Steven A. Smith: Don't tell Max Kellerman to "Get a tan"

It's Tuesday morning and I'm watching "First Take." For those who aren't familiar with the program, it's one of those shows where a couple of commentators debate issues in sports. This program is on ESPN and the two stars of the show are Steven A. Smith and Max Kellerman.

I can't recall the topic they were discussing, maybe Steeler's football, when Smith looked at Kellerman and told him "Get a tan."

Max was looking a little pale. They both had been on vacation recently and Smith jokingly told him that on his next vaca, maybe he should make sure to get tan...a little color.

Steven A. Smith probably didn't know that looking pale is healthy. He probably didn't know that getting a tan is unhealthy.

Do you remember the Saturday Night Live skit where Billy Crystal used the tagline, "It's better to look good than to feel good?"

LIES!!!

Yes, having a tan makes you look better than when you have pale white skin. Yes, the tan makes you look and maybe even think you are healthier, but you would be wrong!

It's not just a sun burn that damages your skin and makes you more susceptible to Melanoma/Skin Cancer. Getting a tan does the same thing. Any change in your skin tone changes the molecular makeup of your skin and your body. That increases the probability of getting Melanoma/Skin Cancer.

Here's a few words of advice to Steven A., Max, Billy and everyone else. a. If possible, stay out of the sun! b. When in the sun: 1. Wear sun safe clothing, which includes long sleeves, hats and sunglasses. 2. Use sunscreen, even in winter. C. Check your body regularly for suspicious skin changes and moles. D. See your dermatologist yearly for a full body check!

So, Steven A., no more talking about getting tan. Max, keep that pale, healthy look.

That's my First Take!

Related Post: Surviving Melanoma for 1,461 days

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