I am here in sunny Florida enjoying the weather, talking to a colleague of mine, and the topic of skin cancer comes up quickly in a conversation. Being of fair skin and blue eyes, I pay attention to these comments. Here are some things I learned that I think everyone should know: Arizona has the highest rate of skin cancer. Colorado has the second highest rate. Florida is further down the list. There is a 5% increase in skin cancer for every 1,000 feet of elevation (This begins to explain why people at sea level has less skin cancer, as a rule than those say, in Arizona and Colorado who live a mile higher). Your skin is the largest organ of your body. Your skin is the second organ of choice for elimination (your GI tract is the first), however your skin also has the ability to absorb various substances directly into the bloodstream. Your skin cells replace themselves about every 30 days or so. Your skin is said to be a mirror of your small intestine, meaning if you GI track has problems, it will show up in/on your skin. Stress can also affect your skin, particularly with acne blemishes. Sunblock may block ultraviolet rays, but the chemical compounds in sunblock may be absorbed into your skin… causing problems down the road. Take note! Skin cancer is defined as abnormal growth of skin cells. Note: skin cancer can appear on areas of the body that are NEVER exposed to sunlight. Many skin care products are made from petro-chemicals which are eventually absorbed into the body and may cause problems elsewhere (including back to the skin). The consumption of essential oils (omega 3’s and 6’s) is beneficial to your skin as well. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Take care of your skin every day!
Stress Tip for the Day
When outside, no mater what elevation, wear a hat and protective clothing if you are out for more than 30 minutes. Remember your ears too! Don’t be afraid of the sunlight (sunshine on your skin helps create Vitamin D), but don’t be cavalier either. The most hazardous time to be out in the sun (due to ultra violate light is between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. —depending on time of year and latitude, of course). Be mindful of how much time you spend outdoors, particularly if you are fair skinned (and have blue eyes or red hair). Consider getting a full body check-up by a certified dermatologist every year after the age of 30. There are different types of skin cancers (see links below). Finally, tanning booths are a stupid idea. Be smart.
Links, Books and/or Movies Worth Noting:
This first link lists the various types of skin cancer:
http://www.dermatology.ucsf.edu/skincancer/professionals/types.aspx
Here is more info on skin cancer detection
http://www.medicinenet.com/skin_cancer/article.htm
Quote for the Day:
“Pale is the new tan.” — Melanoma Skin Cancer Foundation
Photo For the Day
Rather than posting a Florida beach scene, reinforcing a perception of fun in the sun, here is a photo of a White Egret gracefully flying by, and I was in awe of its beauty today. Enjoy and have a great weekend.
Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. is an internationally renowned expert in the fields of stress management, mind-body-spirit healing and stress and human spirituality. He is the author of over 12 books including the bestsellers, Stand Like Mountain, Flow Like Water, Stressed Is Desserts Spelled Backward, The Art of Calm, Quiet Mind, Fearless Heart and Managing Stress (7e) and the newly released, A Beautiful World: The Earth Song Journals. He can be reached through his website: www.brianlukeseaward.net
© Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D.
