tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75524248161784787552024-03-05T21:39:01.263-05:00Black is the New Pink - Fight MelanomaAlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599030218893321329noreply@blogger.comBlogger229125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552424816178478755.post-16063179602451909712020-05-01T14:29:00.000-04:002020-05-01T14:29:37.570-04:00Melanoma Awareness Month in 2020<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZIyA_qjzj2B4peAlYVhZSd4C4Z3R57r2CwgPYWrervAJCsK7w9lQdcZ95XVwnqCUGxey1iE75cLInI2o11UPwRX7F0CVhH2HL5ihj4AEuYM06GePNKPhagnKwWur6NYlCdENkWhyphenhyphenjHNg/s1600/MaskRibbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="191" data-original-width="194" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZIyA_qjzj2B4peAlYVhZSd4C4Z3R57r2CwgPYWrervAJCsK7w9lQdcZ95XVwnqCUGxey1iE75cLInI2o11UPwRX7F0CVhH2HL5ihj4AEuYM06GePNKPhagnKwWur6NYlCdENkWhyphenhyphenjHNg/s200/MaskRibbon.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I am writing this on May 1, 2020.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today is the first day of Melanoma and Skin
Cancer awareness month.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May is typically
a month where you’ll see news stories on skin cancer awareness and sun
safety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll often see a charity run
or walk occurring on the weekend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a
good chance such an event is held to raise money for the Melanoma Research
Foundation, AIM for a Cure, or some other melanoma organization.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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However, this year, the medical news is dominated by
COVID-19…the pandemic sweeping the world. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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There will be no gatherings for a walk. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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There will be no gala.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In May, we are slowly trying to reopen the world, but it’ll be a slow
and cautious process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People are not so
concerned about skin cancer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Usually, I would point out that people die of melanoma at a
rate of greater than one person an hour. That’s over 9,000 people who will be
lost this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the virus has
claimed nearly 63,000 U.S. citizens at the time of this writing within the last
3 or 4 months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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These deaths do not reduce the significance of the melanoma
fatalities by any means. Still, it’s easy for the general population to miss
during these times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope that all
other deaths outside of the virus will not be forgotten.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The families affected by a death from
melanoma, any cancer, heart disease, or any other fatal illness grieve as much
as anyone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This year it might be even
harder because the families are not allowed to visit the sick in the
hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>COVID-19 is killing not only
those it affects directly but kills the opportunity to pass on with family near
them in the hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Afraid and alone.<o:p></o:p></div>
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2020 is not a typical year. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Please keep all who suffer in your thoughts this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep those who are trying to keep our sick
comforted in your thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep in your
thoughts those families who can’t say goodbye, or can’t attend the funeral.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s still Melanoma Awareness month, and I plan to post a
few more thoughts and reminders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
encourage you…beg you…to wear sunscreen. I still encourage you to visit your
dermatologist on at least an annual basis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And while you can’t walk or run in a charity event, you can still donate
money to the melanoma organization of your choice.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Be safe out there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And be sun-safe as well.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599030218893321329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552424816178478755.post-23324479445144135702017-10-18T11:41:00.000-04:002017-10-18T11:41:55.708-04:00She Got What She Deserved…?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgVJfxzibLZKiwKIcRXn4qcM40JUOnKdqjC3SA_kKy8C6pWpUI96mXvONytlItSkiN55DxTVCE8bdFpXo0tGGfOTmb_Zzv8f0XCLG8PK5kNNxntWbIp2zf_YH2V3IEHjr9DNc9LmNiGoq/s1600/Deserved.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="229" data-original-width="472" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgVJfxzibLZKiwKIcRXn4qcM40JUOnKdqjC3SA_kKy8C6pWpUI96mXvONytlItSkiN55DxTVCE8bdFpXo0tGGfOTmb_Zzv8f0XCLG8PK5kNNxntWbIp2zf_YH2V3IEHjr9DNc9LmNiGoq/s320/Deserved.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Earlier this week I shared <a href="https://skincancer.net/life-with-skin-cancer/how-marti-saved-me-my-melanoma-story/">an article</a> on my Black is the New
Pink Facebook page. It was written by
April Pulliam who shared her life-long experience with tanning which ultimately
led to her diagnosis of melanoma. She
admitted that her excessive tanning led to her skin cancers. “I worked so hard for this damage,” she
wrote. “I paid big bucks for years, but
it’s nothing compared to the price I am paying now and will continue to pay for
years to come. A tan was never worth it.” Obviously this is wisdom based upon a
difficult experience and poor decisions.</div>
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During the last 6+ years of reading and sharing thoughts
about melanoma, I have been exposed to many such stories of tanning leading up
to a diagnosis of skin cancer or melanoma.
Some former tanners have died as a result. Some have survived with minimal
scarring. Many experiences lay somewhere
in between the two extremes. April’s story is not new, nor is it
unique. But it’s a story that should be
shared as often as possible so that people understand the impact of tanning. I applaud April sharing her story and for
warning others to not make the same mistake.</div>
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The day after posting the article, I stumbled upon <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20src=%22https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fbrandykempphotography%2Fvideos%2F10155403277701635%2F&show_text=0&width=560%22%20width=%22560%22%20height=%22315%22%20style=%22border:none;overflow:hidden%22%20scrolling=%22no%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20allowTransparency=%22true%22%20allowFullScreen=%22true%22%3E%3C/iframe%3E">a video</a>
that April had appeared in which she shared her experience. Despite the same story, the video had much
more impact. The skin on her face was
raw due to the annual application of a chemo-cream that wards off pre-cancerous
spots on her skin. (My brother had used
the same cream with the same results at one time during his years-long
fight). Not only was April sharing her
story, her appearance conveyed the true struggle in living, red color. Once again, I decided to share her story on
my Facebook page. The first comment
posted to the video was this:</div>
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<i><span style="color: purple;">“This
story pisses me off. She got what she
deserved. Myself I NEVER EVER willingly
went into the sun without sunblock and I got skin cancer.”</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Needless to say, her comment inspired many to respond with
angered tone. I’ll admit that I was
quite shocked at the statement as well.
Actually, I shouldn’t say I was shocked…I was disappointed. As social media becomes an engrained part of
everyday life, negativity and insensitivity seems to grow by leaps and
bounds. What people state online is
often far more harsh than what one would say to a person to his or her
face. With that in mind, this woman’s
statement shouldn’t be shocking at all.
But again, it’s disappointing.</div>
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My mom smoked. She
died of lung cancer at the age of 70 years old.
Her health suffered. But she
lived a pretty good life. I’m biased
because she was my mom, but I recall so many more good things about her than
bad. She deserved a quiet, painless
death at the end of a longer life. I
wish she would have chosen not to smoke, but she didn’t deserve lung cancer
even if she did.</div>
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My brother died of melanoma at the age of 55. He never visited a tanning bed that I know
of, but he certainly tanned at the pool in the summers. Baby oil was his “lotion.” At the time, sunburns were the enemy which we
treated with Solarcaine and aloe. Once
the peeling and pain were gone, the issue of damaged skin was never thought of
again. It’s just how it was. He led a very successful and happy life with
his wife Debbie. He had a great job
which made him happy and they had many good friends. He deserved to be alive today. He did not deserve melanoma even if he did
get some dark tans.</div>
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It seems that the lady that responded to the video did
everything that she could to not endure sun damage. Despite her efforts, she got skin cancer. Perhaps that’s where her anger grows. I have a cousin who had mouth cancer, despite
never having smoked or chewed tobacco or any other “vices” associated with mouth
cancer. He often questioned why chain
smokers would live cancer-free yet he had to suffer. While most melanomas can be attributed to UV
exposure, many cases cannot. It just
happens. Redheads are predisposed to
have a higher risk just because of who they are. It’s not fair. But redheads don’t “deserve” skin cancer any
more than someone who tans. No one
deserves cancer.</div>
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I’ve kept the woman’s comment on my page along with the rebuttals
and her counter-arguments. I want there
to be a voice…a dialogue. I seriously
doubt that this lady will take back her words in that her anger seems pretty
deep. I’m not a therapist, so perhaps my
assumption about her anger is completely off the mark. Maybe there is some other reason for her
anger. Or maybe she’s just an ass.</div>
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Regardless of who she is, she was diagnosed with skin
cancer. I applaud her efforts to fight
off the ill-effects of the sun with sunblock.
I am sorry that she was diagnosed anyway. I hope she doesn’t have melanoma or that she
doesn’t have to suffer as April has or as my brother did prior to his
death. She may have pissed off a lot of
people with her remarks, but even she doesn’t deserve the skin cancer she got.</div>
Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599030218893321329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552424816178478755.post-20890345414082699002016-08-10T00:44:00.002-04:002016-08-10T17:17:47.823-04:00Tanning is Not a Game!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I don’t shock easily. I may find
some things in this world upsetting or confusing or whatever, but rarely does
something shock me.</div>
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Today, the Facebook Page “Pull the Plug on Tanning Beds” shared a
children’s computer game called “Sophia the First Tanning Salon.” Sophia the First is a popular cartoon princess
who appears on the Disney Channel. If
you have any preschool daughters, you have undoubtedly heard of this little
princess. Anyhow, apparently the game allows the user,
intended to be a small girl, to learn remedial computer skills by selecting
items with the mouse through a tanning process.
“Pull the Plug” was livid and encouraged followers to write to the game
company, and to Disney, to complain about this game.</div>
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I wrote the following: "You
have GOT to be kidding! The FDA has issued a warning against all minors from
using tanning beds as a result of the increased risk of skin cancer and
melanoma. And now you're teaching kids that tanning beds are fun? When will you
come out with Sophia the First Humidor to teach kids the fun with smoking? How
about Sophia the First Binge Drinking? Please take this game down now!" Others sent similar messages.</div>
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<br /></div>
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But in all honesty, this didn’t shock me. It surprised me because, while I knew the
peer pressure to tan was evident in high schools, middle schools, and perhaps
even elementary schools, I never suspected there to be such influence towards
preschool girls. Disappointed? Yes, but not shocked.</div>
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It then occurred to me that Sophia the First might not be the only
children’s character to fall to the seductions of tanning. So I Googled “tanning games.” I was quite surprised by the number of
websites with similar games as Sophia…aimed at preschoolers and girls of all
ages. Again I was surprised and I
browsed the many games. And then…I was
shocked:</div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxI0bJHpTmMqo2-xfZgqnfl8Xv6BCyVd0I_EPEe3nBDbitxZe8WMfgW9hIzuvK-cUjFEc5y6yw97YPAEoG9kiWJ3-GlocjMno7QuOq-cCukZVjnrcBoyW2JwwuOGkibAnqAwp0r2RgztC3/s1600/Cindy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxI0bJHpTmMqo2-xfZgqnfl8Xv6BCyVd0I_EPEe3nBDbitxZe8WMfgW9hIzuvK-cUjFEc5y6yw97YPAEoG9kiWJ3-GlocjMno7QuOq-cCukZVjnrcBoyW2JwwuOGkibAnqAwp0r2RgztC3/s320/Cindy1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All images from ogigames.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Yes, what you see above is the beginning of a girls game called, “Cinderella
Pregnant Tanning Solarium.” I kid you
not…this is real!</div>
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Per the introduction, “the sun is not strong enough for a tan and
Cinderella cannot go to the beach, especially since she is pregnant. (We’ll assume that she married Prince Charming
before she got knocked up.) She decided
to go to the salon and get that perfect summer tan that will perfectly match
her beautiful hair. First of all she must prepare for the solarium by choosing
a nice bathing suit shave her legs and apply sun lotion for protection.” (Um…if you’re using a tanning bed you ain’t
gonna use sunscreen!)</div>
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<br /></div>
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So, I decided to play the game.
A guiding hand showed the young girl (me in this case) where to move the
cursor and click the mouse. First, one
must select a swim suit. I chose this
frilly pink and blue striped bikini:</div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkIvwLegEo5UT2K2CORNWiOpJvxOhVp831WvGONBogI7PbeoPz8wXkvGNBhB9GP-90KMUM0DxfO8UbC9A-nPAvOlmZ7_69wk673dLB8ydYcxqb5GklFY6xbnZSMHgHUiQHw23pyMZZT2K/s1600/Cindy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimkIvwLegEo5UT2K2CORNWiOpJvxOhVp831WvGONBogI7PbeoPz8wXkvGNBhB9GP-90KMUM0DxfO8UbC9A-nPAvOlmZ7_69wk673dLB8ydYcxqb5GklFY6xbnZSMHgHUiQHw23pyMZZT2K/s320/Cindy2.jpg" width="159" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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Next I used bolt cutters to remove any jewelry from Cindy’s body. This included her necklace, bracelets and
ankle bracelet. Apparently this is to
advise that it’s important not to wear metal in the tanning bed. (I didn’t notice a wedding band either…hmmm) And yes, I said bolt cutters:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswtkgCrefe06el8c0G0C_wptBXfO7R6MuJ_wQGn04ze36ZZaZa5G2Ii-KH6PaGYro752fCT-Y8HzwEOWZQZarS0PzW0JnFqbioS2rpp8jZwLKKL8dNMS-fUr0EtHp1bqMMSOTsi-SgRht/s1600/Cindy3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswtkgCrefe06el8c0G0C_wptBXfO7R6MuJ_wQGn04ze36ZZaZa5G2Ii-KH6PaGYro752fCT-Y8HzwEOWZQZarS0PzW0JnFqbioS2rpp8jZwLKKL8dNMS-fUr0EtHp1bqMMSOTsi-SgRht/s1600/Cindy3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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Next I put a comb in her hair to make sure her neck would be nice and
exposed to the rays, and then I shaved her legs:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7jkfeXdBVLx74v3qSjk1Zp-Dj4vxcgdKTACiIoo6oT1EhyphenhyphensTXCBdu1wT31f-0Ye7sEUVuxjPmMBV19E3PpLtP8v6zDQ6h8oFTvJkv6Y71brcCSU2mvKMfECozG67eIM1tmQGmW_DFMaS/s1600/Cindy4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7jkfeXdBVLx74v3qSjk1Zp-Dj4vxcgdKTACiIoo6oT1EhyphenhyphensTXCBdu1wT31f-0Ye7sEUVuxjPmMBV19E3PpLtP8v6zDQ6h8oFTvJkv6Y71brcCSU2mvKMfECozG67eIM1tmQGmW_DFMaS/s320/Cindy4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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I have no words.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Afterwards I applied “protective lotion.” If you look carefully you can see the letters
UV on the bottle. They probably printed
it so small so as not to lessen the tanning fun with pesky UV statistics.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7IkiBDQWSYVw8CrM-AbFNeyMd0gtLjqETYMy0DsmOEeqWv6gWUN_JJLEDuK1b1PGT_emIwrMrwlDk9YQso0hp4WxxXnR7WoeTiCjxjNZQjGAssPgmkp0BHIP1R_fhN_4NNZNDjDzfzLn/s1600/Cindy5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz7IkiBDQWSYVw8CrM-AbFNeyMd0gtLjqETYMy0DsmOEeqWv6gWUN_JJLEDuK1b1PGT_emIwrMrwlDk9YQso0hp4WxxXnR7WoeTiCjxjNZQjGAssPgmkp0BHIP1R_fhN_4NNZNDjDzfzLn/s1600/Cindy5.jpg" /></a></div>
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Finally I gave Cindy her eye protection and it was off to the tanning
bed!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4uyazWHjUoNmlHcKjHkXunQM6K2gl6zcqcSz8tUg25-aonpfOD8bq57Vmj-2vOPbkHIqhwqxFQObF0VAJLt9cBUBJ1LX8JAhjlj58PiLP2hdXkY2WGutpj4sv7c-EGZNHzxOYtC0Cu95/s1600/Cindy6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl4uyazWHjUoNmlHcKjHkXunQM6K2gl6zcqcSz8tUg25-aonpfOD8bq57Vmj-2vOPbkHIqhwqxFQObF0VAJLt9cBUBJ1LX8JAhjlj58PiLP2hdXkY2WGutpj4sv7c-EGZNHzxOYtC0Cu95/s320/Cindy6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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Notice that there is a choice of a light, medium or dark tan. The latter suggests a tanning time of 60
minutes. Even though tanning salons are
sleazy, I’m sure even they agree that poor Cinderella will turn into pumpkin
bread after 60 minutes laying in the bed!
