Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Enjoy the Utah summer, but wear sunscreen and check the air quality before exposure spoils the fun.
Urban Living
Posted By Babs De Lay on May 21, 2025, 4:00 AM
The first day of summer is about one month away. It's certainly time to pack up your winter sweaters and heavy coats and say goodbye to cold days and cabin fever!
Summer means tons of fun in the sun, right? I'll bet you weren't aware that—per the City of Hope research center—Utah leads the nation in skin cancer cases, and we might all want to pay closer attention to how much our skin gets exposed to the sun's rays.
Researchers found that Utah and northern states rank among the highest risk of melanoma cancer rates. We have a high population of fair-skinned people, and we love to hike and bike and enjoy our outdoor adventures. But without proper sun protection, clothing and goo, we put ourselves at risk for melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Several notable people have died of skin cancer, like Bob Marley, Suzanne Somers, Richard Simmons, Jimmy Buffett, Donna Summer and Burt Reynolds. Marley had a very rare form of it that began under his right big toe toenail. He thought the dark spot was from a soccer injury and paid no attention until it was too late.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer and can be prevented in many cases by following simple practices, like avoiding the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., wearing protective clothing, hats and sunglasses, and using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, which you should apply every two hours when you're outside. Also, tanning beds that emit UV radiation are especially harmful. Check yourself regularly for any changes in moles and if you can, get to a dermatologist for skin cancer screening if you can.
The old Walker Center tower downtown acts as a weathervane, of sorts. It lights up each night either steady blue, flashing blue, steady red or flashing red, indicating the next day's likelihood for clear skies, clouds, rain and snow. The sign has been updated with LED lighting and, like the Empire State Building, it can be programmed for other colors during holidays. This local landmark predicts the weather, but there's a new signal in town one block away on the 41-story Astra Tower, now the tallest skyscraper in Utah.
Located at 89 E. 200 South, the Astra features crown lighting at the top of its tower, tied to live air-quality monitors. The lights are primed to shine white, orange, red or purple, depending on prevailing pollution levels.
A white color displayed at the top of the building means good or moderate air quality, while orange signals that the air is unhealthy for sensitive groups and precautions should be taken. Red, purple or maroon colors indicate even more hazardous air quality levels, with the recommendation that the public stays inside and refrains from outdoor activities.
We just had really strong winds in the state last week and for days, the toxic dust from the ever-shrinking Great Salt Lake blew all over us.
About The Author
Babs De Lay
A full-time broker/owner of Urban Utah Homes and Estates, Babs De Lay serves on the Salt Lake City Historic Landmark Commission. A writer and golfer, you'll find them working as a staff guardian at the Temple at Burning Man each year.
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