Introduction
Maintaining an active lifestyle while protecting your skin from harmful UV radiation is essential for overall health and cancer prevention.
Key Prevention Strategies During Exercise
Timing Your Activities
- Schedule outdoor exercises before 10 AM or after 4 PM
- Avoid peak UV hours (10 AM - 4 PM)
- Check the UV index before planning outdoor activities
Protective Clothing
- Wear UPF-rated athletic wear
- Choose loose-fitting, lightweight fabrics
- Use wide-brimmed hats (minimum 3-inch brim)
- Protect eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses
Sunscreen Application
- Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Reapply every 2 hours or after sweating
- Use water-resistant formulas for swimming/heavy sweating
- Apply 1 oz (30ml) for full body coverage
Recommended Activities
Lower-Risk Options
- Indoor gym workouts
- Early morning/evening walks
- Swimming in indoor pools
- Covered tennis courts
Modified Outdoor Activities
- Trail running in shaded areas
- Beach activities with proper shelter
- Cycling with protective gear
- Garden exercise in shaded areas
Warning Signs
- Monitor skin changes during exercise routine
- Check for new or changing moles
- Watch for sunburn symptoms
- Seek shade if skin feels hot or appears pink
Additional Recommendations
- Stay hydrated
- Use protective lip balm with SPF
- Keep a log of sun exposure
- Schedule regular skin checks with dermatologist
Emergency Response
Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing:
- Severe sunburn
- Blistering
- Dizziness
- Heat exhaustion symptoms