But what the heck, I chose dark. After applying some “After Tan” spray plus a Pumpkin Carriage belly tattoo,
Cinderella was a new tanned (pregnant)
princess!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgU5eklMlh0Y2tYKSfS-nWYPdZOkaHyqhtN2ThGmUTiPNGs8HKowd_rXmr_vajTgX9J4Os34_AQv4OMTCPnDXUC_AuIeo4zLoy2enLoUpATrJvh9wv2_-Vin0Y5UAXFwDzx5c0H_lvhyphenhyphenv/s1600/Cindy7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgU5eklMlh0Y2tYKSfS-nWYPdZOkaHyqhtN2ThGmUTiPNGs8HKowd_rXmr_vajTgX9J4Os34_AQv4OMTCPnDXUC_AuIeo4zLoy2enLoUpATrJvh9wv2_-Vin0Y5UAXFwDzx5c0H_lvhyphenhyphenv/s320/Cindy7.jpg" width="164" /></a></div>
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Speaking of princesses, the player can opt for others to partake in
this tanning pampering session, including Elsa, Ariel and the aforementioned
Sophia. Neither of the other princesses appears
pregnant, but Barbie does indeed show up after having spent a careless night a
few months ago with Ken and/or the Toy Story crew.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICvLxD9fkEotFZ3pmi_MfK-nokiZGK4NtjzClFTlnwbvDaauuoeErK8dr83tMhZFYbrijlTtcO_cwdBzvt4SVSP10yd_ipNwbJTwLvY397YFYqfHQLXh8l9rrLgp6BFKUHWs5MvuV3SEe/s1600/Barbie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhICvLxD9fkEotFZ3pmi_MfK-nokiZGK4NtjzClFTlnwbvDaauuoeErK8dr83tMhZFYbrijlTtcO_cwdBzvt4SVSP10yd_ipNwbJTwLvY397YFYqfHQLXh8l9rrLgp6BFKUHWs5MvuV3SEe/s320/Barbie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The point of this message is not to shock you with the story line of the
game, but to be shocked that tanning influence exists when our kids are barely
out of diapers! We all know of the “dangers”
of what may be online …but this is a different and unexpected kind of
danger. Please speak with your children
and teach by example. Wear your
sunscreen, check your skin, and for goodness sake, stay out of the tanning
beds! Tanning is a game you will lose!</div>
Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599030218893321329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552424816178478755.post-53948821444781003552016-08-02T00:14:00.000-04:002016-08-02T00:14:50.446-04:00Are Tanning Beds Still A Thing? Sadly, yes<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
John Oliver is a British comedian who had appeared many times on “The
Daily Show” with Jon Stewart and who now has his own show on HBO called “Last
Week Tonight” which airs on Sundays. He
has a segment called, “How is this STILL a thing?” featuring funny bits on
stupid or seemingly impractical practices that continue today. Examples have included “Pennies,” “Daylight
Savings Time,” and “Dressing up as other races.” Last night he posed the question to tanning
beds. Have a look at the video…</div>
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/0ZsgFAQe5KA/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0ZsgFAQe5KA?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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I shared this on my Facebook page and it’s already been seen by
many. It’s refreshing to see a comedic
take on the stupidity of using tanning beds.
But at the same time, the question remains, “how are tanning beds still
a thing?” The answer may lie within the
video above.</div>
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There are organizations listed in the video that support the tanning industry
including the Indoor Tanning Association and the American Suntanning
Association. These groups might support
a stupid, vain and proven dangerous practice, but they are smart and savvy.</div>
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A few years ago, the ASA actually supported the North Carolina bill to
ban tanning beds for those under 18 years of age. Yes, they SUPPORTED the ban. At the time, <a href="http://blackispink.blogspot.com/2014/05/journey-of-tanning-ban-bill-and-role-of.html">I was skeptical of their claim</a>,
wondering if they might not be realigning their tanning strategy from targeting
high school kids to soliciting the college-age crowd.</div>
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I was right. In the past couple
of years, tanning salons have cropped up all over college campuses and some tanning
beds are appearing in private and university-owned dormitories as part of an amenity
package. Luckily, there are folks trying
to discourage colleges and universities from endorsing tanning businesses. However, despite increased broadcasts of
sunscreen importance and UV ray dangers, more and more “educated” college kids
are seeking that golden tan.</div>
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But it’s not just the college crowd.
Blatant ignorance still exists in blue collar America. Despite the warnings…despite the deaths…despite
ample information, adults are still choosing to visit tanning salons. </div>
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A 34 year-old co-worker who recently started where I work announced
last week that she was looking forward to hitting the tanning bed. Having made the statement in front of me and having not known my stance, other colleagues
backed away as if Clint Eastwood was about to have a shootout. As expected, I pretty much laid into the
otherwise nice and sharp lady about her absolute stupidity at visiting a tanning
salon. Her arguments included, “I’ve
been going for years and I don’t have cancer,” “But I never burn,” “My skin is
too ugly unless it has some color,” and the classic “I need a base tan for when
I’m outside this summer.” Yes, I rebutted
each point (“Each time you go you increase your chances and it’s a cumulative effect,”
“Tanning is a sign of skin damage, not just burning,” “Your skin color is
beautiful but you will get more wrinkles and sun damage if you continue
tanning,” and “Bullshit!”) Still, she
hasn’t changed her mind and despite being older than an over confident college
kid, she still approaches tanning with an exuberant ignorance. It’s really frustrating. </div>
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And yes, tanning beds are still a thing. Just not a good thing.</div>
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<sigh></div>
Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599030218893321329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552424816178478755.post-59563091594583346812016-04-30T00:21:00.000-04:002016-04-30T00:21:31.363-04:00Melanoma Does Not Discriminate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZM7NyWBDGvvOT2Bcr2tz9t3hRyWdJ8eE5qzJrZEPXhiiXgrd5enpRf684gCSA17WCQXvpoUxlTufdyYZNhyJAU7iFc-pYpkwAGdXzOV7Jtv2JORitvu0ctkw5hEXeNTd9ST1Be9yQbUXL/s1600/Discrimination.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZM7NyWBDGvvOT2Bcr2tz9t3hRyWdJ8eE5qzJrZEPXhiiXgrd5enpRf684gCSA17WCQXvpoUxlTufdyYZNhyJAU7iFc-pYpkwAGdXzOV7Jtv2JORitvu0ctkw5hEXeNTd9ST1Be9yQbUXL/s320/Discrimination.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In this day and age, the term “discrimination” gets discussed more and
more. It seems like not a day goes by
where there isn’t some public policy or some celebrity statement that gets
labeled as discriminatory. It’s true
that we all have some bit of prejudice within our personalities. Whether it be an opinion offensive to many or
a private irritation with someone who differs from you in some way, we humans all
discriminate on some level. It’s
true. </div>
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There are, however a few things in this world that do not discriminate. The weather.
Aging. Hunger. But of course there is one thing in
particular I need everyone to understand that does not discriminate. Melanoma</div>
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My Facebook page is approaching 6,000 likes. I have been followed by people in all 50 states
as well as 69 countries…from Algeria to Zimbabwe. Each one, I assume have been somehow touched
by melanoma. Believe it or not, I have
opened the profiles of every person that has followed the “Black is the New
Pink – Fight Melanoma” Facebook page.
Every. Single. One.
And while not each one allows access to personal information, most share
a photo or two that depict not on what is important to each one’s life, but a
bit of their personality. I can assure
you that melanoma does not discriminate.</div>
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It is true that melanoma is more prevalent in people with lighter toned
skin and blonde or red hair. But there
have been many followers of all skin colors all the way to the darkest of
dark. In fact, since it’s harder to
detect melanoma on darker skin, the cancer is usually detected at a much higher
and deadly level when ultimately found.
It’s true; people of dark skin should wear sunscreen and see the
dermatologist as often as someone with pale white skin like myself.</div>
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Religion? No discrimination
there as well. Christian, Muslim,
Buddhists, Hindus, Atheists…you name it and someone from each religion has been
touched by the black cancer. No matter
the name of your god or spiritual guide, you flesh is as susceptible as the
person’s next to you. Protect yourself! Especially you sun worshipers!</div>
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Politics? Whether you “feel the
Bern” or “Trust Ted,” your political beliefs have no effect at rejecting
melanoma. Democrats, Republicans,
Libertarians, Independents, Socialists, Communists, Anarchists…I’ve had them all
stop by my Facebook page. They’ve all
been touched.</div>
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Do you preach the moral high ground?
DO you work in the adult film industry?
Are you fighting of an addiction?
Do you work as an executive for a Fortune 500 company? No matter your social or economic status, you
all share in that 1 in 50 chance of getting melanoma, and 1 in 5 chance of
being diagnosed with skin cancer.</div>
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Do you live along the equator?
South Africa? Iceland? Certainly, the more exposure you have to the
sun, the greater your risk of melanoma.
However, there are melanoma warriors on every continent at every
latitude and longitude on the globe.</div>
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No, melanoma does not discriminate.
But it can be resisted. As stated
countless times, protect yourself by wearing sunscreen and protective clothing
and gear. Stay out of the sun at peak
times and seek shade. Wear sunglasses
and hats. And perhaps most importantly,
check your skin! Check it yourself at
least once a month and monitor any changes.
Visit your dermatologist at least once a year! Prevention and detection are the best ways to
fight melanoma. No matter who or what you
are.</div>
Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599030218893321329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552424816178478755.post-63033431901064080432015-12-18T23:40:00.000-05:002015-12-18T23:40:07.085-05:00FDA Proposal and the Need for Continued Education on Melanoma Awareness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRfWAeJCOk0Lu1JojE0ICZ71z8n4rXVdB10hyphenhyphenUEkzUDNULpnsQd_WqpoMvjDYg5vSFHRUbr58NpEdNHNwPCHwFfBrSUCY9WrNWiSFlyzLdJrCOUVQRNEqdc8ZmSxjFXAXiWA6I8WuxKuK/s1600/MEI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRfWAeJCOk0Lu1JojE0ICZ71z8n4rXVdB10hyphenhyphenUEkzUDNULpnsQd_WqpoMvjDYg5vSFHRUbr58NpEdNHNwPCHwFfBrSUCY9WrNWiSFlyzLdJrCOUVQRNEqdc8ZmSxjFXAXiWA6I8WuxKuK/s1600/MEI.jpg" /></a></div>
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Today, December 18, 2015, the Federal Drug Administration announced a
proposal of new rules that would ban anyone under 18 from using tanning beds or
tanning booths. In addition, they would
require that tanning facilities obtain a client’s signature that he/she
acknowledges the risk to one’s health when using such devices. They also propose that all tanning devices be
labeled with a warning that UV radiation can cause skin cancer, skin burns,
premature skin aging, and eye damage (both short- and long-term). This is an effort by the FDA to “improve
consumers’ understanding of the risks related to UV radiation exposure.” <sup>1</sup> </div>
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The primary resource for the FDA’s decision is a 2012 publication by
the British Medical Journal (“Cutaneous Melanoma Attributable to Sunbed Use:
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis”) which concludes that “sunbed use is
associated with a significant increase in risk of melanoma. This risk increases with number of sunbed
sessions and with initial usage at a young age (<35 years). The cancerous damage associated with sunbed
use is substantial and could be avoided by strict regulations.”<sup>2</sup> The study cites well-documented statistics
such as tanning beds may emit 10-15 times stronger UV radiation that the sun,
UV radiation is classified as a carcinogen, and tanning bed use results in a 75%
increase in risk of melanoma (from 40% to 228%) when indoor tanning starts
during adolescence or young adulthood. </div>
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The public (including up to 19,000 tanning salons) has 90 days to share
comment on the proposal. </div>
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This is indeed a great day in the fight against skin cancer and
melanoma. For years, the FDA has been
asked to take more action against the use of tanning beds. Citing the administration’s bans and warnings
on tobacco use, the argument was made that more cases of cancer were caused by
tanning beds than cases of lung cancer caused by cigarettes. Today’s action by the FDA is a long time
coming.</div>
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But this does not close the book on skin cancer prevention. While there will be harsher warning labels
attached to the equipment, the age restrictions apply only to facilities that offer
tanning services, such as tanning salons and “health” clubs. The restrictions do not apply to personal
tanning beds. Additionally, once an
individual reaches the age of 18, tanning bed use will be allowed, although the
FDA proposal requires disclosure of health risks before allowing an individual
to use such a device. The only real weapon
against such use will be in public education.</div>
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There are efforts and organizations that are devoted to educating the
public on the risks of UV radiation, both from tanning devices and from the
sun. One such organization is the
Melanoma Education Initiative. Founded
in 2011, the MEI has been raising awareness about the dangers of melanoma by
visiting middle schools with an interactive presentation, visiting high schools
and colleges with harder-hitting presentations including first-hand and graphic
accounts of melanoma, distributing educational material at community health
fairs, and participating in health and wellness events for companies and
organizations.</div>
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When asked why founder Beth Mancini didn’t just join forces with
existing organizations such as the Melanoma Research Foundation, AIM at Melanoma,
or others, she responded that “many organizations out there raise money for
research which will benefit patients down the road, but we wanted to save lives
in a more immediate way by educating people about early detection and
prevention. We couldn't find an organization … educating in the way we wanted
to, thus, Melanoma Education Initiative was born.” The MEI was founded and continues advocating near
Akron, OH, however Beth. Mancini and her family now reside in North Carolina. She hopes to expand the MEI efforts within
the Tarheel State and beyond.</div>
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Much like the aggressive anti-tobacco “truth” campaign to curb youth
smoking in the US, the MEI and other organizations hope to equally educate
teens and young adults about the dangers of UV radiation. I encourage you to offer your support to the
MEI, or any such educational group in your area as they are in desperate need
of volunteers. While today’s FDA
announcement is a red-letter date in skin cancer awareness, the real work of
education the public needs to continue.</div>
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For more information on the Melanoma Education Initiative, visit their
website at <a href="http://www.melanomaeducationinitiative.org/">http://www.melanomaeducationinitiative.org/</a>. You can also contact Beth Mancini directly at
<a href="mailto:ewmancini@melanoma-education-initiative.org"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="color: black;">ewmancini@melanomaed.org</span></span></a>.
</div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</div>
<ol>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 9pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES; Food and Drug Administration; 21 CFR Parts 1002 and
1040 [Docket No. FDA-1998-N-0880 (formerly 1998N-1170)] RIN 0910-AG30 Sunlamp
Products; Proposed Amendment to Performance Standard.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 9pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Boniol, M., P.
Autier, P. Boyle, and S. Gandini, “Cutaneous Melanoma Attributable to Sunbed
Use: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis,” British Medical Journal, 345:e8503,
December 2012.</span></li>
</ol>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><br />
Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599030218893321329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552424816178478755.post-22547188561706558922015-08-20T23:33:00.002-04:002015-08-20T23:33:45.388-04:00Jimmy Carter's Cancer and a Guilty Thought<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih14fzliPxRUg11Jtu84cfh_r9MSNvB0o42UODUA3pESbhyphenhyphenBFVNhQM-YYehyyD9pTLsi-ippZBoHRmQHe0-z_nbC881vskW5VBOOXf8eK7OMl34DcDQ6ju9z6UEJbbECXCmf2IGM16y2sL/s1600/JimmyCarter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih14fzliPxRUg11Jtu84cfh_r9MSNvB0o42UODUA3pESbhyphenhyphenBFVNhQM-YYehyyD9pTLsi-ippZBoHRmQHe0-z_nbC881vskW5VBOOXf8eK7OMl34DcDQ6ju9z6UEJbbECXCmf2IGM16y2sL/s320/JimmyCarter.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I had a thought this morning for which I’ve felt a bit guilty all
day. </div>
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As I was getting ready for work, I saw the story on television where
former President Jimmy Carter was going to share more details about his cancer
later in the day. I couldn’t recall such
an event before regarding cancer.
Usually, one announced their cancer diagnosis right away…there was no
waiting for an announcement of the specific details later. “Steven Jobs announces that he has pancreatic
cancer.” “Shannon Doherty reveals breast
cancer diagnosis.” “Jimmy Carter has….cancer to be revealed next week.”</div>
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I wondered what type of cancer he might have, and it occurred to me
that whichever cancer he has will get a real boost in awareness and publicity. I stopped short of it, but I came damned
close to wishing that President Carter would announce that he has melanoma.</div>
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All of you should know that I would never ever wish cancer, especially
melanoma on any person…not even my worst enemy.
Still, there’s always been this near desperation to have a celebrity
representative for “our” cancer. Bob Marley
has been our go-to guy…the perfect example of how melanoma can attack the young
and those with darker skin. However, we
still lacked a mainstream face, and don’t think that we didn’t search for
one. Remember how we all shared that
Hugh Jackman had skin cancer? Sure, it
was basal cell carcinoma (BCC), but it was skin cancer and a celebrity was
talking about it. We were so “happy.” And yet, none of us are really ever happy for
anyone diagnosed with cancer, even BCC.</div>
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As it turns out, Jimmy Carter did indeed announce that he has melanoma
that has metastasized to his brain and liver.
I feel awful for him and his family.
While there have been many who have survived a Stage IV melanoma
diagnosis, the survival rate is still only 15%.
