UPF shoes and socks can help keep your feet footloose and skin-cancer free. <\/p>\n You might consider:<\/strong> Black Girl Sunscreen Sun Shield Water Shoes<\/em><\/em><\/a>, <\/em><\/em>Ker Sun UV Socks<\/em><\/em><\/a>, <\/em><\/em>Tilos Low Cut Sport Skin Socks<\/em><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n UVA vs UVB rays<\/strong> <\/h3>\n
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Check out these products for UV protection<\/strong> <\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Sunglasses<\/strong> <\/h3>\n
![\"many](\"https:\/\/www.healthywomen.org\/media-library\/many-modern-colorful-sunglasses-in-outdoor-market-shop.jpg?id=67507624&width=980\")
<\/p>\n Ultraviolet protection factor clothing<\/strong> <\/h3>\n
![\"women](\"https:\/\/www.healthywomen.org\/media-library\/women-wearing-upf-shirts-with-arms-raised-sitting-on-beach.jpg?id=67507700&width=980\")
<\/p>\n Footwear<\/strong> <\/h3>\n
![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/www.healthywomen.org\/media-library\/woman-with-shoes-relaxing-by-the-sea.jpg?id=67507708&width=980\")
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