Because of the warm, sunny spring weekend, there was no shortage of beaming, sunburned faces at work on Monday.

After months of cold and clouds, North Idahoans are drawn to dazzling sunshine like bugs to burning bulbs. Unfortunately, the result in both cases can be the same.

Healthy doses of Vitamin D notwithstanding, the sun can kill us. Each year, more than 2 million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer, and Ol' Sol is Culprit No. 1. Even way up here.

"Idaho actually has some of the highest rates of occurrence and death from melanoma in the country," said Dermatologist Stephen Craig. "It may be due to the way we get our sun exposure. We can get our sun in intense bursts. . . ."

The best medicine is to avoid over-exposure in the first place. But for those who have ever overdone fun in the sun, there's a simple and free way to check for skin cancer.

This Saturday from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Post Falls Cancer Center, 1440 E. Mullan Ave., you can have professionals from Kootenai Health, North Idaho Dermatology and Advanced Dermatology check you for any areas of concern. These might include new spots or older spots that have changed shape or color.

Spurred by the fact that nearly half of all fair-skinned Americans who live to be 65 will have at least one form of skin cancer, The Press sent a staff member to the free spot check screening last Saturday at the Coeur d'Alene Cancer Center. As instructed, he had made an appointment and arrived a couple minutes early for simple paper work that took only a minute to fill out.

The checkup was performed by two friendly, knowledgeable professionals. The appointment was comfortable, quick and concluded with helpful recommendations. In total, he was there 15 minutes. Observing others as well, the patient noted how efficiently and compassionately the entire process was conducted. All told, 170 people took advantage of the free spot checks.

There's no need to take unnecessary chances with your health. Call Katie Slater with Kootenai Clinic's Cancer Services at (208) 666-3148 to make your spot check appointment for this Saturday in Post Falls. Then enjoy the great days ahead.