Many have beaten the odds. More
have not. This includes my brother Jeff.</div>
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It was 5 years ago…almost to the day….that my brother announced that he
had Stage IV melanoma that had metastasized to his brain and lungs. I recall talking to him and he stated how he
actually felt quite healthy. He had
plans to go to work for a few months and take some time off whenever the
treatments made him feel sick. He simply
couldn’t believe he had cancer, especially cancer in his brain. Less than a month later, I visited him and he
could no longer go to work. He needed a
cane to walk. His memory and brain
functions were diminishing. He, frankly,
looked like he had cancer. Two months
after that, he was gone.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
While the prognosis remains dim, President Carter has a much better
shot at survival than did my brother. He is being treated with an immunotherapy drug
called Keytruda. This and several other drugs simply didn’t
exist five years ago. Amazing research
has occurred. However, what remains
relatively low on the radar is awareness about melanoma.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The public continues to see melanoma as just another skin cancer. Just like Hugh Jackman’s BCC, many people
think that melanoma can be cut out and all that remains is a large bandage on
the nose. This is simply not the case
with melanoma. As with Mr. Carter,
melanoma can form inconspicuously on the skin and spread to other parts of the
body if it remains undetected. It can
spread to the liver, the lungs, the brain…anywhere! It can start anywhere on the skin, including
places that never see the sun. (Yes,
even “those” places). It can start in
your eyes or in your mouth. It is simply
one of the nastiest and sneakiest cancers there is. But make no mistake, no matter where it might
occur, it’s still melanoma.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
One of my good friends and fellow melanoma awareness advocates (<a href="http://www.respecttherays.com/">Respect the Rays</a>) posted
the following on Facebook today:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
“<i>I</i> re<i>ally hope the media starts calling Jimmy Carter’s cancer diagnosis
what is it…melanoma. It’s not liver
cancer…or brain cancer. It’s melanoma
that has spread (metastasized) to his liver and brain</i>.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
It’s a common misconception that melanoma in the brain is brain cancer,
or that melanoma in the lungs is lung cancer.
It’s not. It’s melanoma. Even my brother had a tough time grasping
that. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
When I last saw Jeff, we were
playing cards. When he lost the game, he
joking said to me, “yeah…big deal that you beat a guy with brain cancer!” He always looked at the lighter side of life. Another time, we were discussing various
cancer awareness colors. “Black is for
melanoma, white is for lung cancer, and gray is for brain cancer! Could I have three more boring colors?” Again, I loved Jeff's humor, but the fact is, he
had only one cancer, and that was melanoma.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The same is true of President Carter.
He has melanoma. As a result, the
world might learn a little about the disease.
And despite my early morning thought, I really wish he didn’t have
it. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I wish there was no melanoma at all.</div>
Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599030218893321329noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552424816178478755.post-54969127963360043012015-06-06T00:32:00.000-04:002015-06-06T00:33:18.121-04:00Sun Protection and Kids in School<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_J31RQyKi624juHek-IBaFJp8c4z3HSdAfZuRxBu0kzmMT_zElSX2FvoljUIz9xZHxkTiS0-WTYUq_svfcxqrT78LcgV6t8kd-is7M_ta2eHWck6f_UgtlPstWXQeefjUwEi1SUXKqkQ/s1600/Child.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA_J31RQyKi624juHek-IBaFJp8c4z3HSdAfZuRxBu0kzmMT_zElSX2FvoljUIz9xZHxkTiS0-WTYUq_svfcxqrT78LcgV6t8kd-is7M_ta2eHWck6f_UgtlPstWXQeefjUwEi1SUXKqkQ/s320/Child.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: Curechild.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Spring is coming to an end soon and most schools are about to close for
the summer. This also marks the time of
year when schools hold their annual field day, a celebration of fun and
physical fitness. Unfortunately, it
seems that every year presents at least one story where a child is severely sun
burned during the outdoor activity because of the school’s policy of no
sunscreen application.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Most schools, it seems, encourages the parents to apply sunscreen on
the child before they arrive. They do
not allow the child to administer their own sunscreen (at least at the
elementary school level) because it’s considered the same as a controlled
medication. In short, the school
district does not want to accept responsibility should a child share the lotion
(sunscreen or otherwise) in case the second child could be allergic. In some cases, such as when kids have a food
allergy, the medicine (epipen in this case) is kept in the school nurse’s
station and can only be administered by a trained individual. The same apparently holds true for other
medications, including lotions.
Including sunscreen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Another reason for children getting sun burns during field day is that
kids are often not allowed to wear hats.
Teaching children good manners of not wearing one’s hat indoors is a
good lesson. However, many no-hat
policies were established not to teach manners, but to prevent clothing related
to gang association. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The Center for Disease Control has developed “<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/what_cdc_is_doing/guidelines.htm">Guidelines for School Programs to Prevent Skin Cancer.</a>” Within
it, they recommend encouraging or requiring students to wear protective
clothing, hats, and sunglasses. They
also suggest establishing a routine for sunscreen use before going
outside. Other organizations have
recently encouraged smarter sun safety decisions within the schools.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I voiced my agreement to the CDC’s report last year to my wife. While she supports sun safety as well, she, a
daycare teacher, brought up a good point.
“Who’s going to apply sunscreen to the little kids?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Teachers in daycare and elementary schools take care of many kids. In some cases, there are teacher’s
assistants. However, many state and
county governments are cutting back, so there are fewer assistants. At my wife’s daycare, one teacher could have
up to 13 children. In elementary school,
the number is double that. Very young
kids simply cannot apply sunscreen by themselves. It would take an extended period of time for
any one teacher to apply the sunscreen to 13 to 25 kids and expect to have any
time left for the playground. It’s
certainly a problem which has no real easy solution.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Last year, I sent out a survey of questions to teachers. I had hoped to analyze and present a detailed
breakdown of the data, but my schedule never allowed me time. Still, I have the data and felt I might as
well present the raw data for discussion.
Here are the questions and the results.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Are you a teacher?</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
98% responded that they were.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->If you are a teacher, what grade do you teach?</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->a)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Pre-school 8%</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->b)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->K thru 2<sup>nd</sup> 34%</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->c)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->3<sup>rd</sup> thru 5<sup>th</sup> 25%</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->d)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Middle School 16%</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->e)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->High School 17%</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->How many children are in your class?</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->a)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Less than 5 1%</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->b)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->5 to 15 7%</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->c)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->16 to 25 53%</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->d)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->More than 25 39%</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Do you have a teaching assistant or another
adult with you in class?</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->a)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Yes 36%</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->b)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->No 64%</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Do you feel children in your grade/age are capable
of applying sunscreen by their selves?</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->a)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Yes 53%</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->b)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Yes, but assisted 33%</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->c)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->No 14%</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Which statement best fits your opinion towards
sunscreen application for your class?</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->a)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->All children MUST wear sunscreen during outdoor
recess<br />
32%</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->b)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Only those children whose parents request it
must wear sunscreen during outdoor recess<br />
33%</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->c)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Applying sunscreen to every child takes too much
time<br />
13%</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->d)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Other (most which state they simply are not
allowed to apply by school rule)<br />
21%</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Do you teach sun safety in your class?</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->a)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Yes, it’s part of our curriculum 3%</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->b)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Yes, although it’s not required teaching 63%</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->c)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->No, it’s not allowed under our curriculum 10%</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->d)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->No, this should not be taught in class 7%</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->e)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Other 17%
(Most stated they simply never thought of it)</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->8.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Many schools ask that parents order class
t-shirts to wear during field trips and “Spirit Days.” Do you feel that parents are willing to pay
for class hats to wear during outdoor recess?</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->a)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Yes 52%</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->b)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->No 40%</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->c)<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Another idea 8% (most comments suggest kids be allowed to bring
their own within dress code) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I’m not a statistician, so I can’t really provide any scientific
conclusions. It appears that there are
no easy answers. Yes, we want our
children safe in the sun…but no, with regards to younger kids, the teachers
simply do not have the time or assistance.
In many cases, allergies and touching (either transfer of germs or
considered “inappropriate”) are a concern as well. Perhaps there needs to be a middle ground.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
In my opinion, I’d like to see sun safety added to the school’s
curriculum at every age group. There are
many suggested age-specific education guidelines available…certainly the school
boards can select one to cover various grades.
I’d also like to see hats be allowed for outdoor use only. These can be school hats or a child’s
personal hat. Sunglasses should be
encouraged as well.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
As for sunscreen, I really don’t know.
I guess a couple more questions could have been added to the survey.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->What do you feel is the proper age for a child
to be trusted to apply their own sunscreen?
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->For younger children, and considering the
limitations imposed on the teachers, how do you propose sunscreen be applied to
younger kids?</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Let me know your thoughts. It’s a debate worth having.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i>Postscript: My apologies for the poor formatting. Sometimes, numbering and bullets simply don't transfer well between MS Word and this blogging software. I'll try to make it more legible in the near future. -Al</i></div>
Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599030218893321329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552424816178478755.post-11269061994837470962015-06-01T00:50:00.000-04:002015-06-01T00:50:23.287-04:00A Month of Facts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWD05JSMWyU71ljRO1ksvV_nri_GpTQo3zttE7CtQFsyXWwtimOMbiMA6ie_SYU4kDulQh4SjdfQdkt1NHXTcxM8X0MygFwPieX4PjkfaDaaiXzIuwNMTFZZD8Tp6ODwAELZCG8weQr4w/s1600/MonthofFacts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWD05JSMWyU71ljRO1ksvV_nri_GpTQo3zttE7CtQFsyXWwtimOMbiMA6ie_SYU4kDulQh4SjdfQdkt1NHXTcxM8X0MygFwPieX4PjkfaDaaiXzIuwNMTFZZD8Tp6ODwAELZCG8weQr4w/s320/MonthofFacts.jpg" width="310" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
May has come and gone this year.
Melanoma Awareness Month 2015 is over.
But I’d like to think that the results of actions taken this month will
extend well into the following months.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I decided to take my action by sharing a skin cancer or melanoma facts throughout
the month. Each day, I posted a specific
fact about the cancer. The only
exception was on Melanoma Monday where I posted a plea to simply be aware of
melanoma. Some people doubted particular
facts, but I assure you that each was quoted from a legitimate source. In most cases, the true raw source was
available from the source I cited. For
instance, I read the fact that UV radiation is a proven carcinogen, which was
cited from the Skin Cancer Foundation website.
The true source listed within the site was the National Toxicology
Program. Report on Carcinogens, Twelfth Edition. U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services, Public Health Service, National Toxicology Program. 2011:
429-430. It was a little hard for me to
fit all that in the space provided in each fact snippet, so I simply referenced
the Skin Cancer Foundation as my source.
If you doubted any of my sources, please dig a little more to find the
raw source.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The most doubted, yet most shared fact was that more people develop
skin cancer because of tanning than develop lung cancer because of
smoking. In case you wish to research
this a bit more, the raw source was from the following: <i>Wehner M, Chren M-M, Nameth D, et al. International prevalence of
indoor tanning: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA
Dermatol 2014; 150(4):390-400. Doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2013.6896.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Anyhow, I was asked a few times to share all of the month’s fact at one
time, so you’ll find the entire list and the general sources lists below. But before I share the list, let me make a
few statements. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
First of all, many of the statistics I've shared relate to cancer and
death. You can change these
statistics! You can help prevent
melanoma primarily by protecting yourself from the UV rays and seeing your
dermatologist regularly. If we prevent the disease, the depressing and alarming
statistics would no longer exist.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Secondly, for those of you who have melanoma, the statistics I've
shared apply to people in the past…they do not apply to you personally. Statistics do not define your fight…your
hope…your triumph. You do! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Lastly, let me share a few more statistics. I posted 31 different facts. These facts were read by over 325,000 people
on Facebook alone. The facts were shared
on Facebook a total of over 4,800 times.
I shared the facts on Twitter and Instagram as well, so the exposure
extended even further. This has been a
true example of spreading melanoma awareness.
It indeed spreads and it works.
Grassroots campaigns such as Black is the New Pink and countless others
work. Please, please, please continue to
spread awareness to your friends, families and total strangers. It makes a difference! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Thank you to each any every person who read, liked, or shared these facts
during Melanoma Awareness Month! Also, thank you to staff member Donald at the Waterside Resort in Hilton Head Island who helped me work out some technical glitches with my tablet so that I could continue posting these facts even while I was on a family vacation!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Here are all the facts:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; margin-left: 4.65pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 565px;">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Source<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Statement<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 30.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
SCF<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
One out of every five Americans will get skin cancer in their
lifetime.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 45.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 45.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
ACS<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 45.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the
combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 30.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
AAD<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The annual cost of treating skin cancers in the U.S. is
estimated at $8.1 billion<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 60.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 60.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 60.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The literal definition of "melanoma" is "black
tumor." Today is Melanoma
Monday. Please wear black today to
help up raise awareness and to honor those touched by melanoma…past, present,
and future.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 30.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
SCF<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with
exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 30.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
MIF<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Melanoma/skin cancer is the most underfunded of all cancers by
federal and private agencies<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 30.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
http://mfne.org/<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Melanoma accounts for 5% of all skin cancers and 71% of all skin
cancer deaths.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 30.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 8;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
AIM<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The incidence of melanoma has increased 15 times in the last 40
years. This is a more rapid increase than for any other cancer!<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 9;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Cleveland Clinic<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Melanoma is the most common cancer in women ages 25 to 29<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 30.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 10;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Cleveland Clinic<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Melanoma is the second most common cancer in women ages 30 to
34, as well as in men ages 30 to 49.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 11;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
http://mfne.org/<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Thirty percent of all melanoma in men arises on the back<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 30.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 12;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
AAD<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Melanoma is the fastest growing cancer in the U.S. and
worldwide.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 30.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 13;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
About.com<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Melanoma often starts out as a mole and can be removed if caught
early.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 30.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 14;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
MIF<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
From 1970 to 2009, the incidence of melanoma increased by 800
percent among young women and 400 percent among young men.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 30.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 15;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
ACS<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
In 2015, it is estimated that there will be 73,870 new cases of
melanoma in the United States<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 16;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
AAD<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
One in 50 Americans will develop melanoma in their lifetime.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 17;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
AAD<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
On average, one American dies from melanoma every hour.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 30.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 18;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Cancer Research UK<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The average age for melanoma diagnosis is 50, compared to other
cancers, which is closer to 65-70 years old.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 30.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 19;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
AAD<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
In 2015, it is estimated that 9,940 deaths will be attributed to
melanoma — 6,640 men and 3,300 women.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 20;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
AIM<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
People under age 45 account for 25% of all melanoma cases.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 30.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 21;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
AIM<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
10% of all people with melanoma have a family history of
melanoma.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 30.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 22;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
SCF<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Of the seven most common cancers in the US, melanoma is the only
one whose incidence is increasing.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 30.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 23;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
SCF<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
On average, a person’s risk for melanoma doubles if he or she
has had more than five sunburns.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 30.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 24;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
SCF<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Regular daily use of an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen reduces the
risk of developing melanoma by 50 percent.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 25;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
SCF<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a proven human carcinogen.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 30.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 26;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
SCF<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
More people develop skin cancer because of tanning than develop
lung cancer because of smoking.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: .5in; mso-yfti-irow: 27;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: .5in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
SCF<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: .5in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Contrary to popular belief, 80 percent of a person’s lifetime
sun exposure is not acquired before age 18; only about 23 percent of lifetime
exposure occurs by age 18<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 9.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 30.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 28;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
2011 study on solar altitude<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
UV eye exposure is greatest during early morning and late
afternoon when the sun is lower. Wear
your sunglasses!<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 33.75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 29;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 33.75pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
EPA<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 33.75pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Cloud cover reduces UV levels, but not completely. Depending on
the thickness of the cloud cover, it is possible to burn on a cloudy day,
even if it does not feel warm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 33.75pt; mso-yfti-irow: 30;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 33.75pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
EPA<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 33.75pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;">Surfaces like snow, sand, pavement, and water reflect much of
the UV radiation that reaches them. Because of this reflection, UV intensity
can be deceptively high even in shaded areas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 30.0pt; mso-yfti-irow: 31; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 98.0pt;" valign="top" width="131">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
My Brother Jeff<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 30.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-right-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 325.75pt;" valign="top" width="434">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Melanoma may start on your skin, but it can spread to your
lungs, brain, and other organs. It can
kill you.<o:p></o:p></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599030218893321329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552424816178478755.post-35394643122429336612015-04-28T00:39:00.000-04:002020-05-04T19:16:02.617-04:00Melanoma Awareness...It's That Simple!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNFsrshjt_RJIhacICt-x-AuuW_7-3e1EWcrEVPYoGhfIz0dfWMLMQTw3domv4Tf-AxbnW6nH4vNT-DInG9wU-0YJ0To76h4_j4L4KPTRFJVhkbOh6TZ5raET3-6x_HSiRqbS40ETp_y8/s1600/Simple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUNFsrshjt_RJIhacICt-x-AuuW_7-3e1EWcrEVPYoGhfIz0dfWMLMQTw3domv4Tf-AxbnW6nH4vNT-DInG9wU-0YJ0To76h4_j4L4KPTRFJVhkbOh6TZ5raET3-6x_HSiRqbS40ETp_y8/s1600/Simple.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: dollarlanguage.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After my brother passed away from Stage IV melanoma, I had
questions; simple questions really. What
is melanoma? How does one get it? How does one prevent it? How can I know if I have melanoma? I browsed many websites and read many
articles from different perspectives.
