With Memorial Day right around the corner, children and adults will be spending more time outdoors in the summer sun. In an effort to raise awareness about skin cancer prevention, Don’t Fry Day is an annual “holiday” held on the Friday before the long holiday weekend.
While skin cancer is curable if caught early, it is estimated that one American dies every hour from skin cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Melanoma is the second most common form of cancer for people between 15 and 29 years of age. With skin cancer on the rise, it is important to take simple precautions to protect yourself and be sun-wise.
Protect Yourself - Slip-Slop-Slap!
- Generously apply sunscreen with at least a SPF of 15 to all exposed skin prior to sun exposure. Be sure to re-apply after swimming or sweating.
- Wear sun-protective clothing including a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Wearing sunglasses not only protects the eyes, but protects the sensitive skin around the eye area.
- It is important to remember that exposure to the sun can also occur on snow, water and sand.
- Limit sun exposure. The sun’s UV rays are the strongest between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M. so spend some time in the shade during those times.
- Skin Cancer Facts
Don't Fry Day Activities for Children
- Be SunWise– The EPA is offering free coloring sheets for kids
- Free Slip, Slop, Slap and Wrap Printable Stickers – Spread the word with these printable stickers from the EPA.
- Free Mission SunWise Activity Book for Children – This free printable booklet has plenty of fun and educational activities for children.
- Don’t Fry Day Video Contest – Enter to win or watch the entries.
Don't Fry Day Events
Don’t Fry Memorial Day Weekend - The Children’s Museum of Houston is kicking off Memorial Day weekend with several educational interactive activities and discounts in honor of Don’t Fry Day. Besides making fun sun prints, wacky paper sunglasses and sun hats, children can make their own UV Bead Bracelets, which change color in the sun when UV rays are present.
Visitors are also encouraged to bring new chapstick or travel-size sunblock to receive a $2 discount on admission to the museum from May 27 through May 30th. Military Moms and Wives of Brazoria County will send the sunblock and chapstick to military troops. Service members and up to six family members can also receive free admission and discounts as well. Don’t Fry Memorial Day weekend runs from May 27 through June 1st.
Be sure to take the Don’t Fry Day Pledge – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is encouraging everyone to be smart in the sun and take the pledge during its annual Don’t Fry Day campaign. Be sure to follow Don’t Fry Day on Facebook and on Twitter. Spread the word!
And speaking of Memorial Day, if you are looking for just the perfect beverage, main dish or dessert, be sure to visit Memorial Day Recipes.
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