Litter: Spring cleaning happens outside, too
Tons and tons of litter get picked up in Preston County every year by good-hearted volunteers. I thank them, and I am also one of them.
It’s easy to get a litter cleanup project started to improve our roadsides. Preston County’s Litter Control Officer Jay Sowers can provide supplies, such as gloves, bags and litter pickup tools, for any person or group who organizes such a cleanup. He can be contacted at 304-698-5594.
Plus, he will pick up the full garbage bags and even tires.
We all want to see cleaner roadsides, parks and streams everywhere. We can do it together!
Deb Miller
Reedsville
Don’t let fun in the sun lead to skin cancer
Did you know that nearly 20% of Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime? Keeping your skin protected is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of being diagnosed with this disease. But how does one do that?
One step to take is staying out of direct sunlight between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the strongest. If you are outside, be sure to wear sun-protective clothing including long sleeves and pants that are lightweight, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
Wearing sunscreen daily is also important for decreasing your risk of skin cancer. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends sunscreen that is broad-spectrum, water-resistant, and SPF 30 or higher. Sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes before going outside and should be re-applied every two hours, or after sweating or swimming. Children under 6 months old should be kept out of the sun as much as possible, especially because sunscreen is not recommended for those 6 months or younger. It is important to remember to use SPF-containing lip protection as well.
Additionally, being extra cautious near water, sand and snow is important as these surfaces reflect the rays of the sun and can increase the risk of sunburn. Staying safe in the sun can no doubt help to keep you and your family from developing skin cancer.
For more information on sun protection, visit www.aad.org or talk with your dermatologist.
Taylor Lee
Morgantown
