Congressman Michael Bilirakis Congressman Michael Bilirakis.  Proudly representing the people of the 9th Congressional District of Florida
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Encouraging Sun Safety

June 6, 2005
 

Most Floridians enjoy the outdoors.  Unfortunately, too few of us protect ourselves and our children from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays when engaged in outdoor activities at the beach, on the Bay, or at the backyard barbeque.  This oversight can cost you or your children your lives. 

 Skin cancer is the fastest growing cancer in our country today.  One-in-five Americans will get some form of skin cancer during their lifetimes.  More than one million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year, accounting for nearly half of all new cancer cases and exceeding the combined number of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers that will be diagnosed in the coming year. 

 Many people are surprised to learn that most of us receive nearly 80 percent of our lifetime sun exposure by age 18, exposure which sets the stage for cancer later in life.  Therefore, it is critically important that we teach children that sunburns are more than just the painful remnants of staying in the sun too long.  They are potential killers that can cut short promising lives.  

 The good news is that skin cancer is highly preventable by practicing good sun safety.  Good sun safety means using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure, especially during the hottest times when the sun’s rays are their most dangerous.  Failing to do so can have serious and deadly consequences, especially for children, since they get, on average, more than three times more sun exposure than adults.

 That is why I have introduced legislation, which the House of Representatives recently approved, to encourage all Americans to protect themselves and their children from the dangers of excessive sun exposure.  The House passed this bill, H. Res. 169, overwhelmingly last week. 

 I hope and believe that passage of this resolution will raise awareness about sun safety, encourage people to protect themselves and their children from excessive sun exposure, help reduce health care costs, and save lives. 

 

   
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