Categories
Public Info

Union County Residents Invited to Free Sun Safety and Skin Cancer Screening Event, June 29

Union County, NJ – The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites residents to participate in a free skin cancer screening and sun safety educational event on Saturday, June 29 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Clark Community Pool, 201 Oak Ridge Road in Clark, rain or shine.

Part of a statewide initiative called “Choose Your Cover,” the event is open to all on a walk-in basis, but pre-registration is required to schedule a free skin cancer screening by calling the Union County Office of Health Management at 908-518-5620.

Personnel from the Union County Office of Health Management, Clark Health Department and Diare Dermatology will be on site to provide free skin cancer screenings and help residents learn how to reduce their risk of skin cancer.

“The Freeholder Board is very proud to join with the Chronic Disease Coalition and the Township of Clark to help the public connect with information and resources that can reduce the risk of skin cancer, and lead to early detection,” said Freeholder Chair Kowalski.

Attendees who are pre-registered for a skin cancer screening will receive a special gift bag with skin cancer promotional materials, provided courtesy of the Clark Township Health Department.

Members of the public who are not pre-registered for a screening are also encouraged to come and learn how to keep from being overexposed to the sun.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. People who work or play outdoors, fair skinned people who sunburn easily, and those with a family history of melanoma are at an increased risk.

Overexposure to the sun is one of the most preventable risk factors for melanoma and other types of skin cancer. Common sense precautions include:

  • Cover up exposed skin with long sleeve shirts and long pants in tightly woven fabrics.
  • Opt for a wide-brimmed hat over a baseball cap for better protection of the head, ears and neck.
  • Wear sunglasses with 100 percent UVA and UVB absorption to protect the eyes from sun damage.
  • Look for shady areas or avoid the sun, if possible, during the middle of the day when UV rays are the strongest.
  • Liberally apply a broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, and reapply frequently.
  • Avoid indoor tanning beds, which are proven to increase risk for skin cancer.

#  #

For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.

Connect with Union County on social media.