Catch Rays, Not Regrets: Your Summer UV Safety Guide

Jun 26
2 min read

Summer in Northeast Missouri means farm fields, fishing holes, and long days under an open sky — the season we love. But July is UV Safety Month, and that sun comes with a hidden hazard that doesn't show up until the damage is done. Consider this your official reminder to lather up, live it up, and keep your glow going for decades to come.

"Skin cancer is one of the most common and most preventable cancers we see. Living and working outdoors is a way of life here in Northeast Missouri, and that means sun protection needs to be part of your daily routine, not just something you think about at the beach. A quick skin check at your annual visit can catch problems early, when treatment is simplest. Don't put it off."

—Dr. Hannah Braungardt, Family Medicine Physician with Edina Family Health

☀️ The Burn Notice: What UV Rays Are Really Doing

UV radiation reaches us in two forms: UVB causes sunburn, while UVA penetrates deeper — accelerating skin aging and raising cancer risk even on cloudy days. The damage is cumulative, and here in rural Northeast Missouri, it hits close to home:

Outdoor workers face a 60% higher risk of skin cancer than indoor workers.
Nearly 1 in 3 deaths from nonmelanoma skin cancer is tied to occupational UV exposure.
Rural outdoor workers have higher UV exposure than their urban counterparts.

Farmers, construction crews, landscapers, coaches, parents cheering at summer sports — anyone spending real time outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. is in the high-exposure window. And most outdoor workers underestimate their risk: studies show nearly 90% have experienced a sunburn on the job.

✅ SPF All Day, Glow All Summer: What Actually Works

Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily; SPF 50+ for extended outdoor work or play.
Apply 15–30 minutes before going out. Reapply every 2 hours, or after sweating or swimming.
Cover the easy-to-miss spots: ears, back of the neck, hands, and tops of feet.
Wide-brimmed hat (not just a baseball cap) + UV-blocking sunglasses — every day.
Seek shade during peak hours; UPF-rated clothing is a game-changer for outdoor workers.
Do monthly skin self-checks. New moles, changing spots, or a sore that won't heal? Make an appointment with your doctor!

🏥 Come See Us — Early Detection Saves Lives

Your annual wellness visit is the perfect time to ask your provider to check any spots or moles that concern you. When caught early, most skin cancers are highly treatable. NMHC serves patients across an 11-county region with medical clinics in Kirksville, Milan, Edina, Macon, and Memphis.

📍 Find a clinic: nemohealthcouncil.com/clinics

📅 Request an appointment: nemohealthcouncil.com/make-an-appointment

Have a safe, sun-smart summer — from all of us at NMHC. 🌻