Don't Fry Day

brought to you by Aynsley Anderson, LMH WellCare

Friday, May 23 is known as Don’t Fry Day. Many of us will hopefully be spending time outdoors this Memorial Day weekend. Here is information to help you stay sun safe.

1. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the USA, with more than 3.5 million cases
   diagnosed and 2.2 million people treated annually. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Overexposure to ultraviolet light through sun or tanning bed use is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer.

2. The incidence of melanoma, a more serious form of skin cancer, continues to rise especially in young adults, at a rate faster than any of the seven most common cancers.

3. Ultraviolet light also causes premature skin aging, eye damage and may even suppress the immune system.

4. If out in the sun, try to cover up as much as possible. Wear protective clothing like a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat to cover skin cancer vulnerable areas like the back of the 
   neck and ears. Consider using clothing and hats that have UPF (ultraviolet protective factor) embedded in them.

5. Seek shade or use umbrellas where appropriate. Try to stay out of the sun between 10 am and 4 
   pm when the UV rays are strongest.

6. Generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin using a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 
   30 It should provide broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outside and reapply at every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating. An appropriate application amount of sunscreen for an adult is about a shot-glass full.

7. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. Choose sun-protective eyewear that blocks 99-100% of both UVA & UVB rays. Labels on sunglasses should reflect their protection rate.

8. SLIP, SLOP, SLAP and WRAP to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.

SLIP on clothing to cover as much of your body from the sun as you can. SLOP on an appropriate amount of at least a SPF 30 sunscreen. SLAP on a wide-brimmed hat that won’t let the sun through.WRAP on UV protective sunglasses.