County Executive Curran & Health Commissioner Dr. Eisenstein Remind Residents of Sun Safety as part of Child Safe Summer Campaign
MINEOLA, NY – Nassau County Executive Laura Curran and County Health Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein have launched Nassau County’s Child Safe Summer initiative, a multimedia awareness campaign for summer safety concerns. Skin cancer affects all skin types and it is the most common cancer in the United States. When kids are outdoors this summer, it's vital to protect their skin from sun exposure – even on hazy or cloudy days. The new website nassaucountyny.gov/ChildSafeSummer, provides the latest safe summer health updates, advice, alerts and information.
“It is crucial to wear proper sun protection when outdoors, even on cloudy days,” said County Executive Curran. “All skin types are at risk for sunburn and other harmful effects of UV radiation and everyone should wear sunscreen and dress appropriately when exposed to the sun.”
“Summertime is a beautiful time of the year to enjoy the outdoors,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Eisenstein. “Skin cancer is often preventable; I urge all to follow these simple safety tips to protect yourself and your family from the sun’s harmful rays.”
County Executive Curran suggests following the tips below to help kids stay safe this summer and all year long. For more information, please visit: nassaucountyny.gov/ChildSafeSummer.
Sun Safety Tips
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat to get the best protection. If you’re wearing a baseball cap or short-sleeved shirt, make sure to put sunscreen on all exposed skin especially the ears, neck, and arms.
- Stay in the shade as much as possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., which are peak times for sunlight
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15 on any exposed skin. Apply the sunscreen to dry skin 15-30 minutes before going outdoors and re-apply it every two hours, as well as after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
- Wear extra sun protective clothing around surfaces like snow, sand, water, and concrete that reflect the sun’s rays and could increase your risk of sunburn.
- Use protection during cloudy days too! Clouds do not block most UV rays.
- Avoid indoor tanning.