The answers I formulated were relatively simple as well. I was astonished that my own ignorance of
melanoma could have been easily eliminated by some simple information, so I
decided to share my findings with others through my efforts in “Black is the
New Pink.” My guess was that sharing
such simple messages would enlighten others and that would be that. There would be no opposition to simple fact,
right?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It got far more complicated than I ever imagined. For each simple message, there has been some
type of opposing and obstructive point of view.
Pro-tanning. Anti-sunscreen. Big Pharma Conspiracy. There have been times
that I wondered if sharing the message was worth the hassle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If I was to imagine a conversation to summarize the message
and opposition, it would probably go something like this:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;">Me: Melanoma is a skin
cancer…</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i> <span style="color: blue;">Them: Oh thank goodness!</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;">Wait…what? What is good about that?</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">Well, melanoma is just skin cancer, so it’s not a really big deal</span></i><i><span style="color: blue;">.</span></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;">No, that’s not
true. Melanoma is a skin cancer, but
it’s so much more. It’s one of the most
deadly and aggressive cancers that exists.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">But you can just cut the melanoma out…right?</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;">Yes, if caught at an
early stage, but it can spread to other organs very quickly and be very deadly.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i>But it’s not as deadly as other cancers</i><i>.</i></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>I<span style="color: purple;">t’s true that there
are more cases of other cancers, but one person dies of melanoma every
hour. While most cancer deaths are
decreasing, melanoma deaths are on the rise.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">It can’t be all that deadly…I’ve never heard anyone famous dying from
it.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;">Have you heard of Bob
Marley? He died from melanoma that
occurred on his toe.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">Yes, I know who Bob Marley is, but I thought you said melanoma is a
skin cancer. How could he have got it on
his toe?</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;">Melanoma is deadly
that way. It can spread all over or even
form in places other than the skin, such as the toe, the eyes, the genitals…all
over.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">So what causes it?</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;">Many things, but
mostly it’s caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun or tanning beds.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i>Yeah, but tanning beds are safe because they’re controlled</i><i>.</i></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_tZ5PcK0-SYTegHzkCQ6qOchnmCL4BqZ75-iq0ajg1o5vFBUSO7sNIE_tCsZ_HzZi2Dc2PyoDVBCs8TrRtBF3mvXnxFAzHqcS4IUaKnHpU6TG0nK6Iqip4bhMLOS_CWEeobMXfO9Lcf-/s1600/Notanbed.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg_tZ5PcK0-SYTegHzkCQ6qOchnmCL4BqZ75-iq0ajg1o5vFBUSO7sNIE_tCsZ_HzZi2Dc2PyoDVBCs8TrRtBF3mvXnxFAzHqcS4IUaKnHpU6TG0nK6Iqip4bhMLOS_CWEeobMXfO9Lcf-/s1600/Notanbed.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Source: <a href="https://askanesthetician.wordpress.com/">askanesthetician.wordpress.com</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><span style="color: purple;">No they’re not. Some tanning beds can emit up to 12 times
more radiation than the sun! It’s my
hope that legislation will pass across the country that would ban minors from
artificial tanning.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">I believe the government should have no right to dictate such
things. The parent should be responsible
for determining whether or not a child can visit a tanning salon.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;">Many parents simply
don’t understand the dangers of tanning.
There are many young adults who have melanoma now because their parents
allowed them to go tanning as teens.
Such age-limiting laws have been in effect for years to protect children
from parents’ uneducated decisions.
Alcohol, smoking, pornography, driving, gun use…the list goes on. Tanning is no different.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">But I’ve read that tanning beds are good for you. They give you Vitamin D</span></i><i><span style="color: blue;">.</span></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;">That’s not true. Most tanning beds emit UVA rays which have
nothing to do with Vitamin D production.
There are some UVB beds, but dermatologists recommend using diet and
supplements to increase your Vitamin D.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i>What about psoriasis or seasonal effect disorder? I hear that tanning beds cure those</i><i>.</i></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;">No they don’t. The National Psoriasis Foundation does not
endorse the use of tanning beds, and SAD is treated by a different kind of
light.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">Well, at least you can get a base tan from a tanning bed and that will
provide you with protection while you’re on vacation.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;">Not really. In fact, there is no such thing as a healthy
tan. Even a base tan is a sign of skin
damage. The most SPF a base tan can
provide is around 2 or 4, which is hardly enough to protect you at all.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">What about people with naturally dark skin? Don’t they have some built-in SPF?</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;">It’s true that the
darkest skin has a natural SPF of about 12, but again, constant exposure to UV
radiation can cause damage over time.
While lighter skinned people are more susceptible to melanoma, those
with darker skin can get melanoma as well.
In fact, the darker the skin, the harder it is to find. That’s why melanoma is usually deadlier in
darker toned skin…it is often difficult to find at an earlier stage.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">Melanoma is not just a white person’s disease?</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;">No. Again, I mention Bob Marley.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">Wow. So, I guess you want to ban
the sun as well?</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;">Not at all. I love being in the sun! But you really need to protect yourself from
the UV radiation.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">Why? The sun is as natural as
water.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;">True, but you’d wear a
life jacket in deep water if you didn’t know how to swim. The same concept applies to the sun and
sunscreen.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopj9RIL4nsLNhHdN-ht7cc0I4kVWXUmbNLlg-wYYracUbzIDTjYRdsXX5A4kMlB8NX8cwvXY5GItkpMlHd_1Ni3fwaj3eJDykEmKn4xXVW-9AxLUWlsiagfo_vPgEDrwo8ZiFIYf1vAnK/s1600/Sunscreen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="341" data-original-width="462" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiopj9RIL4nsLNhHdN-ht7cc0I4kVWXUmbNLlg-wYYracUbzIDTjYRdsXX5A4kMlB8NX8cwvXY5GItkpMlHd_1Ni3fwaj3eJDykEmKn4xXVW-9AxLUWlsiagfo_vPgEDrwo8ZiFIYf1vAnK/s320/Sunscreen.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Source: justaskmarlene.com</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">But sunscreen is dangerous!
There are chemicals in sunscreen that have been shown to cause birth
defects and other problems.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;">True, there are such
chemicals in some sunscreens, but they’re at such a low dose that there is no
danger. The studies that showcase the
dangers use so much more sunscreen on a mouse than would ever be applied
proportionally to a human. Even so,
there are sunscreens available without those chemicals.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">But if more people are using sunscreen yet melanoma is still on the
rise, doesn’t that mean that</span></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<i><span style="color: blue;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
sunscreen might be causing melanoma?</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;">No. The problem is that people are using
sunscreen incorrectly. They put it on at
the beginning of the day and never reapply it.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">They don’t need to if they buy a high SPF. An SPF 30 lotion will protect me for 30 times
longer than without sunscreen. That
means if I burn in 15 minutes, I can put on SPF 30 and be safe for…um…15 times
30 equals…um…450 minutes which is equal to 7 ½ hours! So I just need to put it on in the morning!</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;">You’re right about the
meaning of SPF, but what you forget is that sweat and water causes the lotions
to wear off or wash away. Sunscreen
needs to be applied every 2 hours or after you’ve been swimming. And you need to cover your entire body
thoroughly.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">But I use water proof lotion!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;">There’s no such thing
as water proof lotion. The FDA ordered
that all such claims be disallowed. You
can use a water resistant lotion, but even that will wash off in water and sweat.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">So all I have to do is wear sunscreen and I’ll be protected from UV
radiation?</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;">Well, it’s important
to understand that sunscreen doesn’t provide all the protection. Make sure you wear a hat, wear sunglasses,
wear tight knit or UPF clothing, and stay in the shade when possible.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">Okay, I think I understand all of that.
So how do I know if I have it?</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;">First of all, see a
dermatologist.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">No thanks…they’ll cut me open just to make a buck!</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD01s9cytwN-OF2uWTuf3y_AmyG5Sb_xJPJh2UwrsMp8rvrkJehnEbLJUdjUTUzxaLnVrukJkT_X4btBe6DwNpdgJ3FQu3C2tPJKTkTRdP78tQwQlAMoHpMs6xFfxxkkBAtUVMktS-rat6/s1600/dermatologist.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="284" data-original-width="498" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD01s9cytwN-OF2uWTuf3y_AmyG5Sb_xJPJh2UwrsMp8rvrkJehnEbLJUdjUTUzxaLnVrukJkT_X4btBe6DwNpdgJ3FQu3C2tPJKTkTRdP78tQwQlAMoHpMs6xFfxxkkBAtUVMktS-rat6/s320/dermatologist.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Source: sutterhealth.com</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><span style="color: purple;">What?</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">Dermatologists are in cahoots with “Big Pharma.” They get kick backs from the sunscreen
companies and encourage the dermatologists to cut out the occasional mole in
order to scare patients into using the sunscreen. It’s a big conspiracy.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;"><sigh> I don’t have an argument for that except that
I know many doctors that are honest people and their chief concern is treating
the patient. Some doctors may cut out
moles more aggressively than others, but many lives have been saved when a
biopsy comes back with unexpected positive results. I strongly urge you to see a dermatologist.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">Can’t I just check for spots myself?</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;">Yes you can…along with
an annual visit to the dermatologist.
Many recommend that you check yourself monthly by following the ABCDE
method. I’ll send you the details of
that later.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">Okay, I think I get it. But I
have one more question. Why do you say
“Black is the New Pink?” Do you have
something against breast cancer awareness?</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;">No…the title
represents the wish from my brother that the melanoma awareness campaign might
one day be as successful as the pink breast cancer awareness campaign.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">Okay, that’s fine. But why
black? The black ribbon is supposed to
represent when someone is mourning and more recently, as support for “Black
Lives Matter.” I thought the color for
skin cancer was orange.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="color: purple;">Unfortunately, we have
a dual-color campaign. Traditional skin
cancer awareness sometimes uses orange to represent the sun’s role in skin
cancer. Those who have been touched by
melanoma typically embrace the black color because the literal definition of
melanoma is “black tumor.”</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">So if I understand you right, melanoma is a deadly, aggressive skin
cancer that anyone can get mostly from UV radiation which comes from the sun or
tanning beds. I need to protect myself
by staying away from tanning beds, and using sunscreen when outdoors, along
with wearing other protection. I need to
see a dermatologist every year to get my skin checked and I should check myself
every month or so to see if there’s anything suspicious.</span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes…it’s that simple! </div>
Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599030218893321329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552424816178478755.post-39221668663092265922015-02-17T19:30:00.000-05:002015-02-17T19:30:44.137-05:00Write to Your Local High Schools!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Ebfnwv9KX2hmV1FGx0KrMT7XeYWRVTXAWRLhIcfCwu2NfzY2lxAUUkqmwzP61wIT3zKbQfgBeu46wJC0UHICCOmPvaiUCcc-znyFxelRfrUr8XUrxRqlPmxUMS_UbO9I-R7rXv_4iU7W/s1600/writeletter2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Ebfnwv9KX2hmV1FGx0KrMT7XeYWRVTXAWRLhIcfCwu2NfzY2lxAUUkqmwzP61wIT3zKbQfgBeu46wJC0UHICCOmPvaiUCcc-znyFxelRfrUr8XUrxRqlPmxUMS_UbO9I-R7rXv_4iU7W/s1600/writeletter2.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A little over two years ago (February 15, 2013 to be exact),
I wrote a letter to the local high school newspaper’s faculty adviser and asked
if one of their students might want to write about indoor tanning. There was pending
state legislation against tanning at the time and I was interested in a
teenager’s perspective. While I identified myself as an advocate for
tanning legislation, I provided websites and information for both sides of the argument. Yes, my message was slightly biased towards
the safer choice, but I wanted the newspaper to do their homework and give their
honest opinion. The adviser responded
and stated that she’d forward the idea to the student staff and let them
decide. After a few weeks, I hadn’t heard
from the advisor and life caught up with me to the point that I never followed
up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fast forward to about a week ago when I noticed my “Sent”
folder in my email account had not been emptied in a long while. The aforementioned message was still
there. My curiosity got the best of me,
so I looked up the high school newspaper’s website and checked older
articles. Sure enough I found this,
dated February 26, 2013:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">North
Carolina considers teenage tanning ban</span></i><i> </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<i>
News Editor<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<i><br />
Every year in the United States, nearly 28 million people tan in indoor tanning
salons annually. Out of that 28 million, 2.3 million of these patrons are
teenagers. Seventy percent of people using indoor tanning salons are Caucasian
women ages 16 to 29 years.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.5in;">
<i>The
indoor tanning days of North Carolina teens could soon be over. Legislators are
considering a bill that will ban anyone under 18 from using a tanning bed. In
comparison, the current North Carolina law is less restrictive. Children under
13 are prohibited from using a tanning bed without a doctor’s permission, and
teens ages 14 to 17 simply need a parent’s permission.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<i>The facts paint an unfavorable picture for the indoor tanning industry.
There is a 75% increased risk of melanoma for those who have been exposed to UV
radiation from tanning beds, and that risk increases with each use. Studies
show that there is an 87% increased risk of melanoma for those who start using
tanning beds before the age of 35.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<i>But for some these facts are not enough. Rep. Marilyn Avila, R-Wake,
argued that the tanning industry should be given equal time to present its
facts before lawmakers vote.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<i>The bill will be debated and is expected to get a vote in the House
Health Committee on Tuesday, February 26.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Again on March 8, 2013, another article was written,
complete with a poll of students as to whether or not teenagers should be
allowed to indoor tan. Here’s that
article and the poll results:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 9pt 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">New
tanning law could protect teens</span></i><i> </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt 0.5in;">
<i>Editor-in-Chief<br />
<br />
North Carolina’s legislature is currently proposing the “Youth Skin Cancer
Prevention Act,” a bill which would increase the state’s minimum indoor tanning
age from 13 to 18, with the exception of a doctor’s note.<br />
<br />
According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 76,690 Americans will
be diagnosed with melanoma while 9,480 will likely die in 2013 alone, citing UV
rays, used in tanning beds, as a contributing factor. Also, the Skin Cancer
Foundation reports that those who use beds before age thirty five increase
their risk for melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, by an alarming
75 percent.<br />
<br />
Many young people, specifically teenage girls, don’t necessarily realize the
long-term damage a day at the tanning salon can cause. According to
skincancer.org, since teens’ skin cells are still rapidly developing, they are
more vulnerable to cancer than adults.<br />
<br />
Is it worth having a temporary tan if you could develop a dangerous,
potentially life-threatening disease? This bill attempts to curb these alarming
cancer statistics among young people who may make a decision they regret
afterwards.<br />
<br />
Opponents claim that if teens desire darker skin, they will simply sunbathe
outside and still be at risk. Does that mean N.C.’s legislature should do
nothing? Passing this bill could potentially save countless lives. Shouldn’t
our lawmakers do everything within their power to ensure teens remain safe and
healthy?<br />
<br />
Below is a poll of Apex High School's opinion on tanning among children:<br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyLiuEBDd1Ct8TWQ-Z6VrmOse-0cntpuZBhLQuIxkBvL34zBaRY87XLFWbxD4wvttCpmmraXbVQknmfgb6YaJWWV7C7OANV2beR9PUXef8Sj2JieWi194Mc7019-MbPrPRN2nT3T9sL_n/s1600/poll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigyLiuEBDd1Ct8TWQ-Z6VrmOse-0cntpuZBhLQuIxkBvL34zBaRY87XLFWbxD4wvttCpmmraXbVQknmfgb6YaJWWV7C7OANV2beR9PUXef8Sj2JieWi194Mc7019-MbPrPRN2nT3T9sL_n/s1600/poll.jpg" height="237" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Note the results of the poll. 78.4% of the students believed that minors
should NOT be allowed to use tanning beds!
That is FANTASTIC!</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This goes to show you that it pays to take some simple actions. Donna Regen of “<a href="https://www.facebook.com/BanTheBeds?fref=ts">Pull the Plug on Tanning Beds</a>” is currently
asking folks to write to colleges to ask that tanning beds be eliminated from
university-promoted housing. With prom
season fast approaching, I strongly encourage you to write your local high
school as I did and ask that their newspaper take a hard look at the tanning
debate. Offer up facts from the Skin
Cancer Foundation and MRF websites. Encourage
sun safety. It's quite simple! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Teenagers are smart…more
intelligent than we give them credit for.
