Vim & Vigor - Summer 2010 - (Page 49)

Sunshine A refresher course on preventing skin cancer What’s not to love about the Colorado sunshine? Well, there is the fact that about 90 percent of skin cancers are caused by over exposure to UV radiation. To keep you and your family’s skin safe, it’s important to separate fact from fiction. Here are three myths—and the truth behind them— that merit your attention: Savvy 5 Skin Savers • Cover up and seek shade. Wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt and pants. Dark colors provide better protection than light colors. P • rotect your peepers. Wear sunglasses that block at least 99 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. • Quit smoking. Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and saps it of vitamins. • Avoid alcohol and caffeine. Keep your skin hydrated and supple by drinking plenty of water. S • chedule your screenings. Make sure your doctor performs a routine skin exam, and notify your doctor if you see any changes in moles or skin spots. Do the MAth Myth: “If I wear SPF 30 sunscreen, it will block twice as much ultraviolet (UV) radiation as one labeled SPF 15.” Truth: According to the American Cancer Society, the SPF (sun protection factor) describes how long a product will protect your skin. For example, if you begin to burn in about 15 minutes on a sunny day with no sunscreen, then using sunscreen with an SPF of 15 should prevent sunburn for about 225 minutes (15 minutes x SPF 15 = 225 minutes). Takeaway: Follow the basic rule of reapplying sunscreen of at least SPF 15 every two hours and after you swim. About 1 ounce of sunscreen should be used to cover the arms, legs, neck and face of the averagesize adult. No SAfe tANS Myth: “Tanning beds are a safe alternative to sunbathing.” Truth: There is no such thing as a safe tan. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), most tanning salons use UVA lamps. Studies show that UVA rays penetrate deeper into skin, contributing to premature wrinkling and skin cancer. Takeaway: Skip the tanning salon and try selftanning creams, lotions and sprays, instead. Do read labels carefully to make sure the product contains FDAapproved color additives and includes a sunscreen. Myth: “It’s a cloudy day, so I can skip the sunscreen.” Truth: Skindamaging UV rays still reach the earth on cloudy days, according to the AAD. Takeaway: In addition to wearing sunscreen with SPF 15 or more, limit direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. CAll CloUD CoVer St. Anthony Regional Cancer Center staff coordinates your primary care, surgical and oncology physicians and discusses options with you. To speak with a staff member directly, call 303-629-3610 or visit stanthonycentral.org/cancer. We Fight Cancer With You Vim & Vigor • SUMM ER 2010 49 http://www.stanthonycentral.org/cancer

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vim & Vigor - Summer 2010

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2010
Contents
CEO Letter
For Your Health
Network of Care
Heart Testing 101
Ready ... Set ... Get Motivated!
Having Reservations?
Stressing Stress
Second Act
Adults at Play
In Good Hands
Think Again
No Kidding
Giving Is Great Medicine
Sunshine Savvy
Dear Dad
Six Degrees of Specialization
Well, Well, Well
Community Connections
Ask the Experts

Vim & Vigor - Summer 2010