Don't Get Burned
 |
| This blog is brought to you by ADVANCE and DNA. |
Editor's note: This post was written by Lakshi Aldredge, MSN, RN, ANP-BC, and adult nurse practitioner who specializes in dermatology at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Portland, Ore.
Our organization is made up of nursing professionals who dedicate their lives to promoting skin safety and education. In an effort to increase public awareness about the dangers of the sun, The Dermatology Nurses' Association (DNA) has joined other organizations that also encourage sun safety. As summer approaches, I urge you to promote and publicize DNA and the following initiatives. Together we can make a difference in the prevention of skin cancers!
Outrun the Sun, Inc. is dedicated to building national awareness about melanoma and other skin cancers, educating communities about preventive measures that reduce melanoma incidence, and raising funds for melanoma research, leading to effective treatments and a potential cure.
The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention (NCSCP) declares the Friday before Memorial Day as "Don't Fry Day" to encourage sun safety awareness and to remind everyone to protect their skin while enjoying the outdoors. The NCSCP's mission is to reduce skin cancer incidence, morbidity and mortality through awareness, prevention, early detection, research and advocacy. This year, "Don't Fry Day" is May 25.
DNA, along with the Children's Melanoma Foundation, wants to make sure the public is "SunAWARE":
- Avoid unprotected exposure to sunlight; seek shade and never indoor tan.
- Wear sun protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses year-round.
- Applyrecommended amounts of broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sunburn protection factor (SPF) greater than or equal to 15 to all exposed skin and reapply every 2 hours, or as needed.
- Routinelyexamine your entire body for changes in your skin and report concerns to a parent or healthcare provider.
- Educateyour family and community about the need to be SunAWARE.
For educational materials and additional information, please visit www.dnanurse.org.