MAY IS NATIONAL SKIN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

We were in the dark on this one, but Aaron Hats (Aaron Kesmetis) sent it our way…FYI

A note from the Editor (me): This is the way to get free publicity from newspapers and magazines. Aaron Kesmetis is very good at wooing the media. He knows what makes a story (this is one great hook-up) and he courts the search engines insatiable need for new material. If you hire a PR person make sure they know how to write a press release and how to tell a decent story like this one.

I recently spoke to a PR person from a very large hat company (you may know who you are) and she guaranteed me she had a Journalism background and knew how to write a press release – Not so. I had to re-write the whole thing. There are other hat PR people in this industry (from other giant hatters) that should take a few PR courses or talk to the father of PR, Jack O’dwyer at jack@odwyerpr.com (or subscribe to their newsletter at odwyerpr.com)… he will tell you about PR.

The rest of you should get a hold of some good press releases and study them. We need the Who, What, Why, Where and When right up front. (and don’t use exclamation points)!

Here is the release we received from Aaron Hats this week:

“Advocates are giving a big “hats off” to people who keep their hats on.

According to the Center for Disease Control, skin cancer prevention is not to be taken lightly. The center published this statement on their website (www.cdc.gov): “Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays appears to be the most important environmental factor involved in the development of skin cancer. When used consistently, sun-protective practices can prevent skin cancer.”

Although wearing a high-SPF sunscreen that protects from UV rays is vitally important, the CDC stresses: “Get a hat. Hats that shade the face, scalp, ears, and neck are easy to use and give great protection.”

Fortunately, the hunt for hats as stylish as they are sun-protective is becoming increasingly fruitful, thanks to manufacturers like Sunday Afternoons, Tilley Endurables and Physician Endorsed – all of whom make fashionable, wide-brimmed hats out of UV-protective materials for people who live and work in the sun.

Shoppers can find a wide selection of these sun-protective brands, along with a variety of other wide brimmed hats at online retailers like the popular www.getahaton.com. Getahaton.com is a comprehensive website where visitors can browse through hundreds of hats by manufacturer, by category or look for special deals. The website is owned and operated by Aaron and MaryAnn Kesmetis, two hat enthusiasts who’ve channeled their passion for headwear into a colorful, easy-to navigate specialty shop that truly has something for everyone.

“Whether you’re looking for sun protection or to just make a fashion statement, we know finding the right hat is a deeply personal experience,” said Aaron Kesmetis. “No two people will wear a hat the same. That’s why our store, Aaron Hats, and our website, getahaton.com, both carry hundreds of hats and accessories from over 25 leading manufacturers. So everyone can find the hat that’s perfect for them. I think the ever-widening selection of headwear is encouraging more and more people to cover up the vulnerable skin on their face, neck and scalp.”

“After all, if you can protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays and look great doing it,” continued Kesmetis, “well, that’s just the best of both worlds, isn’t it?”

Aaron Hats carries hundreds of hats and accessories to fit every style and need. The store is located at: 2729 Main Street, North Conway, NH 03860. For hours and information please call: 1-877-386-HATS. Or shop on the web at: www.getahaton.com