BY CASEY KOZLOWSKI
Commissioner
Ashtabula County
Hello, Ashtabula County! I wanted to take some time this month to talk about something that is important to me personally and important for all our county’s residents. July is recognized as UV Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about ultraviolet radiation from the sun and the impact it can have on our skin and eyes.
This topic is personal to me because I have faced skin cancer in the past.
I am very fair-skinned, and for most of my life I have had to be mindful of spending too much time in the sun because I burn easily. Like many people, when I was younger, I probably did not use sunscreen as often as I should have. At the time, you do not necessarily think about the long-term consequences of sun exposure, but the damage can add up over the years.
Today, I try to do a much better job of protecting myself. If I know I am going to be outside for any length of time, I apply sunscreen and take precautions. I have also learned that you do not have to spend an entire day outside to be affected by the sun. Even shorter periods of exposure can have an impact, especially during the summer months.
In my situation, I noticed an abnormal spot on my face that appeared very quickly. I knew something did not look right, so I made an appointment with a dermatologist to have it checked. The spot was removed and tested, and it was determined to be basal cell carcinoma.
Fortunately, we caught it and addressed it. That experience was an important reminder for me not to ignore changes in your skin or assume that an unusual spot will simply go away.
Today, I have regular checkups and try to routinely check my skin for new or changing spots. If you notice something unusual, do not put off having it checked by a medical professional. Early detection and treatment can make a significant difference.
As we enjoy summer in Ashtabula County, whether you are spending time at the lake, attending one of our community festivals, working outside, visiting the county fair, or simply enjoying your backyard, please remember to protect yourself from the sun. Use sunscreen, seek shade, when possible, wear protective clothing and sunglasses, and stay hydrated during periods of extreme heat.
We are fortunate to have many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors throughout Ashtabula County, and I certainly encourage everyone to take advantage of them. At the same time, taking a few simple precautions today can help protect your health for years to come.
July being UV Awareness Month is a good reminder for all of us. Protect your skin, pay attention to changes in your body, schedule regular checkups when appropriate, and do not hesitate to talk with your healthcare provider if something does not look right.
Enjoy the summer, stay safe, and take care.
