Everybody Walk Across PA - Spring 2026 Week 6 Newsletter
This week's tip from Madison N. Kist, MD, and Charlene Lam, MD, MPH, from the Penn State Health S. Hershey Medical Center, Department of DermatologyÂ
Protecting Your Skin: What Pennsylvania's Melanoma Trends Across Agricultural Practices Mean for You
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, melanoma is the most common life-threatening form of skin cancer, and you may be more at risk based on your job and where you live. In a recent study by researchers at Penn State Health, Marks et al. (2025), certain counties in Pennsylvania that contained or were located near cultivated farmland and those with higher herbicide use were found to have notably higher rates of melanoma compared to other parts of the state. While the reasons behind these trends are and still being studied, we know that chronic sun exposure causes skin cancer. Protecting your skin from this element is the best way to reduce your risk! Â
We recommend wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days. Sunscreen should be applied at least 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours, or every 45 minutes if swimming or sweating. Try to avoid the most intense sunlight between 10 AM and 3 PM, when ultraviolet radiation is strongest, and seek shade whenever possible. Additionally, protective clothing, including wide-brimmed hats and UPF-rated clothing, provides an extra layer of protection. See a board-certified dermatologist for regular skin checks or for any changing lesions.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology. (2024, November 4). Skin cancer: Everyone's at risk.Â
- Marks, B. J., Liao, J., Lam, C., Moeckel, C., & Lengerich, E. J. (2025). Harvesting risk: An ecologic study of agricultural practices and patterns and melanoma incidence in Pennsylvania. JCO Clinical Cancer Informatics, 9, e2500160. doi.org/10.1200/CCI-25-00160
Photo Scavenger Hunt
Master Gardener Tip: Garden Ecology
Ecological Gardening is a term used to describe planting decisions based on where you live: the soil, moisture, and habitat. Instead of choosing plants that just look good, choose plants that have ecological value. Look at a plant differently: What insects does it attract? Does it grow naturally in this area? Will it provide a food source for birds? Does it grow deep roots to help filter water?
How a garden is designed and what plants are chosen have a direct impact on the soil, water, and animals that live in the area. Begin looking at plants differently as selections are made for the garden, and watch it come alive! To learn more about Ecological Landscaping read this article by Connecticut College.
Recipe of the Week
Classic Caesar Salad This salad makes a healthy addition to any meal! Find many more diabetes friendly recipes when you sign up for our Dining with Diabetes program.
Resource Highlights
Simple Ways to Reduce Your Cancer Risk While our environment, our family history, and our genetics influence our risk of developing cancer, so, too, do the choices we make each day.
Gardening Safely in the Sun Gardening and lawn care can lead to hours in the sun, and as enjoyable as that may be, it does come with some risks. Being aware of the sun's effects on our bodies and the knowledge of how to minimize our risks can keep us safe in the sun.
How to Enjoy the Sun Safely Learn about skin protective practices to decrease overexposure to the sun. This video provides examples of skin changes a doctor should examine.
Upcoming Events
Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia Learn during this webinar the basics of Alzheimer's and dementia.
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's Learn during this informative virtual event to recognize the common signs of Alzheimer's Disease.
Plants in the Park Explore common forest plants on a guided walk with a forestry extension educator. Learn basic identification skills, observe key features, and connect with nature on an easy, scenic trail.
