Melanoma Research Fundraiser
May is skin cancer month, and the first Monday of May (May 3, 2010) is known as Melanoma Monday – with special activities nationally and locally. To help spread awareness of skin cancer, and help our community prevent skin cancer, we have developed something very special.
We are proud to introduce our Sun Smart Skin Safe bracelets. They are available in both child and adult sizes, and will be available for purchase in our office or by mail for $3 each, or 4 for $10. 100% of profits from the sale of these bracelets will be donated charity. Charities will include the Melanoma Research Foundation, as well as local community skin cancer awareness and prevention projects. Not only will you be making a donation by purchasing a bracelet, but you may also be helping to protect your skin. How? These bracelets do some neat tricks. They change color from white to blue when exposed to harmful UV rays – reminding you to protect yourself and your family. Here are some tips on how to do just that.
Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, including melanoma. You can have fun in the sun and decrease your risk of skin cancer. Here’s how to Be Skin Safe – Sun Smart:
- Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, whenever possible.
- Seek shade when appropriate. Remember that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If your shadow appears to be shorter than you are, seek shade.
- Protect children from sun exposure. Be sure to play in the shade, use protective clothing, and apply sunscreen.
- Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand because they reflect and intensify the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chances of sunburn.
- Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements. Don’t seek the sun.
- Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you’ve been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
- Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.
- Use sunscreen – especially one that is thought to be safe by the environmental working group. There are many recommended sunscreens to choose from.
And the fun doesn’t end when the sun goes down. These bracelet glows in the dark too!!
We hope you use them, share them, enjoy them, learn from them, and stay Sun Smart & Skin Safe with them!
Note: Several local schools and organizations have expressed interest in selling our Sun Smart Skin Safe bracelets as a community project/fundraiser. We are happy to support you. Please call the office to set up a meeting to discuss details.