Editor,
Did you know that May is Skin Cancer/Melanoma Awareness month? Many skin cancers are caused by excess exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or other sources. Protection from UV radiation is important all year round, not just during the summer or at the beach. UV rays from the sun can reach you on cloudy days and hazy days as well as bright and sunny days. UV rays also reflect off of surfaces like water, cement, sand and snow. Indoor tanning (using a tanning bed, booth or sunlamp) exposes you to UV radiation.
The hours between 10am and 4pm DST or 9am to 3pm ST are the most hazardous for UV exposure outdoors. UV rays from sunlight are the greatest during the late spring and early summer. Some easy options for protection from UV radiation are:
• Stay in the shade, especially during midday hours
• Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs
• Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade your face, head, ears & neck
• Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block both UVA and UVB rays
• Use sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher
• Avoid indoor tanning
On a personal note. For many years my dad had to have numerous skin cancers/melanoma burned off or cut out from his face and the tops of his ears. It was a very painful process. I remember after a few days he had huge blisters from his treatments or many stitches. I don’t want anyone to have to go through that.
Sheryl Jonas, marketing lead
Winnemucca Relay for Life