Let’s encourage them to get loud and spread the word on smart tanning
choices.</div>
Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599030218893321329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552424816178478755.post-7178739331963236172015-02-10T22:50:00.000-05:002015-02-10T23:23:22.312-05:00Aggressive Melanoma Advocacy - It's Getting Attention!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZg2g_ZIe7a8YJnaUKfPzTehA3TQQPsL0aRT_cpLKYX_VTB9AoTIa7OgL9g8_yffF9tAfdQascLxrb1IfrWJXdgNduUxQQy8Sm5nIiY4vii78cjb1pirpRYfE9GlESohTw1mo137BgB7t/s1600/Shout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiZg2g_ZIe7a8YJnaUKfPzTehA3TQQPsL0aRT_cpLKYX_VTB9AoTIa7OgL9g8_yffF9tAfdQascLxrb1IfrWJXdgNduUxQQy8Sm5nIiY4vii78cjb1pirpRYfE9GlESohTw1mo137BgB7t/s1600/Shout.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Advocacy is defined as a process by an individual or group
which aims to influence decisions within political, economic and social systems
or institutions. In the skin cancer and
melanoma awareness world, advocacy occurs through various means. Groups and individuals lobby for tanning
legislation. Those who have been touched by melanoma share their stories in
social media. Other organizations
organize fund-raisers and educational forums.
Public Service Announcements from the Melanoma Research Alliance appear
on TV or on YouTube. “<a href="http://youtu.be/_4jgUcxMezM">Dear 16 Year Old Me</a>” from the David Cornfield Melanoma Fund continues to be the benchmark for all
PSAs. This is advocacy in its purest
form. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then there is advocacy with a kick.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While general advocacy oozes into the public consciousness, more
aggressive advocacy gets right in your face.
Sometimes the ads don’t necessarily scream at you, but they give you a
cerebral slap and make you think about the issue just a bit more. A few months ago, there was presentation on
YouTube called “How the Sun Sees You.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/o9BqrSAHbTc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/o9BqrSAHbTc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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This video showed people to looking at themselves through a
UV camera which highlighted previously unseen skin damage. Many were shocked at what they saw, and then
even more shocked when they saw how sunscreen can have such a dramatic positive
effect. To date, that piece has received
over 14.7 million views. It got people’s
attention.</div>
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Then there is what I’d call extreme advocacy. A good example is the “Truth” campaign
against tobacco use. Many of their ads
depict deathly ill individuals or people who have been severely affected by
smoking. They don’t tell you that
smoking is hazardous to your health; they flat out tell you that it can kill
you through an ugly and horrid death.
The folks who advocate against underage drinking have also put out some
effective ads. One spot shows a mother
talking to and putting earrings on her daughter, who lies dead in her
coffin. These are the types of ads that
shock you…and get your attention.</div>
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The folks at Mollie’s Fund have recently released their own “extreme”
ad. Called “Free Killer Tan,” it shows
free tanning sessions being offered in the city on a cold wintry day. Promoters are walking the streets, holding
signs and encouraging folks to warm up by getting a tan at “Vitamin Sun.” Some patrons decide to check it out. They enter the new tanning salon, complete
with tanning products in their lobby.
After a quick sign-up, they’re given a towel and goggles and told to
proceed down the hall way through a curtain.
What they find on the other side is a funeral parlor with a tanning bed instead
of a coffin before pews of mourners.
Atop the coffin is a photo of the potential tanner with the statement “In
Loving Memory. You are gone but not
forgotten”. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/NldzDjMnAF0/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NldzDjMnAF0?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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So far, it has received about 300,000 views, but there’s a
lot of buzz in online magazines and publications. I suspect this ad will get many more views. It’s getting people’s attention.</div>
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But not all aggressive advocacy needs to be surrounded by
promises of death. While many of us have
followed traditional advocacy by placing “Melanoma Awareness” bumper stickers
and magnets on our car, there’s one lady in California who has taken car
accessorizing to a new level. Take a
look:</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQQtPj0Hi5c4EMZ-qtD1l_kFWipQqiKn2W9MvPD2SkIkYhSgu6GLGJPIREWrlPMKpidPTBAhuZoxztMFWE2SjkXc67DoyRRUfPSOVQa3ro1WLO2HMN5fMPgu7iRt3LyCnvL6BwyR4nfga/s1600/Car1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQQtPj0Hi5c4EMZ-qtD1l_kFWipQqiKn2W9MvPD2SkIkYhSgu6GLGJPIREWrlPMKpidPTBAhuZoxztMFWE2SjkXc67DoyRRUfPSOVQa3ro1WLO2HMN5fMPgu7iRt3LyCnvL6BwyR4nfga/s1600/Car1.jpg" height="169" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OEJ0-Bpf0AwLh4P6ziw05Z5hX8GinjWi7a5We17tY6gecKV6y3h57uAOHS5S21zs4QgaIwA6VMWMixDcSPCGE3VRiRY2khKPNDnxMSNl7hhaagq436lxmQpX84TyaUx7GdzqHYGt0VX5/s1600/Car3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8OEJ0-Bpf0AwLh4P6ziw05Z5hX8GinjWi7a5We17tY6gecKV6y3h57uAOHS5S21zs4QgaIwA6VMWMixDcSPCGE3VRiRY2khKPNDnxMSNl7hhaagq436lxmQpX84TyaUx7GdzqHYGt0VX5/s1600/Car3.jpg" height="134" width="320" /></a></div>
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Yes, Kristi Donahue has plastered her Toyota with melanoma
messages and images from top to bottom.
The car even displays dozens of photos of melanoma angels…those we’ve
lost to the dreaded cancer. Her intent is to get the message out and it’s
definitely working. She shared one
experience of driving her car to take her son to the lake to feed the ducks and
ended up giving an impromptu lesson on melanoma awareness to curious
passers-by. Her message is being heard
and her car is definitely getting attention!</div>
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I am very proud to be a part of melanoma advocacy. My blog and Facebook postings fall within more
traditional advocacy, but these aggressive campaigns are inspiring. It shows me that we can go a little farther…dig
a little deeper…and be encouraged that we are being heard. Whether we shock the public or turn their
heads with a loudly decorated car, we’re starting to get people’s attention!</div>
Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599030218893321329noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552424816178478755.post-54111476983468724362015-02-04T23:48:00.002-05:002015-02-04T23:48:41.094-05:00Vaccines and Sunscreens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNC5TETQehC4OxV11PwpymLkvRV25GJcA89Hy67cg7VI2xfVlHa5hO-5ZlMFgHG5sdrI1NhGLHwjPuhKf45kvL2F79j7dn2GJweN9GdCjeapm9LIzJLu-YJEneYfK2Umg_MG9-KKzpG2V/s1600/vaccine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNC5TETQehC4OxV11PwpymLkvRV25GJcA89Hy67cg7VI2xfVlHa5hO-5ZlMFgHG5sdrI1NhGLHwjPuhKf45kvL2F79j7dn2GJweN9GdCjeapm9LIzJLu-YJEneYfK2Umg_MG9-KKzpG2V/s1600/vaccine.jpg" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
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There’s a national debate going on about whether or not a
child should be vaccinated. I've not
read all the details, but from what I gather, those opposed to vaccinations
state that the vaccine itself has some cancer-causing chemicals within that
could endanger the child. Apparently
there are documented cases of children becoming sick, afflicted or dying after
being vaccinated. </div>
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On the other hand, those supporting vaccines have stated
that the benefits of being vaccinated far outweigh any risk. Cases of whooping cough are on the rise in
one community where there lives a higher population of vaccine opponents. The risk of being negatively affected by
vaccine is less than 1/10 of one percent.
The benefits are that you won’t get measles, chicken pox and other
diseases which are highly contagious and not fun illnesses to experience. I've had chicken pox…it was like having fire
ants on my body. I also had shingles a
few years ago.</div>
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For me personally, I would have chosen to vaccinate my kids
even if it wasn't required by law. It’s
common sense (in my opinion) and helps to protect my kids and others with whom
they come in contact.</div>
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I've seen this debate elsewhere, although possibly not as
publicly.</div>
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There are some sunscreens which contain potentially cancer-
or illness-causing chemicals. Animal
studies show that oxybenzone may have some affect on hormones. Retinol, or Vitamin A has been shown to cause
skin cancer in mice. As a result, some
people refuse to use sunscreens with these ingredients and opt for sun blockers
such as zinc oxide.</div>
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Other reports show that the amount of retinol applied to the
mice would be equivalent to applying gallons of sunscreen onto our body at one
time. If the proportions were equal,
there’s a good chance that the little rodents would have been fine.</div>
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Overall, the medical community encourages wearing
sunscreen. The health benefits of
protecting against skin cancer (and aging and wrinkles) far outweigh any risk
of illness from the chemicals.</div>
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I choose to encourage my family and friends to apply
sunscreen every day. There are options
with regard to sunscreen, and the recent passage of the Sunscreen Innovation
Act will allow new chemistries to be considered, so perhaps the use of
oxybenzone and retinol can be avoided after all. Even so, I would recommend any sunscreen over none at all.</div>
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As for the hot debate, please have your child
vaccinated. There’s greater risk if you
don’t and you negligence to not vaccinate your child may endanger another
child.</div>
Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599030218893321329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552424816178478755.post-37005764225164629902015-01-03T00:27:00.000-05:002015-01-03T00:27:32.798-05:00My Wishes for 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDH5lCHopJnAAiX-RZ3GfB1QvOZ5OLDFOAB8uVSJXhz0LwLPyiDO7g0l-olsnp3huPnhME-AJB_ArIcnnJ9OZcr9lHxBBURRfPFfnjpjnZ7CCDos-4IYLvtduFNxp47yNgxGhb6dSsDRQ3/s1600/wish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDH5lCHopJnAAiX-RZ3GfB1QvOZ5OLDFOAB8uVSJXhz0LwLPyiDO7g0l-olsnp3huPnhME-AJB_ArIcnnJ9OZcr9lHxBBURRfPFfnjpjnZ7CCDos-4IYLvtduFNxp47yNgxGhb6dSsDRQ3/s1600/wish.jpg" height="111" width="320" /></a></div>
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The beginning of the year brings two things, resolutions and predictions. Frankly, I’m as aware of my resolutions on
July 23 as I am on January 1, so I see no real need to make a special
list. (If you must know, exercise more
and eat better…period). As for predictions,
I have trouble knowing what I’m, having for breakfast tomorrow. Instead, I’d like to share my wish list for
2015.</div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b><i>Cures<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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I know this is a melanoma advocacy blog, so of course I wish for a cure
for melanoma. We’re closer today than we’ve
ever been, and we’ll be even closer tomorrow.
But my wish is for multiple cures.
My mother suffered from Lupus, so I wish for a cure for Lupus. She also died of Lung Cancer, so I wish for a
cure for Lung Cancer. For that matter,
let’s include all cancers. They all
suck. My father in-law suffers from MS,
so l wish for a cure for MS. I wish,
simply, for cures.</div>
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<b><i>Enlightenment<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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This one could be deep, but in the melanoma advocacy world, I wish the
world to be enlightened that UV radiation can and does cause skin cancer. Skin cancer is serious. Even the “simple” cancers such as basal cell
carcinoma can be very disfiguring and scar up that precious skin of yours. But melanoma is one of the most aggressive
cancers and it kills. I wish the world
to be enlightened to this fact. But I
also wish the world to understand that we’re not trying to ban fun in the
sun. We simply wish the world to take precautions
by wearing sunscreen, hats, sun glasses, and proper clothing. </div>
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<b><i>Legislation <o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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Enlightenment can carry over into state and national legislation
regarding tanning beds. I wish that
legislators would understand that tanning bed bans are no more a sign of being
a “nanny state” than cigarette bans.
Tanning beds are not the same as the sun. They have deadly and largely unregulated consequences,
much like cigarettes. I wish that all
tanning beds could be banned, but more realistically for now, I wish strongly
that laws be passed in all states to prevent minors from tanning in salons.</div>
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<b><i>Self-Acceptance and Beauty<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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My son and daughter will turn 13 this year…they’ll be teenagers. I wish that they will gladly accept their own
skin color and resist any temptation or peer pressure to tanning in the summer
time because it’s fashionable. Every
person’s skin color is their own, and part of what makes them beautiful. There’s no need to change.</div>
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<b><i>Advocacy<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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I wish for more advocacy for melanoma awareness, education and research. I hope to see more PSAs from skin cancer
organizations. I hope to see more
effective PSAs in the US as we’ve seen from Australia. I hope to see celebrities take a stand on sun
safety all year round and not just in May.
I wish to see more people share their story on Facebook. Twitter, or
whatever big media fad is in 2015.</div>
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<b><i>Education<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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I wish that elementary schools would teach sun safety so that middle
school and high school students already know right from wrong. Some will choose not so wisely, but I have
faith that most kids are pretty smart and will understand. But they need to be educated. I also wish that colleges would ban the use
of tanning beds as amenities within student housing. </div>
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<b><i>Health<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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Most of all, I wish good health to all that suffer from any type of
skin cancer. Sadly, many that I know or
that read my Facebook page will not be around to see 2016. Fortunately, due to advances over the precious
few years, a larger percentage will live to see another year. For those fighting, I wish you strength,
courage and support. </div>
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Enjoy the coming year my friends.
Many good things will happen!</div>
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Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599030218893321329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552424816178478755.post-67003650940490073552014-12-10T23:59:00.000-05:002014-12-10T23:59:46.586-05:00"Only Good Things Can Come From That"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QXJUe9HAOTJxKmMWIkzxijjdHQdKOmAw7oc42sDCQcVtAgVnG5ePtX764NetA-yoUrYp52GjhSY888Z4a9veaRDEFatgcaikQ0pw9viysfRHutGYWZMxXKHbrxUBlW6_FVcybGJ5LP3r/s1600/GSKSummit2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_QXJUe9HAOTJxKmMWIkzxijjdHQdKOmAw7oc42sDCQcVtAgVnG5ePtX764NetA-yoUrYp52GjhSY888Z4a9veaRDEFatgcaikQ0pw9viysfRHutGYWZMxXKHbrxUBlW6_FVcybGJ5LP3r/s1600/GSKSummit2.jpg" /></a></div>
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This evening (December 10, 2014) I was fortunate enough to attend the
2014 GSK Melanoma Virtual Summit. This
was an online gathering of bloggers and melanoma advocates and organizations to
discuss recent developments in the fight against melanoma. I’ll admit, I wasn’t very good at keeping
notes, so what I share here will be a very summarized and abbreviated account
of the 90 minute session.</div>
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First of all, we all introduced ourselves. I was thrilled to see the faces of familiar
friends and “meet” those I’ve followed for a few years. I’ll share respective blog and websites at
the end of this piece. There were also
representatives from various melanoma advocacy groups (see the list at the end).</div>
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First on the agenda was a discussion of a patient’s perception during
initial diagnosis. GSK, as a drug
manufacturer, interacts primarily with doctors and medical facilities and not
so much actual patients. They’ve been
investigating the patient point of view more and presented some insights. The most riveting part of this section of the
summit was not GSK’s presentation, but the opportunity for melanoma
warriors/survivors to tell their tale.
My friends Timna and Rich shared their reactions and experience with initial
diagnosis. It was encouraging to see a
representative of the “Big Pharma” corporate healthcare world (GSK) listen to
real human stories and emotions.</div>
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The next segment dealt with updates on recent policies related to
melanoma. July’s “Call to Action” by the
Surgeon General emphasized. This is not
a federally funded venture, but a true call to action in local
communities. Organize the building of
shaded areas in parks. Increase
awareness of UV dangers. Promote sun-safe
policies in schools and in the community.
Participate in fund-raising and awareness-raising activities. Support legislation to ban the use of tanning
beds for minors. While it may have been
the same message from July, it was an effort to recharge our efforts.</div>
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Others also presented updates on the recently signed Sunscreen
Innovation Act. Now, new formulations of
sunscreen will be expedited for FDA approval.
