Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus and Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman are recognizing UV Awareness Month, and encourage residents to protect themselves and their families while enjoying outdoor activities throughout the year.

“Orange County enjoys beautiful weather during the summer, but sunny days can expose residents to harmful side effects if they are not prepared,” Neuhaus said. “It’s important to protect your skin from the sun’s Ultraviolet (UV) rays which is the main cause of skin cancer. I encourage residents and their families to take the steps necessary to become educated on this issue and to protect themselves as they enjoy the summer.”

According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. There are three major kinds of skin cancer, including Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma and Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Melanoma is less common than some other types of skin cancer, but it is more likely to grow and spread.

Approximately 91,270 new melanomas will be diagnosed (about 55,150 in men and 36,120 in women) in the U.S. this year and 9,320 people are expected to die of melanoma (about 5,990 men and 3,330 women). The rates of melanoma have been rising for the last 30 years, according to the American Cancer Society.

UV damage can also cause wrinkles, blotchy skin and damage your eyes. Anyone can get skin cancer, but the risk is greatest for people with white or light-colored skin with freckles, blonde or red hair and blue or green eyes.

Gelman advises residents that they can prevent skin cancer and reduce the risk of UV damage by utilizing these precautions:

• Reduce exposure to the sun during its peak hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Always wear sunscreen with n sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 to 50. Wear lip protection as well, also with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Reapply sunscreen every hour or two, especially after swimming, sweating or partaking in any outdoor activity.
• Wear protective clothing and accessories when in the sun. This may include a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, a long-sleeve shirt and long pants.
• Check your skin regularly for changes.

**Dr. Gelman quote**
For more information, contact Justin Rodriguez, Assistant to the County Executive for Communications and Media Relations at 845.291.3255 or jrodriguez@orangecountygov.com.