GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Before Minnesotans head south for spring break we look at a study that took many people by surprise. The Today Show shared a study that ranks Minnesota number 4 for the states with the highest incidence of melanoma.
Brooke Moss, Dermatology PA @TheSkinSisters joined us to discuss the ranking and what is behind it. She also offered some tips for protecting skin from harmful cancer causing UV rays.
STOP tanning! Your pre-vacation tan will not protect you from sun damage or skin cancer. “Tanning to protect yourself from skin cancer is like smoking to protect yourself from lung cancer.” – Melanoma Research Foundation.
Do wear sunscreen and sun protective clothing with a UPF 50+ rating, and seek shade during peak hours.
Follow these rules on and off the beach…golfing, mowing the lawn, walking the dog.
Tips to protect your skin from UV exposure, from the Melanoma Research Foundation:
- Seek shade when possible
- Cover up with clothing, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
- Try to avoid being in the sun between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply every two hours
- Get checked. An annual skin check is absolutely vital as 1 in 5 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year.
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