By Staff
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) reports that nearly 10,000 Americans die from skin cancer every year and 54,000 are diagnosed with the disease -- a condition that can be prevented or cured with sun protection and regular attention to skin health.
May is National Skin Cancer Prevention Month, and the perfect time to develop good sun protection habits as summer nears and time spent outdoors skyrockets.
Skin cancer prevention doesn't mean never spending time in the sun -- it just means taking a few steps to protect yourself before going outdoors. Wear a hat, wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible and use sunglasses that provide UVA and UVB protection. ADPH recommends applying sunscreen of at least SPF 15 to any exposed skin and reapplying every two hours.
Taking a few minutes to prevent sun damage can save you from suffering skin cancer later on.
And don't forget the kids. They will spend more time outdoors than anyone this summer, and should learn now that wearing sunscreen will save them painful sunburns and a lifetime of damaged skin.
Enjoy the summer sunshine and all the outdoor activities that come with it, but don't let skin cancer be the price you pay for it.