May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and on this important episode of Fishing the DMV, I am joined by Mercy Viator, Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner, to talk about two of the most dangerous threats facing anglers, hunters, hikers, kayakers, campers, and outdoor people everywhere: skin cancer and ticks/Lyme disease. When most people think about outdoor danger, they usually think about bad weather, rough water, accidents, hooks, wildlife, or getting lost. But the truth is, two of the biggest long-term health risks for people who spend a lot of time outside are sun exposure that can lead to skin cancer and tick bites that can lead to Lyme disease. These are serious outdoor health risks that every angler, hunter, and outdoorsman needs to take seriously before their next trip. In this episode, we break down why preparation matters, how to better protect yourself, and why prevention should be part of your regular fishing, hunting, hiking, and outdoor routine. Anglers are especially exposed because we spend long hours on the water under direct sunlight, reflected UV rays, and constantly changing weather conditions. We discuss the importance of routine skin checks, early detection, sun safety, and making UV protection a non-negotiable part of your gear. Mercy shares insight on the right type of sunscreen for fishing, how often you should reapply it, what sun-protective clothing actually helps, and why wide-brim hats, face coverings, sunglasses, gloves, and lightweight UV gear should be treated just like rods, reels, tackle, life jackets, and safety equipment. Whether you’re fishing a tournament, bank fishing a local pond, wading a river, kayaking, or spending all day on the boat, protecting yourself from the sun is one of the most important things you can do to stay healthy for the long run. We also dive into ticks and Lyme disease, another major threat for anyone who spends time outdoors across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond. If you fish from the bank, hike through wooded trails, hunt, camp, kayak, or walk through tall grass to reach your favorite spot, tick prevention needs to be on your radar. Lyme disease can have serious long-term effects, and we discuss practical steps you can take to reduce your risk, check yourself after outdoor adventures, and make sure you are prepared before heading outside. The goal of this episode is simple: help anglers, hunters, and outdoor people understand that preparation can make all the difference. You can’t always control the sun, the weather, the woods, or the water, but you can control whether you wear the right clothing, use the right sunscreen, check for ticks, and build smart habits that protect your health. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who loves fishing, hunting, hiking, kayaking, camping, boating, or spending time outside. Protecting yourself from skin cancer and Lyme disease is not optional — it is part of being prepared. Topics covered in this episode include: Skin Cancer Awareness Month Melanoma prevention for anglers Why sun exposure is dangerous for fishermen Sun safety while fishing Best sunscreen habits for outdoor people UV fishing clothing and sun-protective gear Fishing hats, face masks, gloves, and sunglasses Why anglers should get routine skin checks Tick prevention for fishermen, hunters, and hikers Lyme disease awareness in the outdoors How to check yourself for ticks after fishing or hunting Outdoor safety tips for the Mid-Atlantic fishing community Whether you fish the Potomac River, Shenandoah River, Susquehanna River, Chesapeake Bay, Lake Anna, Smith Mountain Lake, Buggs Island, the Upper James River, or your local pond, this episode is a reminder that protecting your health is part of being prepared on the water, in the woods, and anywhere the outdoors takes you. On this exciting episode of Fishing the DMV, I am joined by Mercy Viator, Dermatology Certified Nurse Practitioner. Mercy Viator on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dermnpmercy?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Mercy Viator on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dermnpmercy?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Mercy Viator Top Choice on the best sunscreen to buy: https://shopmy.us/collections/5423594 Please support Fishing the DMV on Patreon: https://patreon.com/FishingtheDMVPodcast If you are interested in being on the show or a sponsorship opportunity, please reach out to me at fishingtheDMV@gmail.com LMD Enterprises: http://lmdoil.com/ Jake’s bait & Tackle Website: http://www.jakesbaitandtackle.com/ Link to Tactical Fishing Company: https://tacticalfishingco.com/ Fishing Pro Tech: https://www.facebook.com/FishingProTech Phone Number: (757) 566-1278 Email: lin@fishingprotech.us Fishing Pro Tech Address: 7812-A Richmond Road, Toano, VA, United States, 23168 Support the show
