July is UV Safety Awareness Month and a great time to remind our Susan G. Komen 3-Day®  community how important it is to protect your skin from the sun, especially on your event weekend which will be filled with up to 60-miles of walking.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ultraviolet (UV) rays are a type of invisible radiation that comes from the sun and other artificial sources like tanning beds. Overexposure to UV rays can damage skin cells and increase the risk of skin cancer.  

With plenty of sunshine expected along this year’s 3-Day route, take a few simple precautions to stay sun-safe: 

• Seek shade: When spending a good amount of time outside, try to stay in the shade. Use an umbrella, or find shade under a tree, especially during midday hours. Don’t underestimate the sun’s rays (especially on cloudy days). 

• Clothes: Wear clothes that cover your arms and legs when you’re outside. 

• Sunscreen: The CDC recommends applying sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher. Reapply after two hours, especially if you’re sweating.  

• Hat: Put on a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face, heads, ears and neck. 

• Sunglasses: To protect your eyes from UV rays, put on a pair of sunglasses. 

As we rack up the miles in preparation for, and at the 3-Day, remember that sun safety is important. Protecting your skin will help ensure you’re strong and ready for every step of the 3-Day journey.