Spring & Your Skin (Skin Cancer)

Public Service Announcement

Every spring I like to send out a personal plea to please check yourself and your spots.

Did you know what many new cases of skin cancer are discovered in the spring months? Really these problem spots have been around all along but it isn't until the weather starts to chance and become warmer that many people start to pay more attention to their skin.

This year I would really like to get an early start and encourage everyone to check yourself for any new or changing concerns. For more information be sure to visit the Skin Cancer Foundations website at: skincancer.org. Unfortunately, unlike last year, I'm not seeing the important free skin cancer clinics being held around the country. My hope is this will change once it is spring and Skin Cancer awareness months (which is May). In the mean time you can use the handy skin cancer tool above. It's not a replacement for a proper examination but I really like how it demonstrates the basics to self examination.

A Few Notes:

• Skin cancer is not only for the seniors of the world. Early onset skin cancer is sadly becoming more common and is quite often is more invasive. Mine started forming when I was 15 years old, so do not let being too young stop you from exterminating your spots and seeking professional care.

• The more beauty marks, moles and freckles you have—the higher your risk for skin cancer. The same is true if you have a family history of skin cancer.
  

• Now is a good time to go through all your bottles of sunblock and to acquire new ones. Sunblock needs to be used everyday and all throughout the year. A good trick is to use hand creams, washes and makeup with SPF built in along with your sunblock products so that you help prevent the risk of being totally unprotected.

• Ignore any and all advice that you need to work up a tan or be glowing. Be you! Be your own natural color!