• We are not alarmists – although the facts about skin cancer are startling.
   
• We accept the fact that being outside is where many of us, especially in Hawaii, prefer to be.
   
• Our mission is to promote the awareness that there are safe alternatives available, and that we should embrace them in order to keep ourselves safe.
   

Facts you really should know about U.V. exposure:

• Skin Cancer is one of the fastest growing cancers in the U.S. …. and Hawaii is right at the top of the list.
  • Melanoma has been the fastest growing cancer among Hawaii residents since 1975.
  • The Hawaii rate for males has nearly doubled what is was 25 years ago.

• More than 50% of all new cancers are skin cancers and exposure to the sun is the primary risk factor.
• More than one million people will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year.
• Children are especially vulnerable:
  • just one severe sunburn during the first 15 years of life can double a person’s risk of skin cancer.
  • however, protecting your skin during the first 18 years of life can reduce the risk of some types of skin cancer by up to 78%.
  
• U.V. damage to our skin is cumulative. The longer we live and the more time we spend outside, the more exposure we accumulate.
• You can get a sun burn even on a cloudy day! Up to 80% of the sun's rays can penetrate light clouds, mist, and fog.
• Cataracts, once thought to be an inevitable part of aging, are also associated with UV exposure.

 

“One in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetime.” [Source: Skin Cancer Foundation & American Cancer Society]

How You Can Make a Difference

Thanks to ongoing medical research, we know more about skin cancer today, than we did in previous generations. But “knowing - is not enough!

Remember - unless we change the current statistics, one in five of our children, will grow up to develop skin cancer!

We owe it to our future generations to educate them and to keep them safe from the suns harmful rays. They deserve to lead a safer life than we did.

Here are some fun songs to help in that education process!

Block Out the Rays   Slip, Slap, Slop

At SkyShades Hawaii - Providing Shade is an Essential part of a Healthy Outdoor Lifestyle!

• Does your child’s school, camp, park or playground have adequate shade?
   
• Any outdoor area where children congregate or play should be evaluated for shade protection.
   
• Do you have adequate shade at your home or business to keep your family, employees or customers safe and comfortable?

If you said, “No” … then contact us to see what SkyShades Hawaii can do for you!

U.V. Basics

What exactly is U.V.?

Ultra-Violet rays are the sun's invisible "burning" rays — the ones that cause sunburn, and in some cases, skin cancer. There are three types of UV rays:

UV-A	UV-B	UV-C
These rays of the sun are more or less constant throughout the year and can penetrate deeper into the skin's layers than UV-B rays. These rays contribute to premature aging and wrinkling of the skin, to sunburn, and sometimes to skin cancer	UV-B rays are stronger than UV-A, they are more intense in summer months, at higher altitudes, and closer to the equator. UV-B is the most common cause of sunburn, can contribute to the premature aging of the skin, and can also lead to skin cancer. UV-B can also alter your immune system	UV-C is the strongest and most dangerous form of UV, is normally filtered by the ozone layer and does not reach the Earth

How much UV reaches me?

Obviously you receive more UV in the summer and between 10 am and 4pm when the sun is at its strongest. But remember, damage to your cells from UV radiation is cumulative, so the more you protect yourself the better!

For more information on skin cancer, U.V. radiation and how you can protect yourself, please visit our Links Page.