News & Announcements

UV Awareness and Home Health Care

With summer finally here, many people are making the most of the season by spending more time outside. We want you to be safe while doing so. And since July is UV Safety Month, now is the perfect time to discuss UV awareness and potential risks involved with too much sun exposure, particularly for older adults. Our Triniti team implements precautions to ensure patients receiving home health care can safely get out to enjoy fresh air and sunshine. Keep reading to learn some of those safety measures and why they’re important for sun protection.

UV Safety Month

Sunshine allows the body to convert cholesterol into vitamin D, helping with calcium absorption to promote healthy bones and a strong immune system. But too much sun can lead to other issues, including sunburn, eye diseases like cataracts, and skin cancer.

The sun releases energy on a varied spectrum, including three types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation:

• UVA, which is not absorbed by the atmosphere
• UVB, most of which is absorbed by the Earth’s ozone layer, though some does reach the surface
• UVC, the most damaging type of UV light that is completely absorbed by the ozone layer

You’ve probably heard about UVA and UVB rays in reference to sunscreen and its protection. UVA rays penetrate deeper and cause skin aging and eye damage. UVB rays cause sunburn as well as skin aging. And both UVA and UVB rays can lead to a weakened immune system and skin cancer.

So, the best and safest practice is to shield yourself from both as best as you can, because:

• Exposure to UV light causes most skin cancers
• With more than 9,500 people diagnosed each day, skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S.
• At least 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the time they reach 70
• Having 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk of developing melanoma, the most serious and deadliest form of skin cancer

Most skin cancers are treatable when caught early. But taking preventive steps to protect against too much sun exposure is always a good idea. Here are some tips we recommend:

• Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against UVA and UVB rays.
• Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 for regular outdoor activities and SPF 30 or SPF 50 for extended periods of time outside.
• Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs, and reach for darker-colored clothing when possible, as it absorbs UV rays and helps prevent them from reaching your skin.
• Stay in the shade during peak sun hours, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., to limit sun exposure.
• Wear UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes and a wide-brimmed hat to cover your head and neck.

UV Awareness for Older Adults

The longer a person lives, the more sun exposure they experience, and the more UV rays are absorbed. Naturally, older adults are more susceptible to the effects of the sun, since they have spent more cumulative time in it.

Some of those effects include:

• Eye damage, such as macular degeneration and cataracts, which inhibit both vision and independence
• Skin cancer, which half of Americans over the age of 65 will have at least once
• Skin damage, such as premature aging, sagging, wrinkles, age spots, and blotchiness caused by UV rays breaking down collagen
• Medication interactions, including with antibiotics or anti-inflammatories that may cause increased photosensitivity, even when it’s cloudy

Additionally, skin becomes thinner and less elastic as we age, resulting in a less protective barrier against UV rays and a potentially weakened immune system.

Home Health Care Tips for Sun Protection

Our Triniti team takes great care to limit sun exposure for home health care patients, particularly since many have greater sensitivity due to age, medications, or medical conditions.

Again, we want patients to get outside and enjoy the summer weather. But their safety is our priority, so we take extra care to protect them from the sun.

Monitoring Outdoor Activities and Times. We check and consider daily UV index information and avoid peak sun hours when taking home health patients out for walks, errands, or other activities.

Sunscreen Assistance. We help patients apply and reapply sunscreen as needed, ensuring skin is covered with SPF 30 or higher.

Managing Water Intake. Sun protection is important, but heat can contribute to health issues, too. So, we encourage patients to drink plenty of fluids and monitor hydration both indoors and out.

Wound and Skin Care. Older adults with wounds or thinner skin are at risk of greater damage from the sun. Our home health professionals cover and monitor patients’ wounds, ensure proper clothing is worn outdoors, and check patients’ skin for abnormalities that could be cancerous.

Compassionate Care from Triniti

If you have questions about UV awareness for yourself or a loved one or are curious about our home health care options, the Triniti team is always here to help. Visit our website to find information on our team of professionals and how we work together to provide comprehensive, compassionate care for patients. Or contact us to discuss care options directly.