Tallahassee, FL - As Spring Break
winds down and Florida sees more accommodating outdoor weather, the Department
of Health is encouraging residents and visitors to take precautions against
potentially harmful sun exposure. Make the most of Florida’s beaches, lakes and
parks this spring and summer and outshine the effects of the sun’s ultraviolet
(UV) rays.
“Florida
is a remarkable place to enjoy outdoor activities,” said Interim State Surgeon
General Dr. Celeste Philip. “As the weather gets warmer and we’re outside more
often, I encourage you to take the necessary steps to ensure protection from
sun exposure.”
According
to the CDC, a majority of Americans are not using sunscreen regularly to
protect against UV rays that can damage skin in as little as 15 minutes. UV
exposure is the most common cause of skin cancer, accounting for more than 90
percent of all cases.
Skin
cancer is cancer that forms in the tissues of the skin, the most harmful being
melanoma. Despite that nearly 90 percent of skin cancers are preventable, they
are the most common of all cancers in Florida and the United States.
Remember these tips for
safe and sunny outdoor ventures:
- Minimize sun exposure and seek shade during peak, midday hours;
- Wear SPF 15 or higher and apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before exposure to the sun;
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours;
- Use protective barriers such as hats, sunglasses and clothing to block full exposure; and
- Take extra precautions if you have pale skin; blond, red or light brown hair; or if you or a family member has had skin cancer.
About the Florida
Department of Health
The
department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board,
works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida
through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow
us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the
Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.
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