Health
Why higher UV index numbers are more dangerous during sun exposure
Tracking the UV has become a trend among some young adults — namely members of Gen Z, who are looking for optimal sun exposure.
The UV index is a daily forecast that measures the intensity of ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
The numbers range from 1, the lowest exposure, to 11+, which indicates extreme sun exposure.
TANNING PILLS CAN POSE SERIOUS DANGERS, DERMATOLOGISTS WARN: ‘CONSUMERS SHOULD BE AWARE’
Many young adults keep track of the UV through weather apps on their smartphones, in hopes that a high number will lead to a better tan — but some health experts are warning of the potential dangers.
Tanning at higher UV levels is more likely to cause damage that can lead to skin cancer, according to Eric D. Whitman, M.D., medical director of Atlantic Health System’s oncology service line in New Jersey.
A UV (ultraviolet) index chart depicts exposure levels from 1 to 11+. (iStock)
“While some effects might be seen immediately, such as dark spots and marks, cancer may not become apparent for decades,” he told Fox News Digital.
DOES SUNSCREEN CAUSE SKIN CANCER? DOCTORS DEBUNK CLAIMS GONE WILD ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Exposure to higher UV levels can result in a faster and deeper tan, but this comes at a “significant trade-off of an increased risk of skin cancer,” Whitman warned.
“So, it is important to take precautions when planning to spend time outdoors,” he added.
Exposure to higher UV levels can result in a faster, deeper tan, but it comes at a “significant trade-off of increased risk of skin cancer,” a doctor warned. (iStock)
Dr. Brendan Camp, a Manhattan-based board-certified dermatologist, also shared with Fox News Digital that there is “no such thing as a safe tan.”
Tanning represents the skin’s response to the damaging insult of UV radiation, the doctor noted.
SKIN CANCER CHECKS AND SUNSCREEN: WHY THESE (STILL) MATTER VERY MUCH FOR GOOD HEALTH
“The skin increases pigment or melanin production as a way to protect cellular components, namely DNA, from the effects of UV radiation,” Camp said.
Spending time outdoors when the UV index is high increases the risk of sunburn and sun damage, which can later develop into fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots or skin cancer, according to the dermatologist.
Responsible sunbathing
For safe sun exposure, experts recommend using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, or after swimming and sweating.
“Prolonged exposure without protection can lead to skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer,” a doctor said. (iStock; Melissa Rudy/Fox News Digital)
Whitman and Camp also suggested wearing protective clothing, using an SPF lip balm, seeking shade and avoiding peak sun hours.
“Especially during summertime, it’s important to pay closer attention to kids to ensure they are properly protected against the sun,” Whitman advised.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Some degree of sun exposure can be healthy due to the vitamin D benefits, he added, but only if limited to brief periods during non-peak hours.
While some may think they look healthier with a tan than without one, Whitman said it’s important to dispel this misconception.
A high UV index can lead to a deeper tan, but also the risk of increased sun damage, experts warn. (iStock)
“Prolonged unprotected sun exposure can potentially increase the risk of skin cancer,” he reiterated.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews/health
Skin cancer can only be diagnosed through regular skin examinations by a health care professional, Whitman noted.
When self-examining the skin, Whitman recommends looking for new or changing spots.
“But these [exams] should never replace a visit to the doctor,” he said.
“Any irregularities should be promptly evaluated by a health care professional to rule out potential risks or concerns.”
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Top stories
→ 8 common food preservatives linked to high blood pressure and heart disease
→ Study suggests latest COVID vaccine may have unexpected health benefit
→ Switching from cigarettes to vapes linked to higher risk of major eye diseases
Common food preservatives may contribute to higher risks of high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease, according to a large French study. (iStock)
Health challenges
→ Former reality star opens up about new diagnosis after years-long health ordeal
→ Popular mommy blogger dies at 48 two years after devastating cancer diagnosis
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
Easy improvements
→ Want to age better? Researchers say 4-minute routine may help prevent dangerous falls
→ One question may reveal whether your body is getting the rest it needs
Feeling older than your current age could be a sign that you’re not getting enough quality sleep, according to new research. (iStock)
Conversation starters
→ Dad jokes may be good for your brain in one surprising way, experts say
→ Measles-infected traveler may have exposed passengers at LAX and nearby hotel
→ No sex for 10 weeks? Championship team’s playoff strategy raises eyebrows
Health
Switching from cigarettes to vapes linked to higher risk of major eye diseases, large study finds
US cigarette smoking drops to record low, vaping and nicotine pouch use surges
Fox News medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel discusses a New England Journal of Medicine study reporting US adult cigarette smoking rates dropped to a record low of 9.9% in 2024. Siegel warns about the addictive nature of vaping and nicotine pouches, which contain high levels of nicotine. He expresses concern over potential GI tract and heart issues, stressing social media’s role in promoting these products to younger generations.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Switching from cigarettes to electronic vapes is often seen as a healthier move, but a massive nationwide study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology suggests that smokeless alternatives could increase the risk of serious eye diseases compared to quitting nicotine altogether.
