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Week Ending June 10, 2005

House Resolution 169 recognizing the importance of sun safety, and for other purposes.

BRIEF

   The Resolution takes aim at the fact that skin cancer, affecting 1 in 5 Americans and killing a person every hour, is on the rise but is preventable. Further, the Resolution supports National Sun Safety Week (June 5 through June 11, 2005) as proposed by the Sun Safety Alliance.

   And the Sun Safety Alliance is a coalition of various medical organizations headed by Coppertone sun products and the drugstores that sell the stuff as well as a Disney organization extension called Disney Hand. The Sun Safety Alliance spokeswoman is the President’s mother, former First Lady Barbara Bush.

Sponsor: Representative Michael Bilirakis (R-FL-9^th)

Vote: Passed House by voice vote (June 7, 2005)

Cost to the taxpayers: No discernible cost.

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MORE INFORMATION

   H. Res. 169

   Whereas Americans of all ages cherish the pleasures of outdoor activities, and too few recognize that overexposure to the sun and its ultraviolet radiation, classified by the Department of Health and Human Services as a known carcinogen, is the leading cause of skin cancer;

   Whereas it is critically important to be safe in the sun because skin cancer is the fastest growing cancer in our country today, affecting 1 in 5 Americans during their lifetimes and killing 1 person every hour of every day;

   Whereas more than 1,000,000 new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year, accounting for nearly half of all new cases of cancer and exceeding the incidence of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer combined;

   Whereas most people receive approximately 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure by age 18, setting the stage for skin cancer later in life;

   Whereas skin cancer is highly preventable by taking simple precautions when engaged in outdoor activities;

   Whereas research demonstrates that practicing good sun safety has the potential to significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer;

   Whereas the Sun Safety Alliance and its members have dedicated themselves to promoting sun safety, eliminating skin cancer from excessive sun exposure, and encouraging sun protection practices, especially among children; and

   Whereas the Sun Safety Alliance has designated the week of June 5, 2005, to June 11, 2005, as National Sun Safety Week: Now, therefore, be it

    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--

    (1) recognizes the importance of sun safety;

    (2) encourages all Americans to protect themselves and their children from the dangers of excessive sun exposure;

    (3) congratulates organizations like the Sun Safety Alliance for their efforts to promote sun safety and prevent skin cancer; and

    (4) supports the goals and ideals of National Sun Safety Week.

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