Every year, around five million people are treated for skin cancer. It’s estimated that under 50% of older adults never take precautions to prevent skin damage from the sun. If your dad isn’t taking preventative measures, he’s putting his health at risk.
Sun safety is an important factor at any age, and it’s especially important in aging skin that’s already had years of exposure to UVA and UVB rays. These are the steps your dad should be taking to prevent sunburn and skin cancer.
Use Sunscreen
A broad-spectrum product that protects against both UVA and UVB rays helps lower the risk of sunburn and skin cancer. Some states require mineral over chemical sunscreens due to the damaging effect they have on coral reefs. For this reason, it’s often better to use mineral sunscreen products that use zinc oxide to block UV rays.
Sunscreen should have an SPF of 35 or better. It must be applied around 15 minutes before your dad goes outside. That gives it the chance to soak into the skin. He should reapply it every two hours or after getting out of the water.
Seek Shade
While your dad may want to spend every hour in his garden, he should sit in the shade during breaks. Sun can still reach him in the shade, but it diffuses it some. While he takes a break, he should drink some water to stay hydrated.
Keep Covered
When he’s outside in the sun for hours, he needs to protect his skin. Sunscreen is a good start, but long sleeves and pants are better. They don’t have to be heavy, warm clothes. Several clothing companies make lightweight clothing that uses materials and weaves that block the sun from reaching the skin.
Sunscreen clothing is available in pants, long and short-sleeved t-shirts, and swimwear. It’s worth looking into investing in some clothing that helps block the sun.
Wear a Hat and Sunglasses
A wide-brimmed hat helps keep the delicate skin on the face from being in the sun. He also needs a pair of sunglasses that block out UVA and UVB rays from reaching his eyes and eyelids.
Arrange In-Home Care Aides for Reminders and Guidance
Make sure your dad is taking care of his skin when he’s outside. If he forgets to take breaks, put on sunscreen, or drink water, he should have someone helping out. He doesn’t want to overheat or end up with a sunburn that’s both painful and increases the risk of skin cancer. In-home care aides offer the reminders he needs.
Arrange in-home care services by making a call. You’ll have the chance to ask questions, get advice on the best services for your dad’s needs, and make the necessary arrangements.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/research/articles/older-adults-protect-skin-sun.htm
If you are considering in-home care in Sugar Land, TX for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
At Your Side Home Care, provides exceptional home care for seniors and families in Houston, West Houston, Katy, Memorial, The Heights, Spring Valley, Garden Oaks, Hunters Creek, River Oaks, Hilshire Village, Galleria, Cinco Ranch, Spring Branch, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenburg, Piney Point, Bay City and surrounding areas.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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