Summertime Heat & Health: 

 Prevention Is the Best Medicine 



George Cook 



Extension Maple Specialist, University of Vermont 



Folks boast of their dark tan; many think a dark tan 

 looks healthy, but in reality, skin cancer is the most 

 common of all cancers. The main cause of skin cancer 

 is overexposure to the sun, even here in the Northeast. 

 We may even be more susceptible. Much of our 

 weather is a combination of sun and clouds, so when 

 the sun does shine, we peel off the clothes to take full 

 advantage of it. 



Our body's natural defense against damaging 

 ultraviolet radiation from the sun is a pigment called 

 melanin; however, even the darkest skin does not 

 contain enough melanin to prevent damage resulting 

 from exposure to the sun. 



Farmers have an increased risk of skin cancer, due 

 to the hours spent working in the sun. Remember, the 

 sun's rays are brightest between 10 AM and 3 PM. 

 There are a few preventive steps you can tbllow to 

 protect your skin from skin cancer. 



A wide-rimmed hat is recommended over the ever- 

 popular "baseball" cap that many of us wear. They 

 provide a sun shield for not only your eyes, but also for 

 your ears, neck, and shoulders. These are all common 

 locations of skin cancer outbreaks. 



Fabric provides an excellent source of protection 

 against the sun. Darker colors, though warmer, tend to 

 block more sun. Some clothing manufacturers are 

 beginning to put Sun Protection Factor (SPF) ratings 

 on their clothes. You should look for a rating of 1 5 or 

 higher. Generally, a tighter weave of fabric gives more 

 protection. For example, denim jeans have an SPF of 

 1 ,700. A hat should have a 4-inch rim all around, or a 

 broad bill and flap to cover your ears. 



Sunscreen is the best way to protect any exposed 

 skin. It is important that you use the right SPF for you. 



There are two factors to consider. First, how many 

 minutes can your unprotected skin be in the midday 

 sun before it begins to redden and bum? Second, how 

 many minutes will you be working in the sun? You can 

 then figure the minimum SPF rating suncreen you need 

 to apply (SPF = Minutes to be spent in the sun divided 

 by .Minutes before skm reddens). 



Always use a sunscreen with a minimum rating of 

 15. They are available at 30, 45, and higher. If you 

 sweat heavily, use a waterproof or sports sunscreen. 



You should apply sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes 

 before going outside to give it time to penetrate your 

 skin and protect your cells. It does not last all day, 

 check the label to see how often you should repeat the 

 application. Also, the sun's rays can reach through 

 thin clouds, so apply sunscreen even on a cloudy day. 



Your lips are also at risk, so use an SPF lip balm to 

 provide protection for them. 



Finally, when \ou purchase farm equipment, 

 consider the benefits of features such as enclosed cabs 

 or sun shades. Your skin's health is vitally important 

 to your overall health. 



It was 9:30, I had been working for three hours 

 already, the humidity was high, the air hot and close. I 

 had a headache, and I began to pant and feel nauseated. 

 My skin felt hot and dry; I was near collapse. I had only 

 had a small sip of water all morning. My friends called 

 the emergency medical service. The emergency 

 personnel came and immediately administered first 

 aid. Later, they said 1 nearly died. 



Heat stroke is a serious illness caused by 

 erheating. It if life threatening, and must be treated 

 as an emergency. S> mptoms include dry, hot, red or 



ov 



Copyright's 2002 by Moose River Publishing Company. Reprinted with permission from Fanning, The Journal of 

 Northeast Agriculture, Volume 5, Number 7 (July), 2002. pp. 28-29. For subscription information, call Moose River 

 Publishing Company at (SOD) 422-7147 or write to Farming, The Journal of Northeast Agriculture. P.O. Box 449, St. 

 Johnshun: IT 05819-9929. 



20 



Fruit Notes, Volume 68, Spring, Summer, & Fall, 2003 