This will introduce a slew of sunscreen formulas to the United States that
already exist in other countries. I
asked if the increased options in sunscreen might help reduce the price of
sunscreen…perhaps through increased competition. Unfortunately, this could not be predicted or
known at this time.</div>
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Additionally, there was discussion about the FDA Guidelines on sun
lamps (warning stickers and reclassification of tanning beds), funding for
various research, and details about research on genetic testing, specifically
on those melanoma patients not fortunate enough to have the B-RAF gene (as
there is no effective treatment for this 50% of the melanoma patient population). This last effort is lead by the SU2C/MRA Melanoma
Dream Team. In addition, there was a
report on the Brain Mets tissue bank to help research brain metastasis. Over half of all melanoma deaths occur from
brain metastasis. Count my brother Jeff
as one of those.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The summit closed with a brief impromptu discussion about pediatric
melanoma and the apparent increase in such cases. It was noted by one participant that 10 years
ago, melanoma research concentrated on men in the 50’s. Now, the research is heading to younger ages…20’s
and now even to pediatric patients. It’s
a disturbing trend. </div>
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With the upcoming merger/acquisition/whatever of GSK with Novartis,
there’s some concern that this summit will continue going forward. The GSK group seemed confident that it will
continue. I certainly hope so. Does this group of bloggers and advocates
create new and innovative “legislation” against melanoma? No.
But as my friend Rich commented, “The value of these things is to
establish and build personal connections and relationships in the melanoma
advocacy community. Only good things can
come from that.”</div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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Thank you to the following organizations for your participation:</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
AIM at Melanoma –
<a href="http://aimatmelanoma.org/">aimatmelanoma.org</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
Melanoma
International Foundation – <a href="http://melanomainternational.org/">melanomainternational.org</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
Melanoma Research
Alliance – <a href="http://curemelanoma.org/">curemelanoma.org</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
Melanoma Research
Foundation – <a href="http://melamoma.org/">melamoma.org</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
Skin Cancer
Foundation – <a href="http://skincancer.org/">skincancer.org</a></div>
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Skin of Steel –
<a href="http://skinofsteel.org/">skinofsteel.org</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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The following is a list of attending bloggers as supplied by the GSK
organizers. My apologies for any that
attended but were not on the provided list or that I simply forgot to type (it’s
late at night…lol):</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
TJ Sharpe - <a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/patient1" target="_blank"><b><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/patient1</span></b></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
Timna Understein - <a href="http://respecttherays.blogspot.com.es/" target="_blank"><b><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">http://respecttherays.blogspot.com.es/</span></b></a></div>
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Steve and Jennifer “Who
Dat” Martin - <a href="http://martinfamilyjourney.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">http://martinfamilyjourney.blogspot.com/</span></b></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
Martha Bishop - <a href="http://melanomas.bishless.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">http://melanomas.bishless.com/</span></b></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
Alisa Linton - <a href="http://joshalisa.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">http://joshalisa.blogspot.com/</span></b></a></div>
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Julie Marzano - <a href="http://juliesmelanomajournal.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">http://juliesmelanomajournal.blogspot.com/</span></b></a></div>
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Chelsea Price Dawson
(and her little dog, too) - <b><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://adventurewithmelanoma.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">http://adventurewithmelanoma.blogspot.com/</a></span></b></div>
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Rich McDonald<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;"> - </span><a href="http://hotelmelanoma.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;" target="_blank"><b><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">http://hotelmelanoma.blogspot.com/</span></b></a></div>
Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599030218893321329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552424816178478755.post-9105004570026234342014-11-27T00:21:00.000-05:002014-11-27T00:21:48.290-05:00Some Time Away<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlTr5ycIkQYqlFDOtUGLl7xcDbv3AuW5OHIHkfB-_qH0jYKUv6VLFUlnQliVysFxj9hNKWGeQzXzfabmG9Km4NF2OmnLWVYrVGZscvzWjKckV_SjkwxW7uXgneFmHW-yAJgOncNcU7OSM/s1600/EstepThanksgiving.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFlTr5ycIkQYqlFDOtUGLl7xcDbv3AuW5OHIHkfB-_qH0jYKUv6VLFUlnQliVysFxj9hNKWGeQzXzfabmG9Km4NF2OmnLWVYrVGZscvzWjKckV_SjkwxW7uXgneFmHW-yAJgOncNcU7OSM/s1600/EstepThanksgiving.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Happy Thanksgiving!</div>
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<br /></div>
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I’ve taken some time off from blog writing. While my responsibilities at work contributed
to my reduced personal time and online absence, the truth is I decided to
simply take a break. Some of it was
writer’s block but a lot of it was to get away from melanoma for a while.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
This started at the first of the month when I spent an amazing birthday
weekend with family. My dad and his wife
headed on their annual migration from West Virginia to Florida and decided to
spend a few days with my sister-in-law Debbie.
She lives a few hours from my house, so my family and I decided to join
the others at Debbie’s place for a reunion of sorts. You see, this was the first time the three of
us (Dad, Debbie and I) have been together since Jeff’s death.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I had visited dad a few times either in WV or Florida…and we’ve visited
with Debbie as well. But this was our
first gathering of the three. In my
over-analyzing thoughts, I wasn’t sure how the weekend would go. Our last such gathering…at Jeff’s funeral…was
anything but enjoyable. Certainly
memorable, but not for any reasons we wanted to remember. How would things be this time?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Gladly, it was spectacular. We
laughed, we ate (Debbie cooked…yum!), we laughed some more. Debbie and I shared inside jokes that Jeff
and I would have shared…Dad and I shared a few melancholy moments talking about
my mom and brother…but none of the times spent together felt like any type of
memorial. It was simply family
time. It was great. It was cleansing.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The trip offered a bit of unexpected closure. Despite enjoyable visits with each since Jeff’s
passing, there was always the pretense that Jeff was no longer around. There was almost a “let’s don’t discuss it”
feel in the air. And as a result, there
was always a presence of melanoma. Somehow,
the black cancer would invade our time together and remind us that it had taken
our loved one away.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
During this trip, we all talked and laughed about Jeff...about
ourselves…about family. There was no feeling
of an uninvited guest. There was no
melanoma in our midst. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Ironically, my dad had been diagnosed with melanoma in situ a couple
months earlier and had it removed. He
showed off the scar (although very difficult to see) on his scalp where the
cancer was removed. Perhaps this is why
melanoma wasn’t present at our gathering.
Yes, melanoma had invaded our family and taken one of us away. The next time it came, it was detected early
and pushed away. While we respected it
for the danger that it is, we were no longer afraid of it. And thus, it was not with us.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I embraced that feeling after leaving and decided not to drag melanoma
along. I still followed and shared
stories on Facebook and tried to keep up with the goings on of friends in the
melanoma community, but otherwise, I remained silent and simply kept melanoma
off my mind for awhile.</div>
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<br /></div>
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My work and the holidays will most likely keep me busy and possibly
away from the keyboard for a few more weeks, but I’ve decided to renew my fight
against melanoma. There is so much to
do. Not just for the memory of Jeff, but
to protect my children, who will become tenacious teenagers this coming
year. Tanning bed legislation…sun safety
education…fundraising events… Yes, so
much to do.</div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
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And so much to be thankful for.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i>Note: The photo I share in this piece is actually a photo of a photo I spotted in Debbie's bedroom. It was taken back in 2000 or possibly earlier. That's me on the left, Jeff in the middle, and Dad on the right. This was one of the last Thanksgivings that we all spent together as my mom passed away in 2005 after my kids were born in 2002.</i></div>
Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599030218893321329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552424816178478755.post-55799109632990450062014-10-29T23:39:00.000-04:002014-10-29T23:39:25.709-04:00The Wolf Reveals Itself<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEifgGeofhRV3c35ihHm9gWxEZ2TanLrpVAawJDJL525aqiN9JvyaM0m9RMFHboTVSUoopYeQ2dgehmq1-FOPRiBx51newqYDtdQB-YmOEkIN-2jj9M1rJZ9ONp1aDtkjPbOaesOysYCW/s1600/wolf2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMEifgGeofhRV3c35ihHm9gWxEZ2TanLrpVAawJDJL525aqiN9JvyaM0m9RMFHboTVSUoopYeQ2dgehmq1-FOPRiBx51newqYDtdQB-YmOEkIN-2jj9M1rJZ9ONp1aDtkjPbOaesOysYCW/s1600/wolf2.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
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Back in May, I <a href="http://blackispink.blogspot.com/2014/05/journey-of-tanning-ban-bill-and-role-of.html">wrote a post</a> about the proposed tanning ban bill in North
Carolina and how the American Suntanning Association actually supported the
bill. (It has yet to pass). I stated that I was suspicious of the ASA’s motives
to back such legislation to ban minors from tanning salons. I suspected that they wanted any discussion
of the negative impact of tanning to be swept under the rug. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<i>“Having no opposition to this bill means there will be no heated
debate. There will be no online
forums. There will be minimal media
coverage at best.” <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I went on to predict that while people would celebrate the passage of
such a bill, the tanning industry would be licking their chops toward an older
population. After all, according to the
ASA, those under 18 years of age account for only about 2% of the indoor
tanning clientele.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<i>“I predict the ASA will refocus their monies from fighting legislation
to pushing the tanning industry on the over 18 crowd. College towns will have an increase in
tanning salons. Specials on lotions and
tanning sessions will be promoted on campus.
University girls will be reminded that having no tan before Spring Break
is a fashion faux pas. The wolf will
shed its sheep’s clothing and the tanning industry will evoke a full frontal
assault on the 20-somethings. Sadly,
many will buy into it all.”<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Today, I read where that sheep’s clothing has indeed been shed, <a href="http://www.philly.com/philly/health/topics/HealthDay693173_20141029_Many_U_S__Colleges_Have_Indoor_Tanning_Salons_On__Near_Campus__Study.html">Here's one of many articles.</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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A study published in JAMA Dermatology (a journal of the American
Medical Association) reports that 12% of the top 125 colleges across the US
provide on-campus tanning facilities. Over 14% of colleges allow the use of
campus cash cards to pay for tanning. Also, more than 42% of the campuses have
tanning facilities in off-campus housing that are pretty much part of the
rent. In other words, there is no limit
on usage for the tenants!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The conclusion of the study: “Reducing the availability of indoor
tanning on and around college campuses is an important public health target.”</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
What did the tanning industry have to say about this? Well, the Indoor Tanning
Association stated “There is no consensus among researchers regarding the
relationship between melanoma skin cancer and UV exposure either from the sun
or a sunbed.” No surprise there. The wolf is back.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
We need to take the study’s conclusion to heart…we need to make college-supported
tanning a target for elimination. We, as
alumni, students and supporters need to contact our institutions of higher
learning and demand that on-campus tanning be eliminated completely. We need to demand that the schools not
endorse off-campus housing that provides tanning beds as amenities. We need to support and promote any campaigns
that educate the student population on UV exposure and its true relationship to
skin cancer and melanoma. We need to
contact our fraternity brothers and sorority sisters and encourage them to take
positive action in this cause. We need
to make the university and college student population understand that the
damage they do to their skin today will last a lifetime.</div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Please take action. It’s the
only way to defeat the wolf. </div>
Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599030218893321329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552424816178478755.post-70081052983694274852014-10-15T23:17:00.000-04:002014-10-15T23:17:15.430-04:00The Staging Debate: An Analogy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnzXwA-e3qOdNJLtV8lGHkhj9Y6bmIaNA2mJVI3LH3y_O00FN0tW03YFwyyaPsxPgapn2LZX55fIcaweCB06uTH6Zj-3jXysUSi-gUchK9EnlsMJWyom0_SY3plCUxmPiRJP5zAbVD_Vn/s1600/smokinggun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEnzXwA-e3qOdNJLtV8lGHkhj9Y6bmIaNA2mJVI3LH3y_O00FN0tW03YFwyyaPsxPgapn2LZX55fIcaweCB06uTH6Zj-3jXysUSi-gUchK9EnlsMJWyom0_SY3plCUxmPiRJP5zAbVD_Vn/s1600/smokinggun.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i>Note: This post is not intended
to reflect my views on gun control or gun owner rights…it is to merely serve as
an analogy to make my point.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
A gun was pointed right at you.
The eyes of the gunman were wild and stared into your soul. You glanced at the gun and saw his trigger
finger curl. Then there was the
deafening sound. There was no way you
could completely dodge the bullet. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
There are a few scenarios that could have played out from this
scene. Let’s count them down from worst
to best.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
4. The bullet inflicted a severe wound and you had an 85% chance of
dying. The internal damage was extensive
and you likely suffered a painful death. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
3. The bullet inflicted significant damage to a major organ and you
were in intensive care and watched closely.
You still had a 60% chance of dying.
If you didn’t die, the recovery process was slow, painful and expensive. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
2. The bullet hit no vital organs but you were still hurt quite
significantly. You may have gone through
rehabilitation and suffered permanent scarring.
Chances are that you lived, but you may have limitations later in life…not
only physical, but mental and emotional.
The image of your experience will never go away.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1. The bullet hit your arm or leg, but didn’t cause major damage. You required some minor surgery and ended up
with scarring, but there was no danger at loss of life. You will, however remain emotionally scarred.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
0. The bullet barely grazed you.
You had no physical evidence of being hurt except for maybe a scratch,
but you may wake up from your sleep with nightmares of your experience.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Of these five results, would you claim that any is not a victim of an
armed assault? My guess is no. Whether you died or you were barely touched
by the bullet, the morning headline would still most likely read, “One Person Shot.” You would indeed be a victim.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
So why is it that someone with Stage IV melanoma (who has only a 15%
chance of surviving) is deemed as a melanoma warrior or survivor, but those
diagnosed Stage 0 or Stage I are told they can’t be considered the same?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Sure, the higher stage diagnosis involves a LOT more heartache, pain,
treatment and money spent. No one would
ever dispute that a Stage 4 warrior suffers far more than a Stage I
patient. But anyone…ANYONE…who is told “you
have cancer” has seen that gun barrel pointed right at their chest. They’ve seen the wild eyes of a killer
face-to-face. They’ve realized that they
have a very real chance of something going very bad. Perhaps hearing those words…”you have cancer”…is
what defines a warrior. It’s what
defines a survivor. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
There is one difference between the analogy comparing an armed assault
victim to a melanoma patient. The gun
victim may never have to experience such an encounter again. The melanoma warrior has a 1 in 3 chance of
the melanoma coming back. And in the
case of my low-stage diagnosed brother, it came back to kill him 6 years later.</div>
Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599030218893321329noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552424816178478755.post-56155874075865080522014-10-01T00:36:00.000-04:002014-10-01T00:36:11.172-04:00Pennies and a Tutu<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Please accept my apologies for my absence from blogging. Work is always a challenge, plus I went on a
vacation, celebrated an anniversary, and enjoyed the height of softball season
for my daughter (my first as a sport parent).
Oh, and there was this little thing called the <a href="http://www.amanda-corey.com/">4th AnnualAmanda Wall – Corey Haddon Memorial Walk</a>…also known as the Miles for Melanoma –
Raleigh Walk. (Whew…that’s a long name!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
This is the third year that I’ve been associated with this walk and it’s
greatly rewarding every time.
Admittedly, those that founded this walk do a lot more than I, but I
still try to pitch in when I can. For me
personally, this was the most successful walk yet! Here’s why:</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Over $22,000 raised!</b> This is
lower than our goal, but considering that the committee cut back on some raffle
items, we did pretty damn good!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73Zv7tWdEXE3uzgU4QK9KKToy2H95AvMuGphJ_zCLcBtNcGsEp5Sodpi34Y5EZSRUFdpXSBe5PcyHS4PGL3QA9vT0dUXMiEkIWY4QEVWUkwjNeMq_rgFhZ8WSezz9yjO8WYCJjfIhB4u1/s1600/SunBlockade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi73Zv7tWdEXE3uzgU4QK9KKToy2H95AvMuGphJ_zCLcBtNcGsEp5Sodpi34Y5EZSRUFdpXSBe5PcyHS4PGL3QA9vT0dUXMiEkIWY4QEVWUkwjNeMq_rgFhZ8WSezz9yjO8WYCJjfIhB4u1/s1600/SunBlockade.jpg" height="130" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">One of our top fund-raising (nearly $3000) and entertaining teams...The Sun Block-ade </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Blue Lizard!</b> The awesome
sunscreen company became a corporate partner with the walk this year and made
their presence known with some samples at the walk. It was nice to know that Blue Lizard is now
available locally at Harris Teeter supermarkets (although…pssst…it’s cheaper to
order online).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjrL15n9Td3SshRjN1IwSifJgYqYBNZc1qzpZi8qnyvr5k9uruPI8uZ2PNt5NzQiX1SgJ-O1pq-cNvWrmmYvWpW7EXFhN4h1cv_zOa8FyA1Oo4bq5v8NtDQR6v1pHduQdhfeWEALKPBPI/s1600/BlueLizard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjrL15n9Td3SshRjN1IwSifJgYqYBNZc1qzpZi8qnyvr5k9uruPI8uZ2PNt5NzQiX1SgJ-O1pq-cNvWrmmYvWpW7EXFhN4h1cv_zOa8FyA1Oo4bq5v8NtDQR6v1pHduQdhfeWEALKPBPI/s1600/BlueLizard.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Blue Lizard...Corporate Sponsor!</span></div>
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<b>Skin screening!</b> For the first
time, we had a dermatologist (from Sanford Dermatology) performing free skin
screenings. The doc pointed out two
spots that should be looked at more closely.
