Hhealth officials are warning people not to “fry” but to protect their skin and eyes while enjoying the outdoors this Memorial Day weekend.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Skin Cancer Prevention Council announced that Friday marks the 16th annual “Don’t Fry Day,” a day designed to encourage people to protect themselves from the sun as they the climate begins to warm up. the long weekend. Authorities have warned that excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can increase the risk of developing skin cancer and cataracts.
“Remember to protect your skin and eyes from UV rays before leaving home,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation Joseph Goffman in a press release announcing Fry Day. “The Day of Don’t Fry is a great annual reminder of the importance of sun safety.”
EPA encouraged the public to use agency resources UV Index app to see the UV forecast and read tips on how to protect yourself in the sun.
The EPA offered several interesting tips for people to protect themselves from the sun:
- TO SLIP! in a long-sleeved shirt or other clothing that covers the skin
- SLOP! use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, reapplying every two hours (earlier if swimming)
- SLAP! in a wide-brimmed hat that covers the back of the neck and the tips of the ears
- CURL! on a pair of sunglasses. There are some that wrap around the sides of the face, which provides more protection from the sun.
See more information: Do you need more sunscreen when it’s hot outside?
Tanning beds and sunbathing can be harmful to the skin, so health authorities have urged the public to avoid them.
Nearly 20% of Americans will develop skin cancer, according to the EPA. By 2024, more than 100,600 new cases of invasive melanoma, which is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, will likely be diagnosed in the U.S., the American Cancer Society predicts. This represents around 3,000 more cases than estimated in 2023.
Some people may have a higher risk of developing skin cancer depending on several factors, including the color of their skin, whether they had a history of sunburn with blisters as a child, whether they have a lot of moles, or whether they have a family history of skin problems. Cancer. The EPA also reminded the public that it is important for people to protect themselves from the sun year-round, not just in the summer.
This story originally appeared on Time.com read the full story
