Impact Statement for   Connie Sue Jones-Woolery

Planning Unit	065 - Estill County
Area	310 - Bluegrass
Reporting Year	2001
Last Updated	07/05/2001 1:16:41 PM
CMAP	5 - Profitable and Sustainable Agriculture
PAC	430 - Individuals engage in healthy lifestyle practices
Title	Be Skin Smart - Sun Exposure and Skin Damage

Impact Statement

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. The principle cause of skin cancer is over exposure to sunlight, especially when it results in a sunburn and blistering. The good news is that most skin cancer can be prevented with proper precaution. Nine cases of melanomia were reported in Estill County in 2000.

The Estill County Homemaker Advisory Council knew how to get this information to the farmer. That was through his wife. Therefore a "Be Skin Smart Sun Exosure and Skin Damage" Program was planned and implemented at at Farm Field Day. The program consisted of a Fashion Show modeling different styles ofhats and explaining why different style hats were more protective than others, a sunglass exhibit allowed discussion on UV rated sunglasses, sunscreens of SPF of 15 or more is extremely important to the farmer, last but not least is monthly self-exams to see changes of moles or unusual growth on the skin.

Seventy six people participated. Pre-test and post-test were given to each participant which showed
- Ninety five percent knew a baseball cap was not ideal
for sun protection.
- Twenty percent pay attention to UV rating when
purchasing sunglasses.
- Seventy five percent reported they will buy better or
UV rated glasses at their next purchase.
- Twenty five participants visited sunbeds frequently.
- One Hundred percent reported learning there is no
such thing as a healthy tan.
- One Hundred percent reported learning rural areas use
tanning beds more than urban areas.
- One Hundred percent reported they will use sunscreen
and/or encourage their spouse to use sunscreen.
- One Hundred percent reported they will do self exams
and/or encourage their spouse to because the majority
of skin cancer can be cured if detected early.