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REMARKS BY:  DONNA E. SHALALA, SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
PLACE: CHOOSE YOUR COVER SKIN CANCER PREVENTION CAMPAIGN KICK-OFF, WASHINGTON, DC
DATE: MAY 20, 1998

It's great to be here to kick off summer - especially after the wet winter we've had. It's true that it was an unusually mild one in Washington, but around the country Americans either got too much snow, or not enough snow. Too much rain or not enough rain. Too much surf or not enough surf. The culprit was El Nino.

Well say good-bye to El Nino. He's on his way out. And this weekend, summer is on it's way in. But, with summer there's a higher risk that can be just as menacing as El Nino - skin cancer from too much sun. As Dr. Broome just explained, skin cancer is the most common and the most rapidly increasing form of cancer. And, we know that skin cancer can be caused by the sun's ultraviolet rays.

Today, we issue an official warning: The sun can give you health and enjoyment. But the sun is not a toy. Use only as directed.

So before you start the barbecues, and before you pack the beach towels and the kids into the car, you have to ask yourself: Are you ready to protect your skin - and your family's skin -- from the dangers of the hot summer sun? It's a question that we should all be asking of ourselves, asking each other, especially young people.

From day one of this Administration, we've been reaching out to young people, trying to give them the right messages about their health - and their future. And, we've consistently spread the message about prevention. We have emphasized that they have the power to control their future and to live longer, healthier lives. They have the power to say no to drugs. They have the power to reject the lure of alcohol and binge drinking. They have the power to stay tobacco-free. They have the power to eat right, stay fit and stay healthy.

And, today, we also say to them: You have the power to prevent skin cancer. Our skin is one of a kind. It's the only one we'll ever have.

Once you get to be my age, you learn that the fountain of youth, is not a mythical island off the coast. It's not the stuff with the exotic name that they sell in the herbal store down at the mall. It's not the latest concoction being marketed on the web stores in cyberspace. The closest thing we have to the fountain of youth is a three part formula: it's prevention, prevention and more prevention.

That's our message for skin cancer, but for life in general. If you take care of yourself today, especially your skin, you will definitely see the results tomorrow. It's easy. You just have to choose your cover: You can protect your skin with sunscreen. You can cover yourself with a hat or clothing. You can find shade or just avoid the hot, midday sun altogether.

Dr. Broome has already pointed out that if you don't abuse your skin, if you protect it as you should, your risk of getting skin cancer will go down.

That's the most important reason to protect your skin, but it's not the only reason: You will also have less freckles, less wrinkles, and a healthier skin overall.

That's why, we are launching a bold, new, five year campaign called "Choose Your Cover" to educate all Americans, but especially young people about the dangers of hot summer sun. It will also highlight the choices we have to protect ourselves from the sun. "Choose Your Cover" will be a national, multimedia campaign featuring television, print and radio public service announcements. The message is simple: To protect the skin you are in, choose your cover.

A key part of this campaign is instilling healthy behavior in young people at an early age. "Choose Your Cover" will include a partnership with Girl Power! our comprehensive on-going campaign to encourage 9-14 year old girls to make the most of their lives. We are adding a section to the Girl Power! web page to encourage girls to protect themselves from the sun.

The PSAs we're showing today highlight some of those choices we have to protect ourselves. The first PSA illustrates the facts and myths about skin cancer. This spot is entitled "Morphing." The second spot features a UV ray on a search for unprotected skin to damage. It's entitled "93 Million Miles." But all of us need to reinforce these messages to our young people, as much as we can.