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Txting Sunscreen Rmnders Werx :)

Digital prodding pays off with increased usage: researchers

By Harry Kimball,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 23, 2009 2:40 PM CST

(Newser) – Just 20% of adults use sunscreen regularly, a distressing number for skin cancer specialists. But far more can receive text messages, and people who receive a daily text message instructing them to slap on the Coppertone are surprisingly likely to pay attention. More than half followed through when they received the reminders, according to a new study; just 30% of those who didn’t get the texts broke out the sunscreen on their own. How did the researchers know? Electronic bottle monitoring.

“I see people with skin cancers all the time,” the lead researcher tells the Boston Globe. “And they say, ‘If only I’d known what I was supposed to do.’”

Women apply sunscreen.
Women apply sunscreen.   (Getty Images)
A man applies sunscreen. Did he get a text?
A man applies sunscreen. Did he get a text?   (Getty Images)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
JGirl
Nov 24, 2009 7:12 AM CST
wouldn't it suck if we found out that sunscreen caused cancer??
Jes
Nov 23, 2009 9:29 AM CST
Add in that past generations fair skin was trendy, people didn't use tanning beds and it's little wonder more people have skin cancer now.
attaboy
Nov 23, 2009 8:49 AM CST
But pls don't text me if I am carrying my cell phone on my body, because then you are really cutting into my cancer budget for the month ....
 

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