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SUMMER
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As Summer Nears, American Cancer Society Shines Light on Skin Cancer Chicago, May 22, 2025 – More than 5 million cases of skin cancer are estimated to be diagnosed each year in the United States, making it the most-commonly diagnosed cancer in the country. For Skin Cancer Awareness Month this May, the American Cancer Society (ACS) is shining a light on the fact that nearly all skin cancers can be treated effectively, if they are found early. While about 8 out of 10 new skin cancer cases are basal cell cancers, in Illinois, there will be an estimated 4,220 of new cases of melanoma of the skin in 2025. “Skin cancer risk factors are present every day of every season, but they are greater in the summer when days are longer and ultraviolet rays are more intense,” said Dr. Jennifer N. Choi, Professor of Dermatology Chief, Divisions of Oncodermatology and Medical Dermatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center. “Because of this, it’s important to be sun sensible and take the necessary steps to lower your risk.” Ultraviolet (UV) rays are the most common cause of skin cancer, and simply staying in the shade is one of the best ways to limit your UV exposure. While sunlight is the main source of UV rays, artificial sources, such as tanning beds, also expose people to UV radiation. If you are going to be in the sun, ACS recommends that you seek shade and “Slip! Slop! Slap!® and Wrap,” a reminder of some key steps that can help protect against UV rays: • Slip on a shirt. While all clothing provides some UV protection, some clothes are made specially to help block UV rays. • Slop on sunscreen. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 on exposed areas of skin year-round. Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating, even if it’s labeled as “waterproof.” • Slap on a hat. Opting for a hat on a sunny day can help shade your face from the sun. A hat with a wide
brim around your head can also help protect your ears and neck. • Wrap on sunglasses. Sunglasses that block UV rays can help protect the eyes and skin around them. Anyone can get skin cancer. Though people with lighter skin are more likely to get skin cancer, those who have darker skin are also at risk of developing the disease. The best way to catch skin cancer early is to get into the routine of checking your skin for changes – look for a new growth or spot, or a change in the size, shape or color of a mole. “Skin cancer can happen to anyone regardless of age, ethnicity, or the shade of your skin,” said Dr. Choi. “Checking your skin regularly may help you identify new growths or any abnormal areas and show them to your doctor. Seek attention if you notice a new spot that in particular is growing rapidly or starts to bleed. While many skin changes are non-cancerous, skin cancers are common and can be subtle. Some precancerous lesions can also turn into cancer if left untreated. So if you notice a questionable spot, it’s best to get it checked out.” ACS recommends testing your sun safety IQ by visiting their website to take the Sun Safety Quiz. In addition, our new comprehensive cancer risk assessment tool, CancerRisk360, can offer a better understanding of several factors that may increase your risk of developing skin cancer. About the American Cancer Society The American Cancer Society is a leading cancerfighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. For more than 110 years, we have been improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support. We are committed to ensuring everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. To learn more, visit cancer.org or call our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-2272345. Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.
Benny the Bull Joins Giannoulias to Promote REAL ID Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and Benny the Bull joined forces today to remind Illinoisans that the office continues to issue REAL IDs following the May 7 enforcement date. Giannoulias hosted Benny at the office’s REAL ID Supercenter, located at 191 N. Clark St., where the Bulls mascot took advantage of some downtime during the summer break to apply for a REAL ID before the NBA season kicks off in the fall. “As we’ve been saying for months, the May 7 REAL ID ‘deadline’ wasn’t really a deadline. The enforcement period has begun at airports and the unprecedented demand we experienced has started to wane,” Giannoulias said. “For those still interested in getting a REAL ID, we’re continuing to offer expanded service throughout the state for fast, specialized service.” Since the enforcement period took effect nearly two weeks ago, demand for REAL IDs in Illinois has dropped with fewer applicants applying at DMVs throughout the state. With the fewer daily applicants, Giannoulias and Benny encouraged Illinoisans to come in now – and throughout the summer – for faster service. The Secretary of State’s office will continue offering expanded service with the REAL ID Supercenter in Chicago’s Loop. The office’s REAL ID Saturdays program will offer weekend hours for the last time on May 30. All Illinois DMVs will be closed on Saturday, May 24, and Monday, May 26, in observance of the Memorial Day weekend. The office issued more than 185,000 REAL IDs in April, a record monthly total, and issued over 10,000 REAL IDs on May 2, a single day record for the office. Since then, daily REAL ID applications have hovered around 7,000 per day. The REAL ID Saturday demand has also waned
with under 6,000 REAL IDs issued on May 17, compared to 9,000 on May 3. For Illinoisans with flight plans, it is recommended they submit their REAL ID application at least 30 days prior to the flight. A temporary driver’s license or state ID will not be accepted as a REAL ID-compliant form of identification. The office’s REAL ID portal, available at realid.ilsos. gov makes it easy for Illinoisans to determine: 1) if they need a REAL ID; and 2) how to find a walk-in location or schedule an appointment near them. Individuals applying for a REAL ID must do so inperson at an Illinois DMV and are required to present: 1. A U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Naturalization Certificate, Report of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, an employment authorization document, a permanent resident card or a foreign passport with an approved I-94 form is also acceptable. If you’ve changed your name, you’ll need to provide name change documents. 2. Proof of a full Social Security number (SSN). Examples include: a Social Security card, a W-2 or a pay stub with your full SSN. 3. Two current residency documents that list your full name. Examples include a utility bill, rental agreement, deed/title or a bank statement. 4. Proof of your signature. Examples include: a signed credit or debit card, canceled check, or current state driver’s license or state ID. Illinois residents can go online to access an interactive checklist to make sure they have the documents they need before heading to a DMV.
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A How-To Guide for Deep Cleaning Your Grill (Family Features) A clean grill can enhance the flavor of your food, making regular grill maintenance an essential part of your outdoor cooking routine. Grills, especially those exposed to the elements, can accumulate dirt, rust and food residue that can affect performance and safety. Plus, residual char and grease can impart unwanted flavors and even lead to flare-ups. Once you’ve gathered the right tools – a sturdy grill brush with stainless steel bristles, a scraper, a bucket of soapy water, microfiber cloths and grill cleaner or degreaser – consult this step-by-step guide to keep your grill in pristine condition, ensuring delicious meals every time. 1. Preheat the grill for 15 minutes to loosen any stuckon residue then turn it off and let it cool slightly. 2. Ensure the gas supply is turned off before cleaning. Remove the grates and scrub them thoroughly with a grill brush and warm, soapy water. Rinse and let dry. 3. Clean burners by wiping them with a damp cloth. 4. Scrape the inside of the grill to remove any debris and use a vacuum to collect loose dirt and ash. 5. Wipe down the exterior of the grill with a microfiber cloth and grill cleaner. 6. Reassemble the grill once all parts are dry and give it a final wipe down. In between deep cleanings, remember to clean your grill grates immediately after cooking while they are still warm to remove food particles and grease.