Sun Safety

As the weather gets warmer, we’re all excited to spend more time outside and have fun in the sun! But the sun emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can cause damage to the skin. Continued exposure to the sun puts us at risk for sunburn, skin aging, and skin cancer. Even though they might look good, tans are also a sign of sun damage. Luckily, there are ways to protect ourselves when in the sun.



Good practices that prevent sun damage are easy to incorporate into your summer plans: 

• Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least 30 SPF whenever you are outside and re-apply every two hours. If you are swimming or sweating, re-apply more often. Remember to apply to all exposed skin, including ears, scalp, feet, and any other areas that are not covered by clothing. 
• Seek shade when outside for extended periods of time.  
• Wear sun-protective clothing, like wide brim hats, sunglasses, and loose-fitting long sleeve shirts and pants. Some clothing and bathing suits even have UV protection woven in – look for fabrics with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of at least 30.  
• Avoid spending time outside in the middle of the day when the sun is at its peak, between 10:00am and 2:00pm 

However you decide to enjoy the nice weather, be sure to do it safely! For more tips about how to protect yourself from UV rays, read the FDA’s page about sun safety.

Harmful Algae Blooms (HAB)

Summer is fast approaching, which means warmer weather, more days spent outside, and, of course, the beginning of swimming season! Use caution if you are planning to swim in a natural body of water. Harmful algae blooms (HABs) pose a health risk to you and your loved ones. 

HABs are naturally occurring groups of bacteria or algae that grow quickly due to favorable conditions of the environment. Algae and bacteria are normal to water ecosystems, but blooms can become harmful when, under certain conditions, they produce toxins that are dangerous to humans, fish, wildlife, and pets. 

Not every algae bloom is harmful and some are not even visible if the growth is below the surface of the water, but there are some telltale signs of a HAB: 

• The water is discolored and has changed color to blue, green, brown, or red 
• Foam, scum, algae mats or oil spill-like streaks float on the surface of the water 
• The water has a foul odor 
• Dead fish or animals float in the water or wash up on the shore 

Before swimming in a body of water, examine the area for these signs. If you identify any of them, or see a HAB advisory for the area, avoid the water.  

To keep track of reported HABs and advisories in Virginia or learn more about HABs, visit the VDH website on water safety or the Swim Healthy website. Read more on HABs in a recent Daily Progress article by BRHD intern Abby Sacks.

Free Car Seats at Louisa County Health Department

At BRHD, baby safety never takes a break! This month, the Louisa County Health Department will be hosting a Free Car Seat event on Thursday, June 15 from 9:00-11:00am and 1:00-2:00pm. A brief application and hour-long education session are required to receive a car seat. Informational sessions will be held on the hour at 9:00am, 10:00am, and 1:00pm. Interested individuals only need to attend one session. Car seats will not be installed during the event.



Income guidelines apply- WIC, SNAP, and Medicaid recipients qualify. Proof of Virginia residency is required. Seats are limited, so call the Louisa County Health Department at 540-967-3703 to reserve your spot!

Southwood Market Day

Tomorrow, Saturday June 3, the Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville will be hosting their 6th annual Southwood Market Day from 11:30am-2:00pm at the Southwood Community Center (387 Hickory St, Charlottesville)! This free event is open to the public and will include: 

• Health and wellness vendors 
• BP checks and mammograms at no cost to eligible community members 
• Community yard sale 
• Games and activities 
• Free food 



Our own Charlottesville Community Health Worker Jacinto Gonzalez will be in attendance, handing out BRHD service/program information and fun swag! For questions about eligibility or more information, call Jo Olson at 434-202-0805.