Community Corner

Save Your Skin on 'Don't Fry Day'

Public health officials are encouraging people intended to pay special attention to sun safety today.

Don’t forget your sunscreen this Memorial Day weekend. 

The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention and the Environmental Protection Agency have deemed the Friday before Memorial Day as "Don't Fry Day."

They encourage folks to "Slip! Slop! Slap! and Wrap!" when spending time outdoors this holiday weekend: Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, slap on a hat, and wrap on sunglasses.

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This weekend's weather will be sunny with a chance of thunderstorms on Monday and high temperatures are expected to be in the 90s.

According to the EPA, while some sun exposure is good for you, too much can have detrimental and sometimes deadly effects on your health. Children are particularly at risk. Some health issues from overexposure include skin cancer, premature aging of the skin, cataracts and other eye damage, and immune system suppression. 

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Even though it is largely preventable, the American Cancer Society says skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with more than 2 million cases reported each year.

Here are a few simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of sun cancer from the EPA’s website:

  • Do not burn
  • Avoid sun tanning and tanning beds
  • Generously apply sunscreen, at least SPF 15, 15 minutes prior to sun exposure
  • Wear protective clothing - hats, sunglasses, long sleeved shirts and long pants - when possible
  • Seek shade
  • Use extra caution near snow, water, and sand because of their reflective properties
  • Check the UV index
  • Get vitamin D safely through foods, drinks, and vitamins

Enjoy the sultry weekend ahead and keep your skin safe.

For more information on Don’t Fry Day, go to www.epa.gov/sunwise/dfd.html.


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