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•T h e IF P • H al to n H ill s •T hu rs d ay , A ug us t 7 , 2 01 4 6 OPINION Frequently in this space, The Independent & Free Press offers public safety reminders to resi- dents who are busy planning their leisure time. These public service messages often relate to health risks associated with such behaviour as drinking and driving, speeding and distracted driv- ing. After some recent close calls involving local children, our attention has shifted to the number of senseless and preventable deaths due to drown- ing. The very real danger of leaving pets, young chil- dren or the elderly in parked cars on hot summer days has also been an ongoing message we've tried to disseminate to help prevent tragedies. As the summer moves into its second month, we've devoted this editorial to another hazard that puts a staggering number of lives in jeopardy -- a peril many of us might not necessarily equate with the pursuit of summertime fun. According to the Canadian Cancer Society, mel- anoma skin cancer is the fastest rising of all can- cers in our country and we need to be doing far more to protect ourselves from damaging ultravio- let (UV) radiation, which causes about 90 per cent of melanoma cases. An estimated 6,500 new cases of malignant melanoma and another 76,100 cases of non-mel- anoma skin cancers are expected to be diagnosed in 2014. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, with 1,050 Canadians expected to die from it this year. But they don't have to. "Skin cancer is a largely preventable disease if Canadians use proper sun protection and do not use indoor tanning," according to Dr. Prithwish De, an epidemiologist with the Canadian Cancer Society. Recent surveys find that while Canadian adults are spending more time in the sun during their summer leisure time, fewer report wearing protec- tive clothing or hats or paying attention to daily UV index forecasts. If you would like more information about Ca- nadian cancer statistics and tips to help prevent melanoma, visit cancer.ca. The Independent & Free Press is published Thursday and is one of sev- eral Metroland Media Group Ltd. community newspapers. Editorial and advertising content of The Independent & Free Press is protected by copy- right. Unauthorized use is prohibited. The Independent & Free Press is a member of the Ontario Press Council, which is an independent ethical organization established to deal with editorial concerns. For additional information or to file a complaint, contact info@ ontpress.com or call 416- 340-1981. The Independent & Free Press Summer dangers Letters to the editor Our Government believes it is important to remind Canadian vet- erans and their families about the various benefits and supports avail- able to them if they are in need. Benefits like thousands of dollars of monthly financial income for those veterans who are seriously injured or career transition services that help a veteran apply their world class experience and training to a civilian career. Sometimes veterans can leave the Forces and have no need for benefits for 5, 10 or 15 years only to have a service condition impact their ability to function later in life. Our job is to remind them that sup- port is indeed available, especially when it comes to transitioning from the Canadian Armed Forces to a civilian career. If you know someone who has served in the Canadian Armed Forces, after thanking them for their service you should make sure they read this note and visit our website www.veterans.gc.ca. Canadian Veterans need to know about the programs and supports available to them and with your support we will make sure they get the message. Julian Fantino PC, MP Minister of Veterans Affairs Are you happy with this summer's weather? Happy: (57%) Unhappy: (43%) WEB POLL RESULTS (Go to www.theifp.ca) Help is there for veterans Customer service is alive and well Exceptional 'no hassell' customer service is alive and well in George- town. When I was looking for a reliable used car, my nephew who lives in Mississauga recommended Dave Hassell at Hassell Automotive, where I did purchase a vehicle and have been very satisfied with the car and the mechanics. Eight years later deciding it was time to upgrade my 2002, I felt con- fident returning to Hassell and I pur- chased a compact with a hatchback. I am a senior, rather short in stature, and realized after three days I was going to have a serious problem reaching up to close the hatchback. Letters must include the author's name, address and daytime phone number. Anony- mous letters will not be published. Letters should not exceed 150 words and may be edited for content and/or length. Publica- tion is not guaranteed. Email: cvernon@metroland.com Mail or drop off: Independent & Free Press, 280 Guelph St., Unit 77, Georgetown, ON., L7G 4B1. Letters policy 905-873-0301 Publisher: Dana Robbins General manager: Steve Foreman (sforeman@theifp.ca) Retail advertising manager: Cindi Campbell (ccampbell@theifp.ca) Managing editor: Chris Vernon (cvernon@metroland.com) Distribution manager: Nancy Geissler (ngeissler@theifp.ca) Classifieds/Real Estate Kristie Pells (classified@theifp.ca or realestate@theifp.ca) Classified Call Centre 1-855-415-8237 haltonhillsclassads@metroland.com Accounting 1-866-773-6575 Editorial Cynthia Gamble: News editor (cgamble@theifp.ca) Lisa Tallyn: Staff writer (ltallyn@theifp.ca) Eamonn Maher: Staff writer/sports (emaher@theifp.ca) Get the latest headlines delivered to your inbox by signing up for our twice weekly electronic newsletter. Go to www.theifp.ca and click on 'Newsletter sign-up' at the bottom of the homepage. Terribly embarrassed, feeling like an old fool, I returned to the dealership. Dave understood completely with barely a hesitation he agreed to look for a more suitable vehicle. Within weeks I had the suitable, more com- fortable 'new' used car. Deservedly, (The IFP's) Halton Hills Readers Choice has awarded Hassell Automotive as the best used car sales/auto repair shop since 2007. Evelyn Watson, Georgetown