It’s spring break season again. As many families gear up to head down south to get away from the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to forget the importance of keeping everyone safe from too much sun. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is a major cause of all skin cancers and one in five Americans will get skin cancer in their lifetime.

There are easy steps everyone can take to protect their skin from the harmful rays of the sun:

• Find shade when possible especially between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm.

• Wear at least a 30 SPF sunscreen and reapply at least every 2 hours.

• Wear sunglasses, sun- protective clothing, and a wide brimmed hat.

• Start sun protection habits at an early age.

• Have fun and be safe in the sun this spring break.

For more information on sun safety and cancer prevention, please contact Patti Hogle, Cancer Prevention in Action coordinator at 315-261-4760 x235 or visit gethealthyslc.org.

Patti Hogle

St. Lawrence County Health Initiative