July is UV Safety Month, and it's important to remember that sun protection matters for everyone, regardless of skin tone. While people of color have more melanin, which offers some natural defense, they’re still at risk for sun damage and skin cancer, including harder-to-detect types like acral melanoma. Unfortunately, many Black and Brown individuals are diagnosed later, when the disease is more advanced.
In this week’s volume, we'll break down the facts and share simple ways to protect yourself and your loved ones while enjoying the summer sun.
Make it a great week 🙌🏾
Featured Products/Services 🙏🏾
Mindful Moment 😌
Pause, follow the guide below, and observe 2-4 rounds of Box Breathing. Bring your attention to the sensation of your hands resting on your lap or a surface nearby, noticing the temperature, texture, and pressure as you ground yourself in the present moment.
Mindful Movement 🙆🏾♂️
This week's practice helps you reconnect with your body, release tension, and cultivate a sense of compassion and confidence from within. Try this routine 2-3 times this week and notice how you feel after each session.
Mindful Reflection ✍🏾
What emotions have been most present for me lately, and what might they be trying to tell me about my needs or boundaries?
Share your responses with us on Threads, and be sure to #balanceperiod
Affirmation 🗣️
Say this silently or out loud to yourself:
"I listen to my emotions with curiosity and respond with care."
Upcoming Health/Wellness Events 🗓️
Indiana Health Fair
This 4-day event provides access to free health screenings, education, and resources to help individuals and families lead healthier lives. Attendees will be able to access more than $4,000 in health screenings and examinations at no cost, including vision, blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, dental care, and more.
- July 17th to July 20th [see times on graphic above]
- Indiana Convention Center – Halls D&E [100 S Capitol Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46225]
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BLACK: A Festival of Joy 2025
Join us in Riverside Park on July 12 for a day full of music, art, culture, and unapologetic celebration of Black Joy.
Since 2022, BLACK has grown from a grassroots gathering to one of Indy’s most anticipated summer events, bringing together people from all sides of the city to honor Black joy in all its forms.
- Saturday, July 12th, from 3:00 to 9:00 PM EDT
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Riverside Park [1856 Burdsal Parkway Indianapolis, IN 46202]
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What People of Color Need to Know About Sun Protection and Skin Cancer 🌞✊🏾
Summer’s here, and it's time to enjoy the sunshine! But if you're a person of color, you may have heard you don’t need sunscreen. That’s a myth. While darker skin has more melanin, which offers some natural protection, it doesn’t block all UV damage. Whether your skin is light or dark, the sun’s harmful rays can still cause premature aging, sunburn, and skin cancer.
Melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color, offers some natural protection from UV rays, but it’s not enough to fully prevent skin damage. Even if you’re less likely to burn, your skin still needs protection from sun exposure that can lead to premature aging, painful burns, and skin cancer.
☀️ Key Things to Know About Skin Cancer & Sun Safety
- Skin cancer can affect everyone, regardless of skin tone. Darker skin offers some protection, but UV exposure still causes damage.
- Black and Hispanic individuals often face delayed diagnoses, especially because melanoma shows up in less expected places like the soles of the feet or under the nails. These cancers are often harder to spot until later stages.
- Survival rates differ by race: Black men diagnosed with melanoma have about a 26% higher risk of death than White men.
- Our skin exams need to match our skin color: Traditional ABCDE mole guidelines don’t always catch melanoma on darker skin. That’s why monthly self-checks and knowing unusual signs are important.
How Sun Protection Makes a Difference
Sun protection can significantly reduce your risk of sunburn, skin damage, and skin cancer, regardless of your skin tone. It’s important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply it every two hours, or more often if you’re sweating or swimming.
During peak sun hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., try to stay in the shade whenever possible. Wearing protective clothing like long sleeves, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses also helps shield your skin from harmful rays. And when choosing a sunscreen, look for zinc oxide-based formulas, which tend to blend better on darker skin without leaving a white cast.
How You Can Protect Yourself & Others
✔️ Do monthly self-checks, especially on palms, soles, nails, and mucosal areas. Watch for new growths, spots that bleed, don’t heal, or change.
✔️ Speak up with your provider: Say, “Can we check these areas? I want a full-body skin exam that includes palms and soles.”
✔️ Share accurate info: Many people of color believe they cannot get skin cancer—help change that narrative.
✔️ Support accessible care: Encourage mobile dermatology clinics or free screening programs in your community.
Sun protection isn’t only about preventing tan lines; it’s about protecting your health and catching skin cancer early, when it’s most treatable. Share these tips with loved ones and enjoy the sun safely.
Want to learn more? Check out this week's featured article.
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