CHARLOTTE — Good skin care is part of making healthy lifestyle choices. Dr. Gilly Munavalli, MD, MHS, FACMS of Dermatology, Laser, and Vein Specialists in Charlotte says to protect your skin even when you are exercising.
“Exercise is an important part of living a healthy life,” Munavalli says, “To decrease the risk of developing skin cancers, including Melanoma, exercise during off hours. It is best before 11am and after 6pm to avoid the most intense UV radiation.”
Running is a common outdoor activity in summer and is likely done in full sun. Runnersworld.com agrees with Munavalli on the best hours to exercise outdoors. It also suggests other sun-smart strategies including wearing a minimum SPF 30 sunscreen and shop for ones that are sweat-resistant.
Tennis players are also in full sun in the summer and are reminded to wear sunscreen and to reapply often. Pro Naomi Osaka said she only recently started wearing sunscreen and wants to remind people of color that it is important for them to protect themselves as well. She even has introduced her own line of skin care products.
For the average person it is important to be remember your atmosphere, prepare, and keep yourself protected. Dr. Munavalli says about 15,000 people die every year from Melanoma in the US and most of those deaths are preventable. Only 1 in 9 people who are diagnosed with Melanoma die from it. Munavalli says “self exams and regular, annual visits to your dermatologist are the best way to catch these early.”
To talk to Dr. Munavalli about this and learn more click here.