Prevention measures against solar radiation on the beaches of Menorca
Menorca may be one of the best options to spend a summer in luxury. However, the hot sun can ruin the experience if you do not take preventive measures against solar radiation on the beaches of Menorca.
The radiation on a scale of 11.8 is already very high. The State Meteorological Agency estimates that, in the following days in Menorca, it will reach 9.
Since the early 1970s, a significant increase in skin cancer cases has been discovered worldwide in fair-skinned populations, which is closely related to the typical habit of exposing yourself to the sun and ultraviolet (UV) rays, as well as the demand that tanning has for its aesthetic qualities.
Educational programs are needed to better understand the damage caused by UV radiation and promote preventive measures against solar radiation on the beaches of Menorca to curb the large increase in cases of melanoma or skin cancer.
Consequences of UV rays
UV radiation in small doses brings great benefits to humans and is necessary for the production of vitamin D. Among other benefits of UV radiation is its role in treating various diseases, such as psoriasis, eczema and rickets.
Such treatments must be performed under medical supervision and approval of their benefits against the risks of UV radiation exposure must be based on clinical judgment. Prolonged exposure to solar UV radiation in humans can compromise the health of the skin, eyes, and immune system.
Skin burns and tanning are the main acute effects of uncontrolled exposure to UV radiation; The long-term consequences are the premature aging of the skin caused by the degeneration of cells, blood vessels and fibrous tissue caused by UV radiation.
UV radiation can also cause inflammatory eye reactions, such as actinic keratitis. The most serious effects that constitute a serious health problem: skin cancer and cataracts. Annually, two to three million cases of nonmelanotic skin cancer and about 132,000 cases of melanotic skin cancer occur worldwide.
Experts suggest that, with these levels of solar radiation (8 or 9, like those that will soon be perceived in Menorca), it is important not to expose yourself to the sun during the central hours of the day, stay in the shade and always wear a shirt, sunscreen to skin (depending on the type of skin you have) and wear a hat or cap.
Basic prevention measures
The prevention measures against solar radiation on the beaches of Menorca are:
Decrease exposure during the middle hours of the day.
Stand in the shade.
Wear clothing that covers the skin.
Wear a hat with a wide brim to protect your face, eyes, and neck.
Wear wraparound or side panel sunglasses.
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen and sun protection factor (SPF) 15+, in large amounts and whenever you need it.
Don’t use tanning beds.
Take special care of babies and young children with age-appropriate sunscreen and comfortable clothing.