Brookhaven Retreat Observes UV Safety Month in July
Knoxville, TN (PRWEB) July 11, 2013 -- July is UV Safety Month, sponsored by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Medical safety is a large part of mental health recovery. Brookhaven Retreat urges the women in its residential program to stay safe in the sun this summer.
The CDC reports that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and that ultraviolet rays are the main cause of skin cancer. July schedules tend to be filled with outdoor activities such as barbeques, gardening and sports events, making sun safety critical.
Brookhaven Retreat maintains a beautifully landscaped outdoor environment to encourage women to spend time outside. Time outdoors stimulates production of vitamin D, decreases levels of depression and anxiety and boosts mood. Despite these benefits, Brookhaven Retreat encourages women to avoid the most hazardous hours for UV exposure – between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. – and practice sun safety in order to stay healthy.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that sun damage can occur even in winter or on cloudy days. It suggests wearing protective clothing, including hats and sunglasses, and taking extra precautions near reflective surfaces like snow and water. The FDA recommends applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 to all exposed skin. Sunscreen should be reapplied every one to two hours.
As a result of depression or isolation, women with mental health issues have often neglected their medical needs, restricting their quality of life and endangering both mental and physical health. As part of its realignment program, Brookhaven Retreat encourages the women in its facility to catch up on all missed medical appointments, including dermatological exams.
Sun safety can prevent a mental health disaster. The Arizona Department of Health Services reports that anxiety or depression can result from a diagnosis of skin cancer. Women who experience depression, have difficulty sleeping or feel overwhelmed should seek help.
Brookhaven Retreat teaches women to overcome mental health and substance abuse issues by developing coping skills, healthy habits and self-esteem. Practicing sun safety is one way for women to take care of their bodies, which develops self-esteem and prevents illness. This summer, Brookhaven Retreat reminds all women in its program to wear sunscreen and practice safe habits when going outside.
About Brookhaven Retreat
Brookhaven Retreat is a women's treatment center nestled on a naturally beautiful 48-acre site secluded in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. It has helped hundreds of women across the United States overcome depression, trauma, anxiety, substance use and a range of other behavioral health challenges. Brookhaven’s Founder, Jacqueline Dawes, has predicated its gender-specific treatment on “healing emotional breakage” for women. In this way, she has established a sanctuary and a place where women can feel safe, secure and cared for by a staff of highly trained professionals.
Jessica Wirth, Brookhaven Retreat, http://www.brookhavenretreat.com, 865.573.3656, [email protected]
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