How often do you pick up your cellphone or other
electronic device to look up just one thing and before you know it you are
surfing the internet browsing through YouTube, Facebook, Amazon, eBay, Twitter
and Netflix? Have you ever surfed through so much information that you were too
tired to finish a homework assignment, forgot about the boiling water on the
stove or lost track of time and were late for a commitment? I know it has
happened to me probably more times than I would like to admit and it has even resulted
in one less pan in my kitchen!
I challenge you to click on the links
below and surf some information that may give you the knowledge and the power
to make a difference in the life of a friend, a family member or even yourself.
If you’re like me you may enjoy true stories, so let’s start with Ashley’s Journey.
Ashley started tanning as a teenager to get a “base tan” for her prom and
before vacations and she didn’t take the
risks of tanning seriously. Like most of us she thought
she was invincible. Do you know someone that denies the risks of tanning? Is
that someone you?
Skin cancer, specifically melanoma, has become a public
health concern for federal, state and local
agencies due to the increasing number of cases. In
fact, on August 16, 2018 legislation
was signed into law prohibiting individuals younger than 18 years of age from
using indoor
tanning facilities in New York State. So what are we doing locally to protect our
residents? In 2016 the Clinton County Sun Safety Initiative was established and
sunscreen
dispenser sites were setup at 15 locations within
Clinton County. These dispensers allow residents to lather up with sunscreen
while out and about. The Clinton
County Health Department (CCHD) also permits and
inspects the 11 tanning facilities in Clinton County.
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| 1 of the 15 sunscreen dispensers available in Clinton County |
During a tanning facility inspection Public Health
Sanitarians, like me, inspect for:
- Public health hazards
- Records and signs
- Equipment operation and maintenance
- Protective eye wear
- Sanitation
To learn more about tanning and sun safety click here.
Thanks for surfing with me and remember, tanned skin is not healthy skin.
Karen Noonan
Public Health Sanitarian
Environmental Health and Safety Division
