Free sunscreen dispensers are helping to prevent Melanoma and Skin Cancer
We're now in the middle of summer. That means getting outside and heading to the beach, ballgame, concerts and festivals. It also means exposure to the sun.
This year there will be more than 75,000 new cases of Melanoma diagnosed. More than 10,000 people are expected to die from Melanoma.
The Melanoma Foundation of New England is trying to do something about that. Last summer they ran a trial program where they had free sunscreen dispensers spread throughout Boston parks. This year they've expanded the program. The sunscreen dispensers will be in 54 locations in 11 states nationwide. Each dispenser will have more than 2500 applications of 30 SPF sunscreen. To read more about the programs click the above links in this paragraph.
Melanoma is the most dangerous of all the skin cancers. Although the average age of diagnosis is 63, it's the leading cause of cancer death in women 20-30 years of age.
Here are some simple ways to protect yourself: a. Wear sunscreen b. Wear protective clothing and sunglasses c. See your dermatologist d. Do a monthly body check for moles e. Stay out of tanning beds
That's the easiest way to keep from becoming one of the above statistics.
If you're in the Chicago area, this Sunday is the annual Miles For Melanoma 5k walk/run. It's in a beautiful location along the Chicago lakefront. You can check in your local area to find events supporting Melanoma awareness and research.
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