National UV Safety Month: Protecting Your Employees from Harmful UV Rays

As we enjoy the sunny days of summer, July brings National UV Safety Month into focus. This month is an opportune time to educate employees about the importance of protecting their skin and eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.  

The well-being of your workforce is paramount, and promoting UV safety can significantly impact their health. At Embold Health, we are committed to guiding your members to the best doctors and resources, ensuring they receive top-notch care and advice while enjoying their summer days.

The Importance of UV Safety

UV radiation from the sun is a leading cause of skin cancer, premature aging, and various eye conditions. With overexposure, employees are at risk of serious health issues, which can also translate to increased healthcare costs and lost productivity for your organization.

Skin cancer is a common cancer in the United States, with millions of cases diagnosed annually. Prolonged UV exposure increases the risk of all types of skin cancer, including melanoma, which is particularly dangerous. Encouraging employees to take preventive measures can significantly reduce these risks.

Why the Right Doctor Matters

Choosing the right dermatologist is crucial for protecting yourself against harmful UV rays. Their expert guidance on effective protection strategies, early detection of skin damage, and personalized treatment plans guide patients to better outcomes.  

Let’s use low-risk skin cancer as an example. Patients seeing a top performing dermatologist are 59% less likely to receive unnecessary radiation treatment for basal or squamous cell carcinoma. This singular statistic highlights several crucial aspects of quality care:

1. Unnecessary radiation treatments can have adverse side effects, including skin irritation, fatigue, and an increased risk of developing other forms of cancer. By avoiding these unnecessary treatments, patients experience fewer health complications and maintain a higher quality of life.

2. Over-treatment not only exposes patients to potential harm but also increases healthcare costs. Unnecessary procedures can lead to higher medical bills for patients and higher insurance premiums for employers, impacting the overall financial health of an organization. A top-scoring provider's ability to correctly assess and treat skin cancer efficiently reduces these costs by eliminating unnecessary procedures.

3. Top providers are likely to be more up to date with the latest medical guidelines and research. They can offer alternative, less invasive treatments that are equally effective but carry fewer risks. For example, they might recommend topical treatments, minor surgical procedures, or simple monitoring, depending on the specific case. This approach ensures that patients receive the most appropriate, evidence-based care tailored to their condition.

Furthermore, patients seeing a high scoring dermatologist are also 39% less likely to experience unnecessary Moh’s treatment, a precise surgical technique commonly used to treat skin cancer. This reduction in unnecessary procedures further emphasizes the importance of selecting top-tier healthcare providers.

Make the Best of Your Summer Days

Promoting UV safety in the workplace through educational campaigns, providing resources like sunscreen and protective clothing, and encouraging regular health screenings can foster a culture of health and safety.  

As you enjoy the summer, remember that taking these preventive measures can help you and your employees make the best of your summer days, ensuring they are safe, healthy, and filled with vitality. By prioritizing UV safety, you protect not only your health but also the health of your entire organization, leading to a brighter, more prosperous future under the sun.  

Ready to learn more about how Embold Health can help your employees find the right doctor, the first time? See how we can improve health outcomes and lower healthcare costs in a free demo. Get a free demo!

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