The Cancer You Can See

It’s almost Memorial Day.  The weather is warming and the days are lengthening.  We’re all more than ready to head out to the park, the garden, the beach.  But before we run out and play we need to remember to be safe in the sun:

• Cover it up – Clothing, hats, and sunglasses provide great protection
  against UV rays and you don’t have to reapply like sunscreen.
• Play in the shade – Try to find ways to stick to the shade when possible but remember UV rays are still going to get through.
• Know your sunscreen – SPF stands for skin protection factor. if you use an SPF 15
  product exactly as directed it would take you 15 times longer to burn than if you weren’t wearing sunscreen. Be sure to read labels and follow directions.
• Shield the wee ones – Infants up to six months should be kept out of the sun rather than covered with sunscreen. Clothing should cover babies’ torso, arms, and legs, and hats, sunglasses and stroller covers can provide additional protection.  After 6 months you can begin adding sunscreen.  And be sure to speak to caregivers about safety in the sun.
• Look out for windows – Remember that upholstered chair in front of the window that faded over the years? UVA windows can penetrate glass so don’t forget sunscreen and coverups even in the car or in window seats on flights.
• Say no to tanning beds – Just say no. You know they’re not healthy.
• Early detection is key – Skin cancer is the cancer you can SEE. Yet it often goes undetected in the early stages. It’s important that you get to know your skin, check yourself in the mirror and keep these three simple words in mind: NEW, CHANGING or UNUSUAL. It could save your life.

Now get out there and enjoy the great outdoors this summer – safely!