As we approach Memorial Day weekend, the Chautauqua County Health Department joins the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention in promoting Don’t Fry Day on the Friday before Memorial Day. The goal of Don’t Fry Day is to raise awareness about the potential dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and to encourage everyone to take steps to prevent skin injury.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but it is also one of the most preventable. It is important to understand the health effects that UV radiation can have, such as skin cancer, premature aging, eye damage, and immune system suppression, but there are sensible things you can do to enjoy the sun safely. Our local Health Department wants to help you prevent skin-related injury and enjoy a summer of outdoor activity.

“We welcome the summer season and all of the fun options it provides for moving more outdoors. In addition to the warmth and fun it supplies, sunshine is a great source of Vitamin D but it is important to prioritize safety, as well,” says Chautauqua County Public Health Director Lacey Wilson. “Don’t Fry Day serves as a vital reminder for everyone to take preventive measures against the potentially harmful effects of UV radiation. By following simple sun safety tips, we can significantly reduce our risk of skin cancer and other sun-related health problems.”

The Chautauqua County Health Department encourages people to follow these sun safety tips adapted from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

– Follow the Slip! Slop! Slap! and Wrap! method: Slip on a shirt. Slop on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. Slap on a wide-brimmed hat. Wrap on sunglasses to protect your eyes.

– Do NOT burn. Sunburns significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer, especially in children.

– Avoid over-exposure to sun tanning and tanning beds. UV radiation from the sun and tanning beds causes skin cancer and accelerates skin aging.

– Generously apply sunscreen. Use about one ounce of sunscreen to cover all exposed skin. Choose sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and broad-spectrum protection. Reapply every two hours, and after swimming or sweating.

– Wear protective clothing. When possible, wear clothing that covers, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses.

– Seek shade. The sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Seek shade when needed during these hours to reduce your risk of UV exposure.

– Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand. These surfaces reflect the sun’s rays, increasing the chance of sunburn.

– Check the UV index. The UV Index provides important information to help plan your outdoor activities and avoid overexposure. It is issued daily by the National Weather Service and the EPA.

– Get vitamin D safely. Do not overexpose your skin to sun in an effort to maximize Vitamin D. Instead, if extra is needed, consult with your Doctor about adding a Vitamin D supplement.

For more information on sun safety and Don’t Fry Day, please visit the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s website at https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/dont-fry-day.