DHSS Press Release

TOMORROW IS THE “DON’T FRY DAY” BEFORE MEMORIAL DAY

Memorial Day traditionally starts the season of tank tops, shorts and sandals as we enjoy warm and sunny weather. But before we head out into the sunshine, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) reminds all Delawareans to enjoy the sunshine safely by observing the Friday before Memorial Day as Don’t Fry Day. It’s all about taking precautions against the sun’s harmful rays.

Skin cancer, caused by too much sun, is the most common of all cancers in the United States, and Delaware has one of the highest skin cancer rates in the country. Estimates reveal that one American dies every hour from skin cancer. More people will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year than breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer combined. In fact, one in five Americans will get skin cancer in his or her lifetime. And the most common cause of skin cancer is preventable: too much sun.

“You can still enjoy the sunshine and the outdoors, ” assures Dr. Karyl Rattay, DPH Director. “But take precautions. Applying a protective sunscreen takes only a few minutes of our time, helping us avoid painful and dangerous sunburns. I encourage everyone, especially parents, to apply sunscreen liberally and frequently to their children and themselves and to make applying sunscreen a habit,” advises Dr. Karyl Rattay, DPH Director.

Here is what you can do to be safe in the sun:

• Do Not Burn Overexposure to the sun is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer.
• Avoid Sun Tanning and Tanning Beds Ultraviolet (UV) light from tanning beds and the sun causes skin cancer and wrinkling. For tanning, use a sunless self-tanning product instead.
• Cover Up Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, where possible.
• Seek Shade/Use Umbrellas Seek shade when appropriate. Remember that the sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Generously Apply Sunscreen Generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin using a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
• Use Extra Caution Near Water, Snow and Sand Water, snow and sand reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
• Check the UV Index The UV Index provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities in ways that prevent overexposure to the sun. Developed by the National Weather Service (NWS) and EPA, you can find the UV Index for your area online at:www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html

• Please learn more by visiting The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention website at at www.skincancerprevention.org/ or visit the Don’t Fry Day page at www.skincancerprevention.org/Events/DontFryDay/DontFryDayResources/tabid/120/Default.aspx

  
  
  

  Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.