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| Knox County Health Department Urges Safety in Summer Sun |
Did you know there are more cases of skin cancer diagnosed each year than breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer combined?
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. As summer approaches, it is important to remind yourself about the dangerous affects of the sun.
Exposure to the suns rays is actually necessary for our body. It is our primary source of vitamin D; which helps us absorb calcium for stronger, healthier bones. But, this process does not take much time. Overexposure to the sun can lead to skin damage and even cancer. Two new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed every minute and one person dies from skin cancer every hour.
So, what can you do to help prevent sun damage? The American Cancer Society reminds people to "Slip! Slop! Slap! and Wrap!" Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, and wrap on sunglasses to protect the eyes and sensitive skin around them from ultraviolet light. Avoiding tanning beds and sunlamps is also vitally important. Tanning lamps give out UVA and frequently UVB rays as well. These harmful rays can contribute to skin cancer.
Children require special attention, since they tend to spend more time outdoors and burn easily. Parents and caregivers need to protect children by using the "Slip! Slop! Slap! and Wrap!" method recommended by the American Cancer Society. Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight and protected from the sun using hats and protective clothing. Be especially careful between the hours of 10 a-m and 4 p-m, when the sun's rays are the strongest.
For more information on sun safety, contact the Knox County Health Department at (309) 344-2224 or visit us online at www.knoxcountyhealth.org.
(Knox County Health Department) |
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| 07 11 09 by Newsroom |
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