Happy Labor Day! Hopefully you will be able to get out and enjoy some of the day, or even from the weekend if you were really lucky. Weather is very comfortable, and our good weather won’t be lasting long. Get out on the water, or go for a walk, clean up the yard, somthing…but spend it outside and enjoy the day. Good day for family time as well. Relax!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 1441
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
Below is from the American Academy of Dermatology in regards to Melanoma, The ABCDE’s. As on my previous post, I talked about what Melanoma is, and this describes in more detail. Next will be to talk about some things to be protective in the sun, and help reduce the risk of development of skin cancers. You can be safe, and still enjoy the outdoors for activities.
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 1439
My phone was ringing off the hook today with future STRIVE 2 Survivors calling to sign up and learn more about our program! We are thrilled to start the fall with such an awesome group of people all with one common goal…to live healthier!
We still have room for our fall session which starts on Tuesday, September 6th. If you’re looking to lose weight, gain strength, improve your cholesterol or blood sugars, or just learn more about overall health and wellness, we’re here for you!
Please be advised that Barb, Kristie, and myself are out on Friday, September 2nd and the clinic is closed Monday, so if you are calling or emailing with interest, please leave us a message with your contact information and we’ll get back to you on Tuesday. We would like to have a head count before we start, but if you make the last minute decision to join us, you can always show up at the County Fair Banquet Hall at 5:30pm on Tuesday.
Hope everyone has a wonderful Labor Day weekend!
-Kelsey
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