SKIN FACT: Dermascope Magazine June 2008
"The most serious consequence of sun exposure is skin cancer. Some statistics show that half of all cancer will be skin cancer. Skin cancer can take up to 20 years to develop; it's important to remember that a person's average lifetime sun exposure risk occurs before age 18. In fact, very young children who experience as few as two to three sunburns are believed to have an increased risk of developing skin cancer later in life."
Please remember to not only to protect yourself, but also your family. "Prevention through education" is what I always say, so educate the young people in your life about the importance of sun protection.
If you are getting a lot of direct sun exposure this summer (or any time of year), be sure to use a full coverage sun protective hat like "SUN DAYS", and protective, light-weight clothing to protect arms and legs in addition to sunscreen. You can find sun protective clothing at REI and Columbia Sportswear.
As a reminder, if you have not had your skin checked out by a dermatologist, please make an appointment to do so and ask for a complete head-to-toe body mapping. Make sure you add your dermatologist to your list of specialist you see annually to ensure your health.
