New York State Issues Unique Health Warning

Before the fun of the Memorial Day weekend, there are some safety and health issues that New York State wants every resident to know.

While we wait for things to really heat up and the summer to officially start, this weekend will be a good way to brush up on things we need to do to be prepared for the summer sunshine and heat.

The sunshine may not feel hot, but it sure can be dangerous. The UV rays will be as strong as ever in New York this week.

The New York State DOH says anyone who spends time outdoors should wear sunscreen and make sure to reapply it after swimming or sweating. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to melanoma, which is the ninth most common type of cancer in New York. Folks should also have on sunglasses to protect their eyes and reduce the risk of cataracts.

According to the New York State DOH website:

Babies under 6 months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight and their skin should be covered with protective clothing and hats. As children tend to spend more time outdoors, their skin can burn more easily. Adults should ensure children are protected from excess sun exposure with protective clothing, sunscreen applied to exposed skin before they go outside, and limited time in the sun, especially during the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.