There is more and more talk of chemicals we use daily being absorbed by our dermal layer and the damage they do.  Even more worrying though are the stats on Skin Cancer and in particular Melanoma.

Melanoma is a real risk for everyone.  One person dies every hour from Melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) and 1 in 5 Americans are affected by skin cancer (Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma are the most common types) according to estimates from the American Academy of Dermatology.  The good news is Melanoma can have a 95% cure rate if detected early.

Detection Since skin cancer is the only cancer visible in its early stages, regular self examinations of suspicious spots offer the easiest tool for  identification.  Use the acronym ABCDE to identify the following warning signs:

A is for Asymmetry – where a mark or mole is not symmetrical.

B is for Border – where edges are scalloped, poorly defined or irregular.

C is for Color – where color varies from one side to the other including variations in shade. Colors can include tan, brown, black, white, red or blue.)

D is for Diameter – where the mole or mark is as big or bigger than a pencil eraser (6mm).

E is for Evolving – where you notice growth or changes in size or color.

Since its difficult to remember all of this information it is suggested that you keep a detailed record in the form of  a Body Mole Map http://ow.ly/1TOU7 , using this chart from the AAD.  The chart also give examples of how to assess moles and and a measuring tool.

Prevention

The best way to lower your risk of skin cancer is  to minimize exposure to UltraViolet light (from sun & tanning beds). Don’t forget incidental exposure through car windows, and while swimming  plus the increased dose of  the suns harmful rays you receive at higher altitudes.

When you are in the sun, manage your exposure by wearing broad brimmed hats, quality sunglasses (UVA & UVB protection), protective clothing (you can get burned through a light colored tee shirt) and sunscreens with SPF15 and higher.  It is also best to avoid or limit exposure between 10am and 4 pm.

If you really want to look tanned, Fake it!  There are plenty of products in creams, sprays and towel form which can give you a golden glow without turning you oompa loompa orange.  BUT remember while they give you a nice color they don’t provide any protection against the sun.

Remember only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun.

After Sun Lotions definitely sting on a raw face but here is one that doesn’t:

1/4 cup – full-fat plain yogurt

2 tablespoons -  Oatmeal

Mix thoroughly and apply to your face, decollete or whatever part got burned!   Lie back and relax for 10 mins before rinsing off with tepid water.

This will soothe the pain and rejuvenate.

Its actually a good mask for exfoliation too..can be massaged into skin (oatmeal as a gentle exfoliate and natural acid in the yogurt)  but not when your face is sore.

However, giving up soda is not an easy thing to do … believe me I used to fall off the wagon frequently!

I’m not sure if its the fizz or the sweetness I crave but I’ve found something that helps. I now keep a bottle of Club Soda ( zero calories and 6mg sodium, Cola has average of 9mg of sodium)  or Seltzer (zero calories and O sodium) around and use that instead. You can even get flavored versions - I’ve lost 10 pounds, which is a bottom line I can live with!

My friend Susan Finch wrote this………

In celebration of Mother’s Day I would like to highlight a few important women from my past and present:My mother who helped me make a friend of myself when I was around 10 and quite lonely. I’d chased away a lot of people and she helped me discover that it’s OK to be alone and enjoy it. I also learned that by being my own friend, I was a better friend. This was huge and had helped me ever since. She died in 2003. I miss her terribly. She was fun and supported me in EVERYTHING I dove into, including inspiring me to start Binky Patrol.

My Auntie Carmen is our family matriarch, at 90. She is a living saint. She’s taught me to choose my battles with my children and enjoy my children instead of proving a point. She comes from a place of pure love with everything she says and does.

My sister is my never-ending champion and sometimes misguided voice of reason. I love her for who she is, exactly as she is. She does her best to help promote every endeavor, is willing to learn from me and open to my ideas. She tried to save me from my first marriage; I wasn’t willing to listen to her ideas. Duoh!

My godmother was my mother’s best friend. She has stories locked away about my mom, her pregnancy with me, and mom’s dreams for me which no one else in my family had knowledge of. She walks with God all the time and has helped me understand that I have a direct line.

I can’t pick one. I am a collection and continuing tapestry of these women and more.

Susan Finch is a web solutions provider, graphic design, author, girl scout troop leader, and artist. She drops most nights and passes out within minutes. Her greatest joys in her professional life come from giving her client the knowledge and confidence to take control of their online presence and only pull her in come up with marketing strategies and “client-do-lists,” support, training and design. She is a cheerleader and advocate to her clients. She boasts that she’s had some clients for over 14 years and treasures them all.
http://www.susanfinch.com

She is also the Founder/President at Binky Patrol Comforting Covers for Kids http://www.binkypatrol.org

Products, scientific & technological breakthroughs, social trends.< What do you want to know about? If you have any thoughts on what topics to cover ~ contact me.

Watch out for our article on BJ and her world renowned art.