The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites residents to participate in the 2019 “Choose Your Cover” program, a free statewide skin cancer screening, awareness and educational initiative taking place on Saturday, August 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Springfield Community Pool, 44 Morrison Road in Springfield, rain or shine.

The event is open to all, but pre-registration is required in order to schedule a free skin cancer screening. Residents interested in a screening should call the Union County Office of Health Management at 908-518-5620 to pre-register. Members of the public who are not pre-registered for a screening are also encouraged to come and learn how to keep from being overexposed to the sun.

Personnel from the Union County Office of Health Management, Springfield Board of Health, and Empire Medical Associates will be on site to provide free skin cancer screenings and help residents learn how to reduce their risk of skin cancer.

“Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski. “The Freeholder Board is very proud to join with the Chronic Disease Coalition and the Township of Springfield to help the public connect with information and resources that can reduce the risk of skin cancer, and lead to early detection.”

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.

Overexposure from the sun is one of the most preventable risk factors for melanoma and other types of skin cancer. Common sense precautions include:

– Cover up exposed skin with long sleeve shirts and long pants in tightly woven fabrics.
– Opt for a wide-brimmed hat over a baseball cap for better protection of the 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.
– Liberally apply a broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, and reapply frequently.
– Avoid indoor tanning beds, which are proven to increase risk for skin cancer.

This event is sponsored by: the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders, Union County Office of Health Management, Regional Chronic Disease Coalition of Middlesex & Union Counties, Springfield Board of Health, Empire Medical Associates., Atlantic Health System/ Overlook Medical Center and ShopRite of Union.