May is Melanoma Awareness Month. And just as it’s kicked off every year with Melanoma Monday, it begins its wind down with Don’t Fry Day. Don’t Fry Day is celebrated annually on the fourth Friday of May, and in 2016 it falls on May 27th. As you know, that’s today; so of course it’s no coincidence that you’re reading these words today, too. Just in case you’re unfamiliar with what the day means, we’ll go over it for you.
What is Don’t Fry Day?
Don’t Fry Day is a very simple, very effective concept initiated by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention. According to Skincancerprevention.org, the American Cancer Society (ACS) predicts that nearly 74,000 people will be diagnosed with Melanoma in 2016; which in itself is just a fraction of the overall skin cancer cases the ACS anticipates.* Melanoma is the worst member of the skin cancer family however, and can often prove fatal if not caught early enough.
Although Melanoma is an awful disease, it can be prevented with a few relatively simple precautions. That’s why increasing education regarding it is so vitally important, and why days like Melanoma Monday, Don’t Fry Day and even Melanoma Awareness Month itself were created.
Giving a catchy name to something you want the masses to remember forever is an old advertising trick, and it works well. Could you ever hear the phrase “They’rrrrrre great!” and not think of Frosted Flakes? Probably not. The cancer coalition isn’t using the tactic to sell cereal though; they’re using it to save lives. So they put out clever names and slogans, such as “Slip! Slop! Slap!” (Reminding you to wear shirts, sunscreen and hats whenever outside.)* Whatever helps people to get into the sun-safety habit is all that matters; regardless of what tools are used to do so.
It’s especially crucial to get these reminders out just before the populace starts hitting the beaches of America’s oceans and lakes. But summer isn’t performing a solo act where the sun’s harmful UV rays are concerned. It’s joined by spring, winter and autumn as times when we’re impacted by sun exposure, and the variety pack (sticking with the cereal metaphor, if you will) of sun skin damage they cause us.
We urge you to take some time out today to talk to your family and friends about what Don’t Fry Day stands for, and how they can help themselves greatly by absorbing its message.
So wear shirts, pants, hats and sunglasses and your Sundicators Sunscreen Reminder Wristband whenever outside. Apply and frequently re-apply sunscreen, especially after swimming or sweating. Always stay in the shade as much as possible. Respect the sun’s daily peak hours between 10a.m. and 4p.m. NEVER tan outside or inside; as you should run-don’t walk-away from any dangerous tanning beds you may encounter as fast as you can.
The further we spread skin cancer awareness, the more people we can all help save.
Happy Don’t Fry Day 2016 to one and all!
*Source article for supplemental information: Skincancerprevention.org
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