Sunscreen Soap Box

Here I go on my soap box - hopefully I will listen to myself and you all, whoever you are - my anonymous readers, will listen too.

So, a friends hubby just died of Malignant Melanoma. He was 34.

I am 33 and have been cancer free (Malignant Melanoma also) for 5 years this August. That's the point that they declare you "ok".

Last week my Dr. was telling me about sunscreen. I don't know about you but I always just opened the bottle, put some on, and was off. Well aparently there are instructions which I never would have thought to read.

An adult should use approx 1/3 of a bottle of sunscreen - per application! Shmoly Heck! I have never used even close to that much! For a child it was like just less than 1/4 of a bottle. (It does depend on the size of the bottle and the type of sunscreen).

The best sunscreen will have zinc oxide in it. There are also better sunscreens you can get from Europe.

My Dr. said she lathers her kids up and they look all white and chalky when they get in the car, but by the time they get to the pool you can't even tell.

So, you think you are not at risk? I hardly ever held a tan worth mentioning in my entire life. I was a "sun reflector" so I thought. I used a tanning bed for 1 week before my wedding. I only had a couple of sunburns in my life.

So where was my melanoma? It was in a place that only saw the light of day when I was in that tanning bed. NOT COOL!

If you have fair skin, hair or eyes, or all three, you are at greater risk. Melanoma can form even with out sunexposure. Some people are just more susceptible to it.

The occurence of Malignant Melanoma has increased 5x (yes 5x!!!) Since 1974 and the advent of - you guessed it - tanning beds.

So, moral of the story... Use your sunscreen, even in winter. Put it on your kids. Wear hats, sunglasses, cover ups when out doors. The shade is not enough protection.

See your dermatologist or have your family Dr. do a Mole mapping once a year.

If you are getting your eyes checked have them do a cancer screening - YES - you can get Melanoma in your eyes!!!!!!

I know I know there is so much to worry about and do for these darn bodies! I hear you ! From my Diabetes, PCOS, Weight, family risk of heart disease, and my Melanoma, I feel pretty overwhelmed!

Here's to my ticker ticking on for many more years - I sure am not ready to meet my maker quite yet - I guess you probably don't ever really feel ready, and I guess that is a whole other topic in itself.