Photo Story Friday–Kimberly’s Story
I am so excited today to be able to share with you a story from a loyal UV Skinz reader and commenter! Kimberly blogs at Walking Through the Valley and was generous and open enough to share her personal melanoma story with us.
How long have you been blogging? and why did you start?
I’ve only been blogging since January this year. I started the blog to inform people about grief issues and skin cancer issues after my father died of melanoma skin cancer 7-years-ago when he was only 51-years-old.
Tell me why you chose your blog name?
I chose my blog name Walking Through the Valley, because it adequately describes what it feels like to see a loved one die from cancer and the subsequent aftermath that follows. I also titled my book about my father’s death from the same idea. 
Is there an inspirational quote or song that keeps you moving forward and gives you strength in your life?
I really like the song “Finally Home” by MercyMe. It’s a song about the lead singer of the band having lost his dad at an early age (like me) and hoping to see his dad again one day in Heaven. It gives me hope that I’m not alone in loosing a parent at a young age.
What is the best advice you can give to someone who thinks that skin cancer can’t happen to them or their family members?
Go to the dermatologist and get a full-body skin cancer screening. I know that it sounds embarrassing, but it is worthwhile. I’ve had a few precancerous skin cells removed that may have turned into something worse later on had I not gone personally. Skin cancer can happen to anyone, and it’s best to get checked! My dad was not outside enough to even be very tan, but he still got melanoma. Had he gotten checked sooner or had he been on a regular schedule of exams (like once a year), he probably would be alive even now. Skin cancer kills by moving through the lymphatic system to key areas of the body.
In my father’s case, he had a melanoma on his arm that metastasized to his lymph nodes under his arm, then metastasized to his brain and finally his spinal chord. What is so terrible about his is that a small tumor in the brain can cause a lot more damage then a small tumor in, say, the lungs or intestines. Melanoma kills, and once metastasized to key areas, kills quickly–and that is the danger in this form of cancer. So get checked and talk to your dermatologist about how often to get checked and how to prevent skin cancer.
Kimberly (center) and her Father (on her right)
Kimberly’s story is not much different from many melanoma victims and survivors. Early detection is the key! No matter what age or race you are it is so very vital that you get yearly check-ups and do self-exams at least once a month. For more information you can visit melanomamonday.org
Add comment August 28, 2009
Wordless Wednesday
Marcia Cross and Eden enjoy the water sprinklers in Santa Monica!
Add comment August 26, 2009
Genes That Cause Melanoma Discovered!
Scientist from the “Queensland Institute of Medical Research have found two new genes that together double a persons risk of melanoma.”
A study team studied the genes of 6,000 people and found that “specific changes in two genes were found to make people more susceptible to developing moles. The researchers went on to show, in another 4,000 people, the same two genes increased the risk of developing melanoma – the most deadly form of skin cancer.”
It has been known that the more moles a person has increases their chance of melanoma, but now they ” have conclusive genetic evidence that having a large number of moles increases an individual’s risk of developing melanoma.”
One of the reasons Rhonda, Founder of UV Skinz, created this company with the mission to “get kids covered” was because her husband passed away at a young age from Melanoma. She has the constant thought that her sons are more at risk of developing the disease. It is important to know your family history and if you have cases of skin cancer in your family then take extra precautions to protect against Melanoma.
Here is some good advice!: Moles are normal but people should seek advice from their doctor if they observe any changes in size, colour or shape. People with lots of moles are at a higher risk of developing melanoma and should therefore take extra care to avoid overexposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Did you know?: Australia has the highest incidence of melanoma in the world with more than 10,000 new cases and 1000 people dying from the disease every year. Queensland has the highest incidence of any state with seven Queenslanders diagnosed with melanoma every day. More than one in 20 Queenslanders is expected to develop melanoma during their lifetime.
Sourcehttp://www.discoveryon.info/2009/07/genes-that-cause-melanoma-discovered.html
Add comment August 26, 2009
Sun Protection is Year-Round
Even though we are in the last dog days of summer, but once the cloudy and cold days come we can’t forget about sun protection. The sun is around all-year round, not just in the summer!
While women get constant reminders of the importance of sunscreen and sun protection it is up to us to keep the men and children in our lives aware too.
Most sun damage occurs before the age of 18 and white men over 50 are more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma.
