The Union County Board of County Commissioners invites residents to participate in the 2022 “Choose Your Cover” program, which is a free statewide skin cancer screening, awareness and educational initiative taking place on Saturday, August 13th from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Walter E. Ulrich Memorial Pool located in the Rahway River Park, St. George Avenue in Rahway.
“Everyone wants to be outside once the summer season hits, but residents need to take the proper precautions in order to prevent them from overexposure to the sun,” said Commissioner Chair Rebecca Williams. “Skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer and it is usually curable when detected and treated early, so it is so important to get checked and follow all of the ways to reduce your risk for sun damage.”
This free event is open to all, but a pre-screening survey is required to schedule a skin cancer screening. To promote sun safety and help reduce the risk of skin cancer, personnel from the Union County Office of Health Management, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Summit Health Cares will be on site for the August 13th event to provide free skin cancer screenings and help residents learn about the “Choose Your Cover” message.
Overexposure to the sun is a health risk for people of all ages, races and skin tones. Before heading outdoors, a few simple precautions can protect your skin and lower your risk.
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 of developing skin cancer – the most common form of cancer in the United States.
“This is the perfect opportunity to get any concerning skin changes checked out for no cost to residents,” said Commissioner Kimberly Palmieri-Mouded, who is the Chair of Public Safety. “This short screening could be a potentially life-saving decision and I would like to thank the Union County Office of Health Management for being proactive in educating our residents and offering this program.”
The Choose Your Cover program offers these tips:
- Covering up exposed skin with long sleeve shirts and long pants in tightly woven fabrics can offer effective protection from the sun.
- Opt for a wide-brimmed hat over a baseball cap for better protection of your 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.
- Remember to liberally apply a broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher and reapply frequently.
- Steer clear of indoor tanning beds. They are proven to increase risk for skin cancer.
To schedule a free skin cancer screening call the Union County Office of Health Management at 908-518-5622.