On Melanoma Monday, here's some advice on how to keep yourself safe and alive
May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month. The first Monday in May is Melanoma Monday. Those of us in this community wear black to help raise awareness about the disease.
This is the ninth consecutive time I’ve written something about Melanoma on this day. Usually, I try to either keep it light or connect it to a song. Today, I’m going to be straight forward and give you what I hope is helpful advice to keep you safe from skin damage or worse.
Wear sun-protective clothing. That means long sleeves, hats and sunglasses. Let's be honest here...chances are you aren't wearing long sleeves to the beach. I understand that. Which makes this next tip more important.
Sunscreen...lots of sunscreen. The higher the SPF the better. Minimum of 30 rating. Don't be skimpy. Keep reapplying it.
Stay out of the sun at peak periods. The sun is most powerful between noon and five. I know those are the best hours. Do your best to protect yourself and look for shade.
Do a monthly body check for moles. It helps if you know what to look for. The moles to be concerned about are asymmetrical, have more than one color and are the size of an eraser on a pencil.
See a dermatologist regularly. You'll get a professional body check. Most Melanoma patients see one twice a year. That's a fair amount.
Finally...Stay out of tanning beds!!! The three exclamation marks indicate just how serious I am about this one. Nothing good can come from this. One time in a tanning bed increases your chances of Melanoma and other skin cancers. Why risk it?
Those are the basics. If you do those things—and I know it’s not always easy—you have a pretty good chance of avoiding skin damage, skin cancer, and most importantly—STAYING ALIVE!!