Highmark offers free sun safety events at Highmark Direct stores

PITTSBURGH (June 30, 2017) — Outdoor summer activities can often lead to skin irritations from insect bites, poison ivy and sunburn. While most of these irritations are temporary, sunburn in particular can cause long-lasting damage to the skin.

To help raise awareness of the dangers of sun damage to the skin, Highmark will be hosting free sun safety events at its Highmark Direct stores this July.

The events will take place on the following dates and times at the following Highmark Direct locations:

• Saturday, July 1, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Allentown
• Saturday, July 15, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., South Hills
• Saturday, July 29, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Harrisburg

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, sunburns can significantly increase your risk for skin cancer and should be avoided at all costs by staying out of the sun for long periods of time and seeking shade as often as possible. Sunburns and suntans actually create DNA damage in the skin that can pave the way to skin cancer, the Skin Cancer Foundation reports.

"At Highmark, we believe we can play a role in helping to educate consumers on cancer preventive habits such as sun safety," said Charles DeShazer, M.D., chief medical officer for Highmark. "And the Highmark Direct stores are a great resource in the community to reach people with the message of staying safe while being outdoors this summer."

At the sun safety events, attendees can take advantage of free DermaView photos of their face, which can show early signs of skin damage.

The DermaView is used to assess an individual's skin and identifies oily, dry or sun damaged areas of the face. In a procedure that takes just minutes, participants place their face inside a box with a black light. This black light highlights the harmful effects of overexposure from the sun's UV rays. Nurses from Integrative Health 21 will then provide education materials to participants on the harmful effects of UV rays, proper use of sunscreen, hydration and regular check-ups with a dermatologist.

Attendees can also receive free sun-blocking items such as hats and sunscreen, while supplies last. Highmark members can also schedule appointments with local dermatologists.

"We encourage people to come out to these events, even if you aren't a Highmark member," said Dr. DeShazer. "Learning more about sun safety can help you avoid temporary skin irritation now, and the long-term effects of skin damage that can be caused by sun exposure."

Individuals interested in attending the free event should visit Highmark Direct to register in advance.