Defense!!!! Defense!!!!

FANatic about football? Well your time has come! Football is in full swing. And whether you are squinting in the sun at a high school game or decked out in RED at Memorial Stadium, your main focus should be DEFENSE.

The American Academy of Dermatology lists ultraviolet light exposure (that’s light from the sun) as the biggest risk factor for the most serious types of skin disease including skin cancer. And by now, we all know that. But we don’t always think about it when we pack up and head out for the big game on a beautiful fall day. Remember – just because it is not hot out does not mean that the sun isn’t as strong. If kickoff is between the hours of 10:00 and 4:00, you are out there when dangerous UV light is at its peak. The answer is to plan ahead and take a few easy but important steps to protect yourself:

• Sit in the shade. It’s not always possible at big venues such as college stadiums, but if your son plays midget football or your daughter cheers at the junior varsity games, chances are you are out there during daylight hours. Look for the seats with an overhang or set your chair up under the closest tree for the best protection.
• Wear protective clothing. After all, it is long sleeve season. Check out our blog on fashion in dermatology for detailed information about UPF ratings, which indicate the density of sun protection offered by properly manufactured clothes. Dark colors and tight weaves are often your best bets.
• Apply sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 liberally to all areas exposed to the sun. Don’t forget your ears, scalp and all over your shoulders.

Kick-off your play for healthy skin by choosing Midwest Dermatology to provide diagnosis, treatment and prevention of all diseases of the skin! Our home team of board certified physicians and nurses will blitz skin disease and skin cancer with advanced treatments and tools for prevention and early detection! If you are looking to make a healthy play, call our office at (402) 933-0800 to schedule an appointment.