Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Southeast Michigan Says You're Never Too Old for Skin Cancer Awareness

In light of new FDA sunscreen guidelines, seniors and their families are encouraged to be sun smart

(Farmington Hills, Michigan-July 2011) - Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Each year, nearly a million people in this country will learn they have skin cancer...and the risk continues to rise as you get older. Senior Helpers of Southeast Michigan (MI), one of the leading in-home care providers of senior care in the southeast Michigan area, is raising awareness about new FDA guidelines regarding sunscreens, which apply to people of all ages, not just young children and adults.

"Unprotected skin can be damaged by the sun's UV rays in as little as 15 minutes, according to the American Cancer Society," says Barbara Roden, Owner of Senior Helpers of Southeast Michigan (MI). "Most skin cancers appear after the age of 45 and it's never too late to protect yourself from the sun. We encourage seniors to get some fresh air and exercise to stay active, but their skin is more sensitive than others. Even if they're going outside for a short 15 minute walk, caregivers are there to help them apply their sunscreen as needed."

What We've Learned From the FDA's New Sunscreen Guidelines:

Sun protection is an important public health issue for people of all ages. The FDA just released their new guidelines when it comes to proper product labeling and UVA protection:

• . . . There is no such thing as "sweat proof" and "waterproof" sunscreens. These words are no longer allowed on sunscreen labels.

• . . . Sunscreens can claim to be "water resistant," but the company has to put a label on their product stating the sunscreen only offers 40 or 80 minutes of protection while swimming or sweating.

• . . . You must reapply sunscreen every two hours for continued sun protection. • . . . Use sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection, also known as "broad spectrum"

protection. • . . . Only broad spectrum sunscreens with 15 SPF or higher provide any type of sun

protection (15 - 30 SPF is recommended).

"The sun doesn't discriminate against age," say Roden of Senior Helpers of Southeast Michigan (MI). "When seniors are exposed to too much sun, they risk being severely dehydrated. Our caregivers can make sure the seniors are eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, drinking water or taking a cold bath to help prevent and/or recover from dehydration. They can also provide ways for seniors to socialize without having to be out in the sun, such as taking their daily walk inside malls or museums or making sure they're in the shade and properly protecting themselves while spending time outside."

Give Your Senior the Gift of Sun Protection:

Senior Helpers In Home Elder Care of Southeast Michigan Says You're Never Too Old for Skin Cancer Awareness

• . . . Special UV radiation-absorbing clothes -- the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 30 or higher.

• . . . Wrap-around sunglasses that offer UV protection. • . . . A hat with at least a three-inch brim all the way around -- sun hats provide

protection for not only your head, face and ears, but also your neck, shoulders and upper back.

• . . . Look for products that have earned the Skin Cancer Seal of Recommendation.

Sources: American Cancer Society, The Skin Cancer Foundation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

####

Media Contact: Barbara Roden, (248) 865-1000, broden@seniorhelpers.com

For more information about Senior Helpers, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/2601

About Senior Helpers:

Senior Helpers provides many in-home, caregiving services for the elderly in Southeast Michigan. We offer extensive in-home care services for seniors who embrace their independence and the personal dignity that goes with it. Our in-home care services are provided by bonded and insured caregivers all of whom pass a national background check.

If a senior family member needs in-home care services in Canton, Center Line, Clarkston, Clawson, Clinton Township, Commerce Township and surrounding areas, we are an excellent choice with exemplary references. In-home care is the compassionate choice for your elderly loved ones' continued independent living. We promise we will do our best to make it a positive experience for them and you. For more information, please visit: http://seniorhelpers.com/location/2601.