Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Over 3.5 million cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancer are diagnosed each year. The deadliest form of skin cancer, melanoma, racks up more than 76,000 new cases each year. Although the statistics are sobering, the American Cancer Society has developed simple steps you can take to prevent the disease.
Slip! Slop! Slap! And Wrap
- Slip on a shirt – protects the back, chest, arms and torso from UV radiation
- Slop on sunscreen – SPF 30 or high with broad spectrum protection
- Slap on a hat – protects the face, ears, head and neck from UV radiation
- Wrap on sunglasses – protects your eyes and sensitive skin around them
Make everyday a “don’t fry day” by taking additional steps to protect yourself. Use the UV index forecast to determine the risk of exposure in your area. The UV index ranges from 1-11. The higher the number the more at risk you are to damaging UV radiation. Here are some additional ways to protect yourself:
- Seek the shade on hot days
- Wear protective clothing with UV protection in the fabric
- Do not allow your skin to get tan or burn
- The sun is most intense from 10am to 4pm so limit your exposure during these times
Test your sun safety IQ by taking a short quiz at: http://www.cancer.org/healthy/toolsandcalculators/quizzes/skin-cancer-quiz/index
June challenge: WALK A MILE A DAY
Challenge yourself to walk or run a mile each day. Get outside and enjoy the fresh air and scenery surrounding us in northern Michigan. Prefer to bike? Go the distance and log five miles each day. Double the fun by participating in Smart Commute and use that walk, run or bike time to get back and forth to work. Count the number of days you walked or ran at least one mile or biked at least five miles during the month of June and report the total to mtalicska@nmc.edu by July 3rd. The person with the highest total wins a prize and all others will be entered into a random drawing.