Great Day for a Walk

Rode around the Lake this afternoon on my bike after it quit raining and started to warm, and the weather was perfect to go for a walk.  Bike path is good at times, but sometimes you just need to get off of the beaten path and be alone to think.  It was a perfect day for that.  Everything is always so busy, with all of us having a thousand things to do, and even that won’t get us caught up.  We need to get things done, but we also need to take time to relax and enjoy.  In the next few days, it is supposed to cool down again, and then will warm back up again, and last awhile.  I am ready to hang on to these kind of days for as long as possible.  Take the time to get out…you won’t regret it.  Enjoy the coming week.

Dr. Dan

Consecutive Exercise Day #:  1453

Skin Cancer Prevention

The best way to protect yourself against skin cancer, whether melanoma or other type, is prevention.  Starting with what you wear can make a big difference.  Here I have a hat on, and one that would even be better is one with sides on to cover the ears.  I have a swim shirt with a SPF factor of 50 on, and long swim shorts.  The other thing to keep in mind is the sunscreen.  You want sunscreens that can block both UVA and UVB light.  Sunscreens with an SPF factor of 50, or sun protection factor of 50, more effectively block UVA with a higher SPF factor.  Below are some examples.

Sunscreens come with different SPF ratings, some as a cream, some as a spray on.  You want one that is more water or sweat proof.  For me, with my light complexion, I use a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 100.  They never had this when I was younger, and I have been burned enough times that I do not take any chances anymore.  I can spend time outside, either working, exercising, playing, whatever, and not worry about getting burned, which in the long run, increases your potential for the development of skin cancer.  The things you do today, will pay dividends in the future…in regards to many things!

Dr. Dan

Consecutive Exercise Day #:  1440

Protection from the Sun

A view of the sun as it was rising this AM– and with  the temps and humidity increasing as well, remember to keep in mind, not just today, but all the time, the  dangers the sun can create–specifically skin cancer.  One in particular, melanoma, is the most dangerous.  Melanoma is a malignant tumor of melanocytes, which are cells that produce the dark pigment, melanin, which is responsible for the color of skin.  Melanoma is les common than other skin cancers, but it is much more dangerous, and causes the majority (75%) of deaths related to skin cancer.  There are about 160,000 new cases of melanoma yearly.  Red hair, fair skin, or light complexion all increase your potential of developing melanoma.  Treatment includes surgical removal of the tumor, and can include chemo and radiation therapy.  The chance of cure is greatest when the tumor is discovered while it is still small and thin, and can be removed entirely by surgery.  Stay tuned as the next few posts will discuss the “ABC’s” in dealing with the signs and symptoms of melanoma, and what you can do to help prevent development of it.

Dr. Dan

Consecutive Exercise Day #:  1437

Weekend Weather

Great weekend for weather, and even better for hanging out at the Lake.  Spent the weekend with some friends, and had a bonfire Sat night, then to the Lake sunday.  Very relaxing.  Our friend even went on a bike ride with us this AM, so we got our exercise in early. 

Here are some of us enjoying the water activities.  Great to just relax and have fun, and leave the pressures of everyday hectic life behind for awhile.  We all need days like this.  Take advantage of the weather yet, and spend as much time outside as you can.  Good dive into the water Ayden!  It was fun Kaleb, and Cory Ann, always good to see you.  It was a fun weekend.  Family and Friends–important to focus on the important things in life.  It was good for me to get  out, and not try to be working on something, or just working.  Thanks!

Dr. Dan

Consecutive Exercise Day #:  1426

Enjoy the Scenery

Don’t forget when you go out to walk, run, bike, or any other kind of exercise, that you don’t forget to look around and enjoy the scenery.  It is so much more enjoyable to be outside and look around compared to being inside on a treadmill.  Early in the morning especially, when the sun first starts coming up, it is so peaceful outside.  It makes the exercise almost effortless.

It is amazing to listen to the sounds of nature, and enjoy the different colors.  When walking early this AM, and it was a great way to get the day started.  Easy to get fired up and motivated during the summer time when he can spend lots of time outside.  Don’t waste it!  The summer is going fast!

Dr. Dan

Consecutive Exercise Day #:  1421

National Softball Touranment Continued

 

  

Friday was the opening day ceremony for the National Softball Tournament here in Watertown.  Some 58 teams, with over 800 athletes participated.  It was quite the ceremony with everybody marching in and being introduced.  It was great as a spectator as well.

Here is Molly’s team…Spiegel Construction, for 18 and under teams.  Great weather for the tournament, and to watch as well.  Lots of walking involved, not only for the athletes, but for all of us parents and spectators getting back and forth to all of the games.  We were getting just as tired as they were.  Lots of fun, and memories to last forever. 

Dr. Dan

Consecutive Exercise Day #:  1404