I have my annual appointment in about a month, so you can bet that my
dermatologist will be made aware of these spots!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaffxVjVMKmldDwwiz1vel3pMiQs6jvONtzRbC1ECG5nqjGXSOsZ3AM6VN9CSRTUOCuMdocRIQ1chMDRGXOIx5USc1p02XlbbqEKv7wDSCxMDbHMf9hch1iiJDMJaKCJE6xhbsg-sF5Zch/s1600/SkinCheck1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaffxVjVMKmldDwwiz1vel3pMiQs6jvONtzRbC1ECG5nqjGXSOsZ3AM6VN9CSRTUOCuMdocRIQ1chMDRGXOIx5USc1p02XlbbqEKv7wDSCxMDbHMf9hch1iiJDMJaKCJE6xhbsg-sF5Zch/s1600/SkinCheck1.jpg" height="292" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMu-8XNnd_0grmp88UXfUL7U3wBSpFG0dc5TuGLBD8BsmA8UcctGlAzWf83LBnisH7dHYKa4OtwSY279Un7rYT-6rUCCWoat0f8kStBuEk-b2IRyDzoJA_REPfQwj9vi029KRChyphenhyphenoykpo_/s1600/SkinCheck2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMu-8XNnd_0grmp88UXfUL7U3wBSpFG0dc5TuGLBD8BsmA8UcctGlAzWf83LBnisH7dHYKa4OtwSY279Un7rYT-6rUCCWoat0f8kStBuEk-b2IRyDzoJA_REPfQwj9vi029KRChyphenhyphenoykpo_/s1600/SkinCheck2.jpg" height="320" width="273" /></a></div>
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<b>Family and friend support!</b> While
I would promote the walk at my workplace in previous years, there seemed to be
a greater interest this year. This was
partly due to the Amanda-Corey group’s presence at my company’s health fair in
August. Also, I decided to be a bit more
aggressive in urging people to attend or donate. And they did!
Plus, my family joined me at the walk for the first time. There had always been some conflict in the
past, but this year I got to have my wife and two kids walk along side…even
though they seemed a little wary of my attire.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnSR5_glb6BWbcv6ylplJYAEwYrRozwP6309t9js-IPElwMD5zJgrkm1y9zCLLi0L7Nu2Ac1zis25RfNO7iXH9nUuDL9OMNfA5x31JOX4AFuepyqOIodzhJL59pEpOcCypwSwQPOO1IpY/s1600/Family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnSR5_glb6BWbcv6ylplJYAEwYrRozwP6309t9js-IPElwMD5zJgrkm1y9zCLLi0L7Nu2Ac1zis25RfNO7iXH9nUuDL9OMNfA5x31JOX4AFuepyqOIodzhJL59pEpOcCypwSwQPOO1IpY/s1600/Family.jpg" height="289" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Co-workers Phung and Marcie, Marcie's kids Max and Connor, Me, my kids and my wife Kim (missing from photo are co-worker spouse Jon Bailey and son Joshua)</span></div>
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<b>Pennies!</b> I decided to start a
campaign called <a href="http://blackispink.blogspot.com/p/carrymypenny.html">#CARRYMYPENNY</a> in which I would carry a penny for every dollar
donated. While my unofficial total was
$860, I went ahead a carried an even 1,000 pennies just in case I missed a
few. That’s 6 ¼ pounds worth of
pennies. Admittedly, that’s not a lot,
but I can tell you that it feels quite a bit heavier after 3 miles of
walking. Although as you can see in the
next photo, I had a bit of help from one of my co-worker’s sons.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsN6X8T4GgzSS_uPMXZQ784hpO-VG5eUBrGBiohtpRo6gN9iqbZzRKDjRawRpbx8Cj5ziVyR6e7QEnT6KQIb3wK51epF3f7hQR6KSnPp8MEqoFFRnUUmKm9zOy3pHhzI-Hi5CGj37adooD/s1600/Connor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsN6X8T4GgzSS_uPMXZQ784hpO-VG5eUBrGBiohtpRo6gN9iqbZzRKDjRawRpbx8Cj5ziVyR6e7QEnT6KQIb3wK51epF3f7hQR6KSnPp8MEqoFFRnUUmKm9zOy3pHhzI-Hi5CGj37adooD/s1600/Connor.jpg" height="320" width="156" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Connor toting my pennies!</span></div>
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<b>Tutu!</b> I was very proud to wear
the black tutu as the East Coast Division of Men in Black. There was talk among the Amanda-Corey group
that perhaps others would don the tutus next year for certain donation
amounts. I know this method works…I had
a rush of donations once I announced I’d wear the tutu<span style="font-family: inherit;"> after I h</span>it the $500
mark. Perhaps next year I’ll offer other
humiliating incentives for higher amounts.
I need to ponder that for a while.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1uiEtG7G_QSm9CJ7o7C1ua628qAzUtRluR8krPR1HpmjivufU-xQovIWYHdqCx8YlGUq338WUyvB2gZYk_9JHl58gl5Dehy7DUj-ndV1Jrv4yQdi86WNiJmyYFHfkU9pIbjuw4h27OcA/s1600/TutuWalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1uiEtG7G_QSm9CJ7o7C1ua628qAzUtRluR8krPR1HpmjivufU-xQovIWYHdqCx8YlGUq338WUyvB2gZYk_9JHl58gl5Dehy7DUj-ndV1Jrv4yQdi86WNiJmyYFHfkU9pIbjuw4h27OcA/s1600/TutuWalk.jpg" height="320" width="222" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Man in Black...East Coast Division</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My friends at the Amanda-Corey Walk deserve a
nice long rest and a celebration dinner.
I know they’ll start planning again in a couple months, and I have no
doubt that next year’s event will be spectacular!</span></span>Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599030218893321329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552424816178478755.post-61091686405865739132014-09-01T15:38:00.001-04:002014-09-01T15:38:48.368-04:00Labor Day...No Time to Put Away the Sunscreen!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TGov8ypcC10RIVze40ggL7wX3I9p5iv97x2yHrZFD9m2B6Ze6Kk0_AXU3FoBFjlPIXcpISV1OIuM32ljcSO-Ere0PjEmVy3xlqwxVFzK_OQteMhdmOXS9IMQdasZleuV0TKnedEaEY3T/s1600/LaborDay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-TGov8ypcC10RIVze40ggL7wX3I9p5iv97x2yHrZFD9m2B6Ze6Kk0_AXU3FoBFjlPIXcpISV1OIuM32ljcSO-Ere0PjEmVy3xlqwxVFzK_OQteMhdmOXS9IMQdasZleuV0TKnedEaEY3T/s1600/LaborDay.jpg" /></a></div>
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It’s Labor Day. Summer is
unofficially over. If you or your kids
aren’t back in school already, they’ll more than likely start very soon. It’s time to put away the beach towel, the boogie
boards and the sunscreen, right?</div>
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Wrong! Okay…the beach towel and
boogie board can get stowed away, but that sunscreen needs to remain in your
medicine cabinet or bathroom counter! Even
though the hot summer sun won’t be shining so high in the sky, it still emits
those UV rays that damage your skin.</div>
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Many people associate heat with sun exposure. If it’s not hot, the sun can’t be causing any
harm…right? The truth is sun exposure
can be damaging even in the cold winter months.
While UVB rays, which cause burning, are weaker in the mornings and
afternoons as well as the non-summer months, UVA rays are at their full
intensity. Yep…UVA rays are as strong in
mid-winter as mid-summer, from sun-up to sun down.</div>
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UVA rays are more commonly associated with aging and wrinkling. They also penetrate the skin more deeply than
UVB rays (thus not associated with burning as much). This deeper penetration causes significant
and irreversible damage to your skin that may not be noticed for months or
years down the road. It’s important to
protect yourself year round!</div>
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How? Use sunscreen, but be well
aware of what your sunscreen protects.
The SPF rating of a sunscreen indicates its ability to protect against
UVB rays. The SPF rating has no bearing
on how well you’re protected against UVA rays!
It’s important to use a sunscreen that is “broad spectrum” or offers
UVA/UVB protection. Otherwise, you may
not be protected from UVA rays at all!</div>
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Even if you have the right sunscreen, it doesn’t offer all the protection
you need. That low autumn or winter sun
plays havoc on your eyes, especially when driving. Most likely you’ll be wearing sunglasses, but
again, it’s important to wear the right type.
Did you know that 70% of UVA rays penetrate glass? Yes…even eye glasses and car window
glass. Don’t simply by glasses with a
darker tint. It’s important to select
sunglasses rated with 100% UV protection…these will deflect the UVA rays as
well as UVB rays.</div>
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As the air gets cooler, you’ll most like wear longer sleeves and
slacks. This should provide good sun
protection, but don’t forget your exposed neck, face, ears and hands. Apply sunscreen as mentioned before, but also
wear a hat. A wide-brimmed hat is
preferred over a ball cap in order to protect your neck and ears.</div>
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I hope this past summer created great memories while you protected
yourself against the sun. But please don’t
forget that sun protection is a year-round event. Stay sun safe!</div>
Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599030218893321329noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552424816178478755.post-31149894729632447462014-08-09T22:23:00.001-04:002014-08-09T22:23:38.664-04:00Kings Island Kicks Cancer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOQDz4LfqX9YldhJn3zGEXHJFLmWlOprC1K8FY2b561noDABZJuSiiE8hpvt461ULRavX4apE01V_ScIgFQ9zeNn6GstfDNLirH9jeNn3ogSkD2Ko_nHOWf6bLe2N6wjf5x1KNFkL48bd/s1600/KingsIsland2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLOQDz4LfqX9YldhJn3zGEXHJFLmWlOprC1K8FY2b561noDABZJuSiiE8hpvt461ULRavX4apE01V_ScIgFQ9zeNn6GstfDNLirH9jeNn3ogSkD2Ko_nHOWf6bLe2N6wjf5x1KNFkL48bd/s1600/KingsIsland2.png" height="214" width="320" /></a></div>
When I was a kid growing up in St. Albans, West Virginia (near
Charleston), one of the best day-cations we would take every year was a trip to
<a href="https://www.visitkingsisland.com/">King’s Island</a> just north of Cincinnati, Ohio.
My parents would wake my brother and me up well before sunrise and we’d
hop in the car for the 3 ½ to 4 hour drive to Mason, Ohio…usually stopping for
breakfast at the original Bob Evans farm near Gallipolis, Ohio. Spotting the 333 feet Eiffel Tower from Interstate
71 set our hearts racing and we knew we’d soon be stopping in the Penelope
Pitstop section of the massive parking lot and riding the shuttle to the main
gate. Carousels, rides, shows…this place
had it all. As little kids, we’d hold
our parents’ hands and drag them to each attraction. As teenagers, we’d venture out on our own and
seek every thrill ride, and perhaps a cute girl we’d never meet again. But the highlight of the day back then was
challenging the longest wooden roller coaster in the world…”The Beast!” Whipping through the woods at 65 MPH caused
us to scream in delight and terror all at once.
It was the best.<br />
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It’s been years…no, decades since I’ve been to Kings Island, but the
memories I have are still some of the best ever. So it was with great interest and pride that
I saw where the amusement park had launched a program called “<a href="https://www.visitkingsisland.com/events/things-to-do/events-and-promotions/Kings-Island-Kicks-Cancer">Kings Island Kicks Cancer</a>.” From July 25 through
August 24, park guests can purchase a soccer ball for $5 to kick into the park’s
massive fountain. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNixlGM1u9ucwB0tjQk1lB8FbND2IaMDjOgFGUSGQGsg5dQL8l19royn6YSJA2iIFq-WFPFbCPC-M8N1keYP2Z28T0x31-yCXfoww9Zh3KyfkdWmt-QAFOK1QRpmX_n5S_dtqdf49q6S8O/s1600/KingsIsland1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNixlGM1u9ucwB0tjQk1lB8FbND2IaMDjOgFGUSGQGsg5dQL8l19royn6YSJA2iIFq-WFPFbCPC-M8N1keYP2Z28T0x31-yCXfoww9Zh3KyfkdWmt-QAFOK1QRpmX_n5S_dtqdf49q6S8O/s1600/KingsIsland1.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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Each ball is an entry
to win a 201 Honda Fit, plus net proceeds benefit three cancer charities: <a href="http://dragonfly.org/">TheDragonfly Foundation</a>, <a href="http://www.pinkribbongirls.org/">Pink Ribbon Girls</a>, and <a href="http://melanomaknowmore.com/">Melanoma Know More</a>!</div>
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Today, August 9, 2014, Kings Island and Melanoma Know More teamed up to
organize a world record-setting event.
2,148 people applied sunscreen at one place at the same time! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWwRCimYFG-kAadBG9XU2PIkH4jIR1x_UmamdtZ6UgS50_mKMLl7QJSwnRgZ4PdSWgCzWK8k1gnt0w-lGzdTif059v1UqGo6FahyphenhyphenWgu3D4mDMEEQWN-JpXpyz4Eci3uY4rULtaNCj8eoq/s1600/KingsIsland3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYWwRCimYFG-kAadBG9XU2PIkH4jIR1x_UmamdtZ6UgS50_mKMLl7QJSwnRgZ4PdSWgCzWK8k1gnt0w-lGzdTif059v1UqGo6FahyphenhyphenWgu3D4mDMEEQWN-JpXpyz4Eci3uY4rULtaNCj8eoq/s1600/KingsIsland3.png" height="215" width="320" /></a></div>
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This beat the previous world record of 1,822
set in May by <a href="http://www.annshope.org/">Ann’s Hope Foundation</a>, another great organization raising funds
for melanoma research and education.</div>
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Ever since melanoma entered my life after my brother’s diagnosis and
eventual death, I have heard melanoma referred to as “The Beast.” Every time I’ve heard those words, I was
reminded of the good times at Kings Island, tackling a different Beast. Today, these two parts of my life merged in a
beautiful way…one beast fighting another.</div>
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Events like this are a fun way to educate people about melanoma, to
encourage sun safety, and to answer the <a href="http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/calls/prevent-skin-cancer/exec-summary.html">Surgeon General’s Call to Action</a>
against skin cancer. Thank you Kings
Island…and thank you friends at Melanoma Know More.</div>
Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599030218893321329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552424816178478755.post-74449989665462585042014-08-08T00:29:00.000-04:002014-08-08T00:29:26.292-04:00Psoriasis and Tanning Beds<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7B0dGaAAm6MBuMkGr09WunNkSkkQryIxqYnp16CrmIsE3EgnUSaKPC_Xi4vtRIsPjfMLkIhPQRT5CxPnMk4gDsmdPuW4iN1KtaqHRBo4Lkw_JbyVcTUGBY9wzSjfAiRPhzQfZ-rd0hdY/s1600/twit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF7B0dGaAAm6MBuMkGr09WunNkSkkQryIxqYnp16CrmIsE3EgnUSaKPC_Xi4vtRIsPjfMLkIhPQRT5CxPnMk4gDsmdPuW4iN1KtaqHRBo4Lkw_JbyVcTUGBY9wzSjfAiRPhzQfZ-rd0hdY/s1600/twit.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Credit: Rich McDonald</td></tr>
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I ran across a headline during a general Google search stating, “Kim
Kardashian At Ulta – Promotes Kardashian Sun Kissed.” This was immediately next to another headline
touting, “Kim Kardashian Flaunts
Cleavage in Tight Pink Dress.” The second
headline itself was no more shocking to me than, “Scientists Determine that
Water is Wet.” However, the first
headline grabbed my attention as I wanted to see whether or not Mrs. West was promoting
“safe” tanning products or tanning enhancers.</div>
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When I clicked the link, there she was in her tight pink dress and
plenty of cleavage. In truth, all things
Kardashian, or any name associated with tabloid headline pandering, simply
turns me off. To use an old cliché, I
was reading this for the article.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Sure enough, Kim was appearing at a Los Angeles Ulta Beauty Store to promote
the Kardashian Sun Kissed tanning line. While
her tanning product line does include self-tanning products, it also includes a
“tanning extender” which is used after tanning to lengthen the life of one’s
tan. This didn't surprise me at all as I
had little faith that any Kardashian would promote sun safety, despite having had
episodes of skin cancer in the family. While
there was no surprise in the article, there was one major face-palm quote from
Kim.</div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>When I travel, the one thing that
makes me feel alive whether or not I have makeup on is a tan, especially in my
face. When you travel, you can’t just go lay out<b>. I do like regular tanning because I have psoriasis, and the tanning
beds are particularly good for that</b>.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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Tanning beds are good for that…that being good for the treatment of
psoriasis? I've heard that before. <a href="http://blackispink.blogspot.com/2013/04/discussing-health-benefits-of-tanning.html">I’ve addressed it before</a>. But I’ll address it again.</div>
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<br /></div>
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If you search the internet for “Psoriasis and tanning beds,” you’ll
find a variety of information on both sides of the argument. The fact is that Phototherapy is indeed a
legitimate way to treat psoriasis. Ultraviolet
B rays (UVB) penetrates the skin and slows the growth of the affected
cells. Treatment is recommended to be
administered on a set schedule by a medical professional, although there are
home-based systems available by prescription only. Sometimes, the UVB therapy is combined with a
topical agent or other medication to make the treatments more efficient. UVA rays are also used in other forms of light
therapy, but only in conjunction with a medication psoralen which makes the
skin more sensitive and much be monitored VERY closely. All therapies described above, in fact are
monitored closely by a health care specialist. </div>
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<br /></div>
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So tanning beds should be a good alternative…right? Wrong!
