Ultra Violet Rays May Cause Damage to the Eyes Today and Tomorrow

CHICAGO (PRWEB) April 24, 2013

As the weather continues to warm, more Americans will be heading outdoors to enjoy the sunshine. The public should know, however, that Ultra Violet (UV)-blocking sunglasses and hats are the ultimate sight-saving accessories to pair with their shorts, sandals, and short-sleeved shirts. Prevent Blindness America, the nations oldest volunteer eye health and safety organization, has declared May UV Awareness Month to help educate the public on the dangers of UV and how to protect the eyes.

While UV-A has lower energy, it penetrates deep into the eye and may injure the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sight in the center field of vision. UV-B radiation is presumably more dangerous and is mainly absorbed by the cornea and lens of the eye and can damage those tissues.

Sunglasses without UV protection may shade the eyes but actually cause the pupils to dilate, allowing in even more harmful rays. When going outside, both adults and children should always wear both a wide-brimmed hat or cap and the proper UV-rated sunglasses. Wrap-around sunglasses are best as they protect the eyes and the skin around the eyes. Some contact lenses may offer UV protection but they cannot protect the entire eye and the skin around it.

Photokeratitis, or corneal sunburn, is a result of intense exposure to UV-B. It is most common among individuals who spend long hours on the beach, in the water or on ski slopes without proper eye protection. It can be extremely painful and can result in temporary loss of vision for 1-2 days.

UV damage is also cumulative and has been linked to eye problems later in life including tumors, cataracts and macular degeneration, an eye disease which currently has no cure. Also, people who have had cataract surgery or other retinal disorders, and people who take certain medicines, such as tetracycline, sulfa drugs, birth control pills, diuretics and tranquilizers, are also at special risk.

PBA recommends wearing sunglasses that:

Skin Safety Goes Beyond Sun Rays and SPF This Summer with New Ways to Protect Your Health

BURLINGAME, California (PRWEB) May 13, 2013

Families are celebrating the start of summer with plans of BBQs, picnics, vacations and staycations. Outdoor activities such as surfing, biking and hiking are in the hazy, humid horizon. Crystal

Rays of Reason Shine in Badgers New SLOW Sun Movement

GILSUM, N.H. (PRWEB) June 10, 2013

W.S. Badger Company, leading maker of natural and organic personal care products, introduces the SLOW Sun movement, designed to make time in the sun fun and simple again.

The SLOW Sun movement inspired by the SLOW Food movement, which was founded to encourage families to slow down and enjoy real meals together again encourages people to slow down and take a more wholesome and positive approach to sun protection. SLOW Sun suggests that we complement proper sunscreen use with timeless cultural practices such as wearing protective clothing and taking time for a restful siesta under a shady tree during the peak hours of the sun. As a pioneer and long time category leader in natural and organic sunscreens, Badger intends to increase the publics awareness beyond sunscreen.

We believe that true sun protection requires a more mindful and holistic approach that doesnt rely upon quick chemical fixes or high SPF products that mislead people to believe theyre safe regardless of the conditions, said Rebecca Hamilton, Badgers director of product development. The best approach to sun safety involves a respect for the power of the sun and using common sense. This is what SLOW Sun teaches us.

The SLOW Sun movement is rooted in six simple principles:

#1 Be mindful: Know your limits and practice moderation in the sun.

#2 Practice simplicity: Sometimes the simplest solution is to wear a wide-brimmed hat and other protective clothing.

#3 Seek shade: Especially during the peak sun hours of 10-2. Think Siesta!

#4 Choose wholesome solutions: Choose organic or natural mineral-based (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) sunscreens with antioxidant ingredients that protect and benefit skin. Avoid sunscreens with questionable chemicals like oxybenzone.

#5 Apply enough sunscreen: Take ample time to apply your sunscreen right: at least two tablespoons to cover your body thoroughly. Under-application of even the safest sunscreen will drastically reduce your level of protection.

#6 Protect yourself and our planet: Choose protection measures that are sustainable and biodegradable or reef safe. Even the smallest choices you make have a big impact on the world we live in.

Clara, the official spokesbadger for SLOW sun, astutely summarizes the SLOW Sun philosophy: Go slow. Be mindful. Clara says, If we are more conscious in our choices we can appreciate the incredible gift of sun without causing harm. SLOW Sun is not just about sunscreens, its about a more holistic approach to respectful sun worship.

Badgers launch of its SLOW Sun movement coincides with the Environmental Working Group 2013 Guide to Sunscreens, which tested more than 1,400 products and was released last month. All 13 of Badgers sunscreens were rated among the safest and most effective of sunscreens on the market today. The EWGs Sunscreen Guide reports on the latest sun safety research. Only 184 products met the nonprofits criteria for safe and effective beach and sport sunscreens.

Badger award-winning sunscreens have consistently received positive ratings each year since the EWGs inaugural report in 2007. Badgers new Daily Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotions align with Slow Sun principles. Formulated from food-based ingredients, Badgers Sunscreen Lotions protect with naturally effective, non-nano zinc oxide in a light, gentle lotion with a non-greasy, matte finish. Badgers Sunscreen Lotions are 100% certified Natural (Natural Products Association) and 86% certified Organic (NSF ANSI 305), and are hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and Cruelty Free. Formulated for adults, children and babies, each 4-ounce tube retails for $ 17.99 and is sold at leading retailers nationwide.

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W.S. Badger Co. Inc. has produced quality, all-natural and certified organic body care products since 1995. Badger aims to protect, soothe and heal with ingredients safe for all. Family-owned and run, Badger was born when Badger Bill, a carpenter at the time, discovered a recipe of natural ingredients strong enough to soothe his rough, dry and cracked hands. Badger produces almost all of its products in Gilsum, N.H. Badger has been awarded B Corp Certification, after demonstrating its hard work to create a healthy business with ethical and charitable principles.

Recommended Resources on Safe Sun Practices:

EWG 2013 Sunscreen Guide

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention

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