UKIAH — A recent study conducted by the Skin Cancer Foundation has revealed an alarming rise in melanoma among young adults between the ages of 18 and 39.
Over the past 40 years, rates of this potentially deadly skin cancer grew by 800 percent among young women and 400 percent among young men.
With that statistic in mind, Ukiah Valley Medical Center (UVMC) is hosting a free “UVMC and Me” seminar titled: “Keep Your Skin in the Game,” hosted by Dr. Jeffrey Sugarman, dermatologist.
The seminar will take place from 1 to 2 p.m. July 9 in the Glen Miller Conference room at UVMC. The seminar is for UV Safety Month, which occurs every year in July.
Ultraviolet radiation (UV) is the main cause of skin cancer and comes in two forms, UVA (long-wave) and UVB (shortwave) rays. UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply and get down to the subcutaneous layer of skin. UVB rays are the chief cause of skin reddening and sunburn and damage the more superficial layers of the skin.
According to Sugarman, “To help protect yourself against the sun”s harmful rays, you should choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with the highest sun protection factor (SPF) possible. I recommend a SPF of 50 or higher, and that protects against UVA/UVB rays.”
According to Sugarman, the best times to avoid skin damage is early morning or late afternoon.
“With that in mind, the worst times for sun exposure are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UVA/UVB rays are at their peak,” Sugarman said.
To attend the free UVMC and Me seminar, “Keep Your Skin in the Game,” call 463-7493, or register online at www.myuvmc.eventbrite.com.
Sugarman is currently seeing patients at Redwood Family Dermatology at 555 S. Dora St. in Ukiah. To schedule an appointment with Sugarman, call 462-3996.
Editor”s Note: Nick Bejarano is marketing manager for Ukiah Valley Medical Center.
