Ways To Prevent Skin Cancer While You're Outside This Summer

The Friday before Memorial Day Weekend is "Don't Fry Day" to remind us of the importance of sun safety. The Broome County Community Cancer Prevention in Action (CPiA) team wants us to "save the skin we are in." Last week, my co-host Traci was out in the sun for only 20 minutes and you can see what her face looked like. YIKES!

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Two weeks ago, I went to my dermatologist and she commented that she could tell that I'm not spending a lot of time inside by looking at my face. I told her that I have a convertible and like to drive with the top down. She asked if used sunscreen and I had to admit that I don't. I do now though

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States with 1 in 5 Americans diagnosed in their lifetime. Skin cancer is preventable when we take the proper precautions.

Ways To Reduce UV Exposure

Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher 20 minutes before going out
For extended outdoor exposure, reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, excessive sweating or toweling off.
Try to limit your exposure during the peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Seek shade, look for a large tree or shade structure like an awning.
Wear protective clothing like a hat with a wide brim, UV broad spectrum sunglasses, long-sleeved shirts.

For more info about CPiA, skin cancer, and how to practice sun safety, go here or call (607) 778-2848.

This Friday and Saturday look like rain but Sunday and Memorial Day Monday will be sunny with temperatures getting as high as 85. Don't forget the sunscreen if you're going to be outside during the Memorial Day Weekend...or anytime this summer.

The Broome County Health Department wants you to know that "there's no such thing as a healthy tan; tanned skin is damaged skin."

Whether you're needing some day-to-day sun protection or something heavy-duty for gardening or outdoor sports you’re sure to find a new favorite sunscreen within the list below.