May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month—and with summer just around the corner in Arkansas, now is the time to protect your skin. As the days grow longer and the sun gets stronger, so do the risks of harmful UV exposure. At Healthy Connections, our Family Nurse Practitioners are here to help you take the right steps to prevent, detect, and treat skin cancer before it becomes dangerous.
Whether you’re planning lake days, ballgames, or just mowing the yard, your skin is on the front lines. That’s why this month is the perfect reminder to schedule a skin check, learn what to watch for, and take action before summer hits full force.
Why Skin Cancer Deserves Your Attention
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with more than 5 million new cases diagnosed each year. The good news? It’s also highly preventable and very treatable when caught early.
Our team at Healthy Connections offers skin cancer screenings across Arkansas, including in Hot Springs, Mena, Little Rock, Malvern, Russellville, and other communities. These screenings are quick, straightforward, and could save your life. We make it easy with same-day and walk-in appointments, and we accept Medicaid, Medicare, most insurance, and offer a sliding-fee scale for those without insurance.
Don’t Ignore These 5 Early Warning Signs
Heading into summer, keep a close eye on your skin. You should especially watch for:
- A mole or spot that has changed in size, shape, or color
- Asymmetry—one half doesn’t match the other
- Irregular, notched, or blurred borders
- Spots with multiple colors or unusual shades
- Sores that don’t heal, bleed, or itch persistently
If something doesn’t look right—get it checked. Early detection is key.
Protect Yourself with These 5 Summer-Ready Habits
Sun safety is more than just remembering sunscreen at the pool. These everyday actions can protect you all season long:
- Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen daily—even on overcast days
- Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors or after swimming
- Stay out of peak UV sun hours, typically 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Avoid tanning beds, which drastically increase melanoma risk
- Wear UV-blocking gear like wide-brim hats, long sleeves, and sunglasses
Your skin is your body’s largest organ—take care of it before the summer sun takes a toll.
Arkansas Sun. Real Risks. Real Solutions.
Here in Arkansas, summer means more time outside—and more exposure to harmful UV rays. We see patients every year who delay a skin check because they think a spot “doesn’t look bad.” Sometimes, they’re wrong. And when it comes to cancer, time matters.
Our Family Nurse Practitioners are trained to catch the signs early and provide fast, effective care. Don’t wait for something to get worse before taking action. A five-minute check can make all the difference.
Get Your Skin Checked Today
This May, take one small step that could save your life. Healthy Connections is your trusted partner for Arkansas skin cancer screenings, preventive care, and total wellness.
Call 888-710-8220 or book online at www.healthy-connections.org.
Let’s go into summer strong—protected, informed, and healthy.
