Don't Fry Day

The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention commemorates Don’t Fry Day on the Friday before Memorial Day.

While it sounds like a diet mantra, Don't Fry Day is actually an initiative of the Council on Skin Cancer Prevention.

With the tanned and sunbathing days all day behind us, the words on people's lips these days are 'slip, sloppy, slap and wrap', encouraging sun worshipers to wear shirts, smear sunscreen (SPF 30 and above is ideal), wear a hat, and sunglasses. Don't Fry Day is a great opportunity to teach kids about being smart in a gentle way.

Instead of being out in the sun all day, why not celebrate by having an indoor picnic and going to a movie marathon? Or if the weather is nice, bring some friends, a beach umbrella, and enjoy some great outdoor fun. Just remember to follow the rules, and slide, sloppily, slap and finish between 10 and 4!

History of Don't Fry Day

National Don't Fry Day falls on the Friday before Memorial Day because the long weekend is usually a time when people like to celebrate outdoors by taking trips to the beach or enjoying the outdoors. other outdoor activities under the sun. It was first established in 2008 by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, along with partner organizations, to raise awareness of the risks of UV exposure in relation to rates of cancer. high incidence of skin cancer. Its purpose is to educate the public about practicing sun-safe practices while still being able to enjoy summer sunshine and help reduce skin cancer rates.

Unfortunately, skin cancer is on the rise in the United States, and the American Cancer Society estimates that one American dies from skin cancer every hour. The risk of skin damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays increases as we spend more time enjoying outdoor activities as warmer weather is upon us. We need to take precautions when out in the sun. Using a good sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat are a few ways to start staying safe in the sun.

Skin cancer is curable if detected early. Get to know your skin changes with growths and moles. Do not forget to visit your doctor if you have any concerns. Be safe!

Apparently, some statistics say that one person in the US dies from skin cancer every hour, so we can't take it lightly. There are several types of skin cancer. Moreover, melanoma is the deadliest and basal cell carcinoma is the most common. The good news is that finding skin cancer early can lead to a cure, so sticking to protective measures and keeping an eye on your skin is more than enough to stave off the disease.

There are people who might worry that having to take these precautions might turn them into vampires, but they need not fear. Something as simple as checking the UV index before going outdoors and avoiding the midday sun (when it's at its peak), are steps that shouldn't hinder most activities. It's also important that you allow your body to naturally produce vitamin D by soaking in pure sunlight for about 10-15 minutes a day. When it comes to sunscreen, it's best to go organic - but don't rely solely on sunscreen to protect you. It needs to be reapplied thickly, every two hours, and don't forget to invest in some SPF sunscreen to protect your lips.

Some steps to keep you sun wise and protected

• Avoid tan

Many tanning beds and tanning beds use harmful UV rays, and the harm is greater than aesthetics.

• Be generous with sunscreen

There's a reason why the word slather is often used with sunscreen - apply it even on cloudy days.

• Find the shade

Don't throw the shade, but look for it, especially between 10am. until 4 p.m

• Get Vitamin D Safely

Vitamin D can be obtained through alternative means, such as supplements and foods rich in vitamin D.

• Protect your body

Protective clothing and accessories can also be very luxurious, and less NOT more in this case.

Some reasons for Don't Fry Day being important

• It raises awareness about skin cancer

Although the name is rather lighthearted for today, it deals with a serious topic that is relevant to people of all skin colors and ethnicities. Don't Fry Day is an important step in the right direction to educate people about the real risk of skin cancer and it can also help with prevention.

• It encourages preventive action

Through the efforts of organizations like the National Council on Skin Cancer to spread awareness and tips for safe sun exposure, people can control and prevent themselves as well as their loved ones from cancer risk.

• It holds product companies accountable

Through its reach on social media platforms and other avenues, National Don't Fry Day can help make cosmetic and pharmaceutical companies accountable for the sunscreen products they sell, thus also having a beneficial effect on these industries.

How to celebrate Don't Fry Day

• Be creative and spread awareness

Why not create your own fun version of 'Slide, slide, slap and wrap' on Tik Tok or Instagram to remind people about sun safety measures and raise awareness about risk of exposure to UV rays. Follow important pages or accounts about skin cancer prevention and help get the message across. Sometimes, technology can really be our friend.

• Support parks and rec organizations

Become a member of the National Council on Skin Cancer Awareness and recognize National Don't Fry Day by purchasing automatic sunscreen dispensers to help parks and outdoor recreation centers distribute sunscreen Free sunshine for their visitors. Help the movement grow.

• Plant some aloe vera

We can't compliment this humble succulent, but it has countless benefits for the skin and body in general. Not only is it easy to grow indoors and outdoors, but it is also a natural air purifier and is great for soothing skin that may get too much sun. Don't just take our word for it, try it yourself!