The majority of tanning beds emit primarily UVA rays which are mostly
ineffective against psoriasis, unless combined with psoralen as mentioned
above. But again, this medication causes
the skin to be much more light-sensitive and severe burning will occur. There are tanning beds that emit UVB rays,
but they are hardly regulated for intensity and not properly adjusted for
specific treatment of psoriasis.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) has this to say about tanning
beds:</div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i>Phototherapy (light therapy),
performed under medical supervision is safe, effective, and cost-effective. The
<b>National Psoriasis Foundation does not
support the use of indoor tanning beds as a substitute for phototherapy
performed with a prescription and under the supervision of a physician</b>.
Only medical professionals should provide and advertise light therapy for the
treatment of psoriasis.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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The NPF goes on to say that the “<i>spectra
of light in tanning beds vary greatly and often include wavelengths of light
that are carcinogenic and photo-damaging</i>.” The NPF’s full statement on
tanning beds can be found <a href="http://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/treatments/statement-on-tanning-beds">here</a>.</div>
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<br /></div>
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There are plenty of accounts online from people that claim that tanning
beds DID help with their psoriasis, and I don’t doubt that they believe
that. Many people don’t consider other
influences that may have simultaneously impacted their improved condition. Did they change their medication? Were there other changes? Or did their condition improve simply from
the placebo effect? I don’t often doubt
that when something works, it works. But
at the same time, I feel it’s best to take the advice of medical professionals
devoted to the treatment of this skin condition rather than trust the declaration
of a tabloid celebrity.</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
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Disclaimer reminder…I’m not a medical professional. I’m just a guy that’s expressing his opinion
based on what I've read in articles from various organizations and individuals
representing various views related to melanoma and skin cancer. My opinions are mine and I’m not paid by
anyone to express them. And trust me, I
wish I were getting paid just to be me.
But then again, if I was, I’d probably be a Kardashian.</div>
Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599030218893321329noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552424816178478755.post-68964829809409041892014-08-06T00:57:00.000-04:002014-08-06T17:14:00.051-04:00Pampering Ignorance<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6BNkfRe6qHFEfrhh_hZh-PvAfVXHmRGF00K-Co9quC2eioIVrc-EJsC_7BMDLQlVLBGqfOEcd8RmRihTXkR6DLxF-aO8OXjGaTQSTX48xg-Lh5G5ID-5H3cl0b0TgM8zEof8WPs7Spbp/s1600/Ignorance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6BNkfRe6qHFEfrhh_hZh-PvAfVXHmRGF00K-Co9quC2eioIVrc-EJsC_7BMDLQlVLBGqfOEcd8RmRihTXkR6DLxF-aO8OXjGaTQSTX48xg-Lh5G5ID-5H3cl0b0TgM8zEof8WPs7Spbp/s1600/Ignorance.jpg" height="186" width="320" /></a></div>
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Groupon <a href="http://socialtimes.com/pampered-city-america-according-groupon_b201232">recently revealed</a> the country’s most pampered cities, based
upon total spending on the company’s pampering coupon deals. These deals included haircuts and coloring,
nails, facials, teeth whitening and, yes, tanning. Overall, Green Bay, Wisconsin was ranked as
the most pampered city, based mostly on their ranking in facials (#1) and hair
care (#2). No doubt, cheesehead hats
combined with green and yellow face paint wrecks havoc on one’s face and hair. White Plains, NY and Cleveland, OH were the
next two on the list.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Groupon also listed each winning city by category. The “winning” city for cashing in on the most
tanning coupons is Shreveport, LA. The
Louisiana city will very likely lose that distinction soon as Louisiana has banned minors from tanning salons as of this past week (August 1).. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Sadly, this bit of trivial news supports that tanning is still
considered a pampering luxury…at least by Groupon. One would hope that perhaps the recent Call
to Action would encourage Groupon and other such services to refuse to offer
coupons for tanning salons. Based on the
number of tanning discounts I found on a quick search, it’s highly
unlikely. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Perhaps the fight against artificial tanning will follow the same path
as cigarettes. It was 1965 when cigarette
packages were required to contain the Surgeon General’s warning that tobacco
use can be hazardous to your health. In
1971, cigarette advertisements on television and radio were discontinued. Smoking was banned on interstate busses and
domestic airline flights of less than 6 hours in 1990. Joe Camel and other advertising deemed aiming
at minors was sent packing in 1995. Nowadays,
smoking is not allowed in many public places, including the old staple of
smoke-filled rooms, the bar. Even in
tobacco-rich North Carolina, there are significant restrictions on smoking. </div>
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<br /></div>
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People still smoke, but I would be willing to bet that nearly every one
of them knows that it’s bad for them.
How often have you seen or heard a smoker state, “yeah, I know these
things will kill me…” before lighting up?
How many times have smokers referred to cigarettes as cancer
sticks? Tobacco use is down, but it’s
not out, and I doubt we can ever expect it to be. We need to have the same expectations for
tanning.</div>
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<br /></div>
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If the current trend continues and the Surgeon General’s warnings are
heeded, tanning will be banned for minors across the country within the next
few years. It’s not a matter of if, but
when. Yet, people will tan. I’m hoping the difference then versus now
will be a lack of ignorance. I would
guess that most tanners today are ignorant.
Yes, many are stupid and stubborn, but some are just plain ignorant
because they simply don’t realize that tanning dangerous for one’s health.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The FDA now requires that tanning beds contain a warning that such
devices should not be used by individuals under 18. I would like to see required signs at the
front door of each establishment that offers UV tanning that states the same
thing. Or better yet, the sign should
state that UV tanning is hazardous to one’s health and have a nice photo of a
severe skin cancer excision. From that
point forward, tanners of the future will no longer be ignorant because they
would be reminded every time they walked through the door. They will be idiots, but they will not be
ignorant.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The battle against tanning is one fight within a huge war against
melanoma, but it’s our most public and controversial battle. Our mission is to eradicate the disease, but
one of our more subtle goals should be not just to increase melanoma awareness,
but to eliminate melanoma ignorance among those who wish to continue tanning. Getting skin cancer of any type is not a form
of pampering. </div>
Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599030218893321329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552424816178478755.post-11361590971908865282014-07-30T09:51:00.000-04:002014-07-30T09:51:47.142-04:00A Call to Action<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImtRsumoY9ASJBLHZaB29qfjwioMoYEhrYe99Cbh2RkvB2Twu6-VNzEXLm65OoBvLpGGW95YzkOE6C5syF5AoBZLy4lMwWKR5m-BYvA8f0PDSd1FaFJ_S1cAoCEpxkppeRgA7NSaTeGw1/s1600/CalltoAction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImtRsumoY9ASJBLHZaB29qfjwioMoYEhrYe99Cbh2RkvB2Twu6-VNzEXLm65OoBvLpGGW95YzkOE6C5syF5AoBZLy4lMwWKR5m-BYvA8f0PDSd1FaFJ_S1cAoCEpxkppeRgA7NSaTeGw1/s1600/CalltoAction.jpg" height="167" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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What exactly is a “Call to Action?”
In the sales world, a Call to Action (or CTA…sales people have to use
acronyms) is a word or phrase that urges others to take immediate action, as in
“Write now!” “Call now!” or “Click Here!”
It’s the punch line after the sale pitch.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I use CTA phrases all the time in my blogs. “Wear sunscreen!” “Get checked!
“Be sun safe!” Of course, my
calls to action do not necessarily result in a prize or reward, but they do
attempt to inspire some type of action on the reader’s part with regard to
melanoma awareness and sun safety.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The Surgeon General issued a Call to Action today. His website states that a call to action is
“a science-based document to stimulate action nationwide to solve a major
public health problem.” When the Surgeon
General issues a CTA, it’s serious. This
is only the 10th<sup>th</sup> CTA that the Surgeon General’s office has issued
in the 21<sup>st</sup> century! Previous
calls to action include preventing suicide, obesity and underage drinking and
supporting breast feeding.</div>
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Today’s Call to Action is to Prevent Skin Cancer. I know you’ve read about it. Its big news in melanoma nation and is being
covered by all major news organizations. (In case you missed it, <a href="http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/calls/prevent-skin-cancer/exec-summary.html">here's the Executive Summary</a>) I was fortunate to learn last night about the web broadcast of the Surgeon
General’s announcement this morning. The
atmosphere I witnessed was nothing short of electric and optimistic. I’d never seen nor heard of Rear Admiral
Boris Lushniak before, but he made quite an impression. I expected the acting Surgeon General to be
staunch and serious, but he was light-hearted, energetic, and passionate. He’s the type of person you’d want to be your
doctor (he’s a dermatologist). He’s the
type of person for whom you would take action.</div>
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<br /></div>
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All the statistics that I and other melanoma advocates have been spouting
for years were presented. But in this
case, it was the Surgeon General conveying that melanoma is on the rise while
other cancers are declining. It was the
Surgeon General stating that one person dies from melanoma every hour and 6,000
cases of melanoma a year are attributed to tanning beds. It was the friggin’ Surgeon General who
repeatedly stated that “tan skin is damaged skin.” And while people have listened to the
grass-roots efforts of bloggers and Facebookers, ears were definitely perked
today. News organizations acted like
this was breaking news. The true
breaking news is that they are finally listening!</div>
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<br /></div>
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The Surgeon General’s office also had a conference call with
“stakeholders” in the afternoon. I admit
that I snuck into this one on a “borrowed” pass. When I called, I gave my name, and when asked
for my “affiliation,” I stated that I am a skin cancer awareness blogger. I thought for sure I’d be kindly told this
was invitation only, but to my surprise, I was in for the listening. There was no news different than the morning’s
announcement, but it was just as exciting.
Rear Admiral Lushniak addressed that many were afraid that the Call to
Action would get lost in the pile of hot news stories today. Ebola virus. The Gaza Strip. Ukraine.
However, he was happy to report that his time between the morning’s
announcement and the afternoon conference call was packed with requests and
interviews. “We are breaking news and
people are hearing our call to action!”</div>
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<br /></div>
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Going back to the Call to Action…what does it mean for me and you? It means we need to take action. We have done our part by making people aware
of melanoma. While we should never stop
that campaign, it’s now time to take action against melanoma. Attend a fundraiser. Write your government representative, whether
national or your neighborhood home owner’s association and petition for more
umbrellas at the pool. Encourage the PTA
to install shade structures on the playgrounds.
Ask the school board to reconsider their policy on sunscreen use for
kids. Demand local coupon flyers refuse
to post tanning salon discounts. Organize
a church or civic event to buy sunscreen for financially-strapped
families. TEACH YOUR CHILDREN! </div>
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<br /></div>
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Answer the Surgeon General’s Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer!</div>
Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599030218893321329noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7552424816178478755.post-39630941955184266492014-07-26T00:34:00.000-04:002014-07-26T00:35:12.380-04:00Is the App "iTanSmart" a smart choice?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0axJj-8Ur2AXpNdZgXXcvPsYnwhktDHo17v9_Ikpw4o8o_eJ7t4-4Icxjn-gDFF637htKUirooObNHuVSodoiSeSA2sKcbLQznxZZagdg63HMQQkvr0Nn2Cqd0b3Z5iD63wb2gSKtvqYu/s1600/iTanSmart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0axJj-8Ur2AXpNdZgXXcvPsYnwhktDHo17v9_Ikpw4o8o_eJ7t4-4Icxjn-gDFF637htKUirooObNHuVSodoiSeSA2sKcbLQznxZZagdg63HMQQkvr0Nn2Cqd0b3Z5iD63wb2gSKtvqYu/s1600/iTanSmart.jpg" /></a></div>
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I ran across a review for a suntan app called “iTanSmart.” Let me share the information about this
product first, and then I’ll share my thoughts at the end (you know I have something to say...)</div>
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<br /></div>
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The basic features for this app are available for free from the Apple
Store. For $1.99, the app will block
advertisements, provide a list of medical conditions and related drugs that may
increase one’s sun sensitivity, track user’s total daily sun exposure and vitamin
D production, and offer specialized settings for children.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The app requires that the user enter the following criteria:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Whether you are managing for sunburn or for
tanning.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Your skin type (very fair to dark)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Your level of sun protection.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Your location (environment and directness of sunlight,
such as Beach or Mountains, Sunny or Cloudy)</span></li>
</ul>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><br />
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The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rw96gUNM9M0#t=73">video</a> for this product claims the app takes the guesswork out of sun
tanning by alerting users when to get out of the sun or when to reapply
sunscreen. The app uses “real time UV
data from space satellites to measure the current and maximum UV index in your
location.” The video goes on to say that
the four day UV forecast is perfect for vacationers and avid sunbathers. They can even see the forecast in vacationing
towns so they can pack the “appropriate SPF and outer wear.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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iTanSmart will alert you with audible chimes when it’s time to leave the
sun or reapply sunscreen. Oh…and when
maximum vitamin D production has occurred (emphasizing that all this occurs
before over exposure).</div>
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The developer of iTanSmart and president of UV Technologies, LLC has
been recently diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma and had it removed
surgically. He’s now reportedly more
determined to get this valuable tool out to the public. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The video concludes with a testimonial from an attractive, fair-skinned
red haired woman: <i>“I have a very fair
complexion, and in the past when I've laid out in the sun I either got no color
or burned badly. Since downloading this
app a month ago, and using it often, I haven’t burned once! I even have tan lines, which I typically only
get after a burn subsides. I am SO glad
I downloaded this app!”</i></div>
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<br /></div>
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At first glance, the intent of this product seems to be towards sun
protection, but there are some serious flags and flaws with the product
information. First of all, let’s look at
the product name: “I tan smart?” Really?
I know and I hope that you know that there is no such thing as a smart
tan. Tanned skin is damaged skin. Period.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The next flag for me is that the first criterion one enters is whether
or not to manage your exposure for sunburn or for tanning. Again, tanning is bad. There should be no choice on what to manage.</div>
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Admittedly, I like the other input.
Let’s say for instance that I typically wear SPF 30 and I go to the
neighborhood pool. I notice that I
somehow packed SPF 15 instead. I could
enter this value into the app and hopefully find out if there is a different
frequency to how often I should reapply.
Then again, I could simply know that SPF 30 is recommended always…and I
should always reapply every 2 hours. My
phone and tablet have a timer, so no app needed. If I happen to pack SPF 15 by mistake, simply
apply more often.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I also like the list of medical conditions and medications that could
increase sun sensitivity. I have taken medication
for my cholesterol for so long that I haven’t read the medical information
about the drugs in years. I honestly couldn’t
tell you whether or not my sensitivity is affected.</div>
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<br /></div>
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However, I’m leery of the emphasis on Vitamin D production. Yes, I know that the sun is a source for
Vitamin D and that the tanning industry screams of its health benefits. I also know that almost every breathing
dermatologist will recommend Vitamin D intake through diet and/or
supplements. It personally takes me
seconds in the morning to digest a supplement that costs pennies each. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Lastly, the lady who shares her testimonial does nothing to tout the
app as a tool for sun protection. She
states enthusiastically that she has tan lines without burning! I’ll say again…tanned skin is damaged skin! I really don’t think the developer of this app
understands this, despite having had a basal cell carcinoma removed from his arm!</div>
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<br /></div>
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I’m sure I could input settings into iTanSmart that would do exactly as
I would request in such an app…to inform me of the local UV index, to remind me
to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or get out of the sun and to aid in sun
protection. But unfortunately, there
seems to be far too much flexibility and product attitude to encourage users to
get a tan, and therefore increase their risk of sun damage and skin cancer. Tan management is not sun protection.</div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Please understand that this personal opinion is based solely on the
product video that I’ve watched and I have not tried this app for myself. (This product is not available on Android
yet). You can watch the video <a href="http://youtu.be/Rw96gUNM9M0">here</a>. If you have downloaded and tried
iTanSmart, please feel free to share your thoughts with me. If you find it to be a good tool for sun
protection (and not tan management) I will be more than happy to share such
thoughts right here.</div>
Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08599030218893321329noreply@blogger.com0