It's "Don't Fry Day" Friday - Skin Cancer Risk Awareness

Idaho has the highest melanoma death rate in the nation. Today is an educational awareness day that melanoma and other skin cancer risks increase with ultraviolet radiation overexposure from the sun, or indoor tanning devices. Idaho men are more likely than Idaho women to be diagnosed with melanoma. The risk of developing any type of skin cancer during a lifetime is one in five. EPA fact sheet on skin cancer in Idaho available by clicking here.

Drinking Water Week - ID has almost 2,000 Water Systems

There are 1,991 public drinking water systems in Idaho - serving about 1.2 million people. Those systems have to abide by safety standards and regulations. It's also common for Idahoans to get their drinking water from a private well, which should meet safety standards, but it's up to the well-owner to do testing, and if needed, treatment. (info via the Idaho DEQ)

Air Quality Awareness Week in Idaho

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has declared this week Air Quality Awareness Week. The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality provides daily updates on air quality around the state. The picture above was taken Sunday in Boise, when the air quality rating was "good," with ozone the most noticable pollutant. Look up air quality information by clicking here.

Idaho Reaches 75% in Census Participation

The U.S. Census announced today that Idaho's participation rate has reached 75 percent. Door-to-door work begins Saturday.

What's Idaho's Beef? It's National Prime Rib Day

According to Idaho Agricultural Statistics, there are more than two million head of cattle and calves in Idaho. The value of all that cattle is more than two billion dollars. Idaho beef production accounts for about two percent of nationwide production. University of Idaho Extension offers additional insights. Click here to read on.

Idaho's State Seal - the Only One Designed by a Woman

Idaho's state seal [image via Wikipedia]. The Gem State is the only state with a seal based on a design by a woman. Emma Edwards Green's version of the seal became official in 1891. The current version, seen above, is based on her design and made its debut in 1957. You can read about Emma and see her original version by clicking here.

Frog Month - Idaho is Home to Several Kinds

April is "Frog Month," and Idaho is home to at least six types of frogs...and toads. Above is a Columbia spotted frog [U.S. BLM image]. We also have tree frogs in Idaho, mostly in North Idaho. Frog and toad details available here.