Researchers from the Korea University College of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea, analyzed health data from a group of 179,273 adults through the Korean National Health Insurance Service, according to a press release.
All participants had smoked traditional cigarettes between 2011 and 2012 and then quit smoking by 2018 or 2019, they reported.
SINGLE WORKOUT CUTS CRAVINGS, OFFERING NEW HOPE FOR SMOKERS TRYING TO QUIT
To ensure a fair comparison, the researchers paired up participants who shared similar backgrounds, including their age, gender, medical history, existing health conditions and general lifestyle habits.
Switching from cigarettes to electronic vapes is often seen as a healthier move, but a large study suggests it could pose a risk to eye health. (iStock)
This process created a balanced group of 32,316 matched participants, who were divided into two categories: complete quitters who stopped using all nicotine products and those who transitioned to smokeless nicotine products, such as vapes.
The researchers followed the participants for an average of 4.6 years to determine whether they developed eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and focus-related eyesight disorders.
5 WAYS TO PRESERVE YOUR VISION AS YOU AGE, ACCORDING TO AN OPHTHALMOLOGIST
Over the tracking period, the group experienced a total of 6,328 major eye disease events. People who quit nicotine entirely had the lowest disease rate in the study, at 41.1 cases per 1,000 person-years (a measure that accounts for both the number of people in the study and how long they were followed).
In comparison, that rate rose to 44 cases for individuals who had switched over to smokeless alternatives like vapes.
The people included in the study were divided into two main categories: complete quitters who stopped using all nicotine products, and switchers who transitioned to smokeless tobacco or nicotine products, like vapes. (iStock)
Ultimately, the data showed that switching to alternative nicotine products carried a steady 7% increased risk of serious eye diseases compared to quitting nicotine completely.
FOOD CHOICES THAT CAN BOOST YOUR VISION AND PROTECT AGAINST EYE DISEASE
Most notably, those who switched faced a 24% higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a condition that damages the blood vessels in the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER
Additionally, those who ditched cigarettes for vapes had a 7% higher risk of developing refractive and accommodation disorders, which affect the eye’s ability to focus clearly.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES
“These findings challenge the assumption that substituting noncombustible nicotine or tobacco products for conventional cigarettes is visually harmless,” the researchers noted.
“These findings challenge the assumption that substituting noncombustible nicotine or tobacco products for conventional cigarettes is visually harmless,” the researchers noted. (iStock)
The authors did point out a few limitations of the research. Because this was a study looking back at health insurance data, it cannot definitively prove that vaping directly causes eye damage.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Additionally, the study relied on people filling out questionnaires about their own smoking and vaping habits, which can sometimes lead to underreporting or simple memory errors.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
Still, the researchers concluded the findings suggest that replacing cigarettes with alternative nicotine products may not eliminate the risk of certain eye diseases.
Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items.
Use escape to exit the menu.
Sign Up
Create a free account to access exclusive content, play games, solve puzzles, test your pop-culture knowledge and receive special offers.
Already have an account? Login
-
Michigan6 minutes ago4-star WR recruit commits to SEC power over Michigan Football
-
Massachusetts9 minutes agoCould ‘Golden Girls’-style homesharing solve the state’s housing woes? – The Boston Globe
-
Minnesota14 minutes agoWho’s the greatest Minnesota high school athlete of all time? Vote now in ‘USA 250’ poll
-
Mississippi21 minutes ago‘Mississippi firsts’ from Neshoba County Fair
-
Missouri24 minutes agoLake of the Ozarks ranks among cleanest US lakes, study finds
-
Montana29 minutes agoMissoula and Western Montana neighbors: Obituaries for June 27
-
Nebraska36 minutes agoExtreme Heat Watches and Heat Advisories issued across Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, and South Dakota
-
Nevada38 minutes agoNevada QB Thaddeus Thatcher commits to Oregon State, breaks down his decision
