Corporate Fitness and Active Aging

The Importance of Sunscreen for Employee Health

This blog was written by Veronica Hofman. Meet our blogging fitness specialists at the NIFS website.

Everyone knows that sunscreen is important…right? Everyone uses it everyday as they should…right? Wrong! I think everyone knows they should use sunscreen regularly, but the truth is many people don’t!

sunscreen resized 600Let’s hope that if people are sitting at the beach all day they will think to use it, but there are many circumstances in which sunscreen should be used but just isn’t. I recently went on a several-hour car ride and although I do wear sunscreen on my face, my arm and shoulder were red from the sun coming through the sunroof!

Why Sunscreen Is Crucial for Your Health

Now that summer is upon us, it is time to start a new routine that includes sunscreen. The FDA has released new rules for sunscreen makers. There are many reasons to include sunscreen in your day: It helps protect against

  • burns
  • premature aging
  • wrinkles
  • And of course, cancer

The most common type of skin cancer is melanoma, and it is also the leading cause of skin cancer deaths. Although more common in fair-skinned blonde and redheads, melanoma can affect anyone. It is also more common in those who have had a severe burn in the past and those who are exposed to the sun very often. But again, it can affect anyone. And who really wants wrinkles?

Tips for Sunscreen Use

So here are some sunscreen tips:

  • Apply sunscreen approximately 30 minutes before being in the sun.
  • Remember to reapply sunscreen after swimming or strenuous exercise.
  • Apply sunscreen often throughout the day if you work outdoors, and wear hats and protective clothing.

Click here for more information about sunscreen and what to consider when choosing your SPF!

Does your company have onsite walking paths, or hold meetings outdoors on a nice day? Consider the health and wellness of your employees by providing sunscreen as a corporate wellness program benefit!

Topics: corporate wellness employee health disease prevention