Most of us slather on the sunscreen when we know we will have an extended trip outdoors, but don’t forget about what is called “innocent sun exposure.” The times we spend outside walking to and out of the store, driving in the car, or walking the dog.
I have found that when I send my kids outside to play or take them to the park in their UV Skinz swim shirts then they have more fun (because I’m not holding them hostage while I try to rub sunscreen all over them) and I don’t have to worry about them being affected with “innocent sun exposure.” UV Skinz is worry-free sun protection because they all protect against 98% of the UVA and UVB rays.
You still have a chance to own a UV Skinz of your own! Check out our latest deals and “Live in Our Skinz!”
Here is a list of sun protection facts that I thought would be interesting to share!
BY THE NUMBERS
1: Number of ounces of sunscreen the average person needs to cover their exposed body; same amount as in a shot glass.
2: Number of hours recommended between sunscreen applications.
3: Number of years sunscreen should be good for, unless indicated by an expiration date.
15: Minimum amount of minutes sunscreen should be applied before going into the sun.
15: Minimum SPF, with broad-spectrum UV coverage, recommended by dermatologists.
25:?Percent of the sun’s rays reflected by sand.
50: Percent of UVB rays screened out by an SPF 2.
80:?Percent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays that can pass through clouds. 93: Percent of UVB rays screened out by an SPF 15.
97:?Percent of UVB rays screened out by an SPF 30
Source: Wicked Local Reading
Add comment August 20, 2009
I Fell in Love at First “Spray”! *GIVEAWAY Extended!
As a Mom the keyword to surviving the days is simplicity. Keeping everything simple makes life so much more enjoyable and just plain easy.
Simple play…go to the park.
Simple meals…fruit and veggie sticks with yummy dip.
Simple sun protection…UV Skinz.
Simple sunscreen…Kinesys!
My family had the opportunity to try out Kinesys spray sunscreen. This is one amazing sunscreen! The safest and most effective spray sunscreen with out all of the extra harsh chemicals.
First, it’s a spray (way more simple than dealing with goopy creams). My daughter’s and even my husband never complained one time when I applied the sunscreen on them. Yes, I do have to put sunscreen on my husband! Mostly the back of his neck and ears. The spray goes on wet, but dries very quickly.
Second, it’s just simply offers antioxidant UVA/UVB sun protection without any harsh chemicals.
It’s totally FREE of: 
- Oil
- Preservatives
- Alcohol
- PABA
- Colorant
- Nuts
- Eggs
- Gluten
- Nanoparticles
- Soya
- Dairy
- and Sulphite
Kinesys sunscreens are “hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, water & sweat resistant, offer photo-stable broad- spectrum UVA/UVB protection and contain topical anti-oxidants to scavenge free radicals.”
Kinesys is availabe for the whole family; from active adults, to children and even a teen spray sunscreen which comes in a green tea and vanilla scent.
I really did fall in love at first “spray”!
All corniness aside, Kinesys is the first spray sunscreen I recommend to anyone with allergies, children, sensitive skin or just short on time. It is fast, safe and effective. The microspray doesn’t require any rubbing. Just spray and GO!
Kinesys is also leading in their environmental awareness. They use recyclable packaging, non pressurized aerosol pumps, green power and are carbon neutral. You really can feel confident as a parent and consumer that you are supporting an excellent company.
To all of the lucky UV Skinz readers Kinesys is hosting a GIVEAWAY!
How to Enter!
Visit Kinesys, browse the sunscreens and leave a comment telling me which Kinesys you would like to try and why.
Additional Entries: (Entry #1 must be completed first. Leave a comment for each entry…Each of your comments is your official entry!)
*Sign-up for the Kinesys News(1 entry)
*Add the UV Skinz button to your blog (1 entry)
*Follow UV Skinz and on Twitter and TWEET this contest! (1 entry + up to 3 additional accepted daily)
*Blogging about or posting on Facebook about the contest with hyperlinks to UV Skinz and Kinesys .(Worth 5 entries!)
Copy and Paste this email/blog entry…
Fall in love at first “spray” with Kinesys Spray Sunscreen! The simple solution to sun protection for the whole family. Read about the experience mom blogger Kalisha at UV Skinz had with this fast, simple and effective sunscreen. Enter for your chance to win a Kinesys prize package at UV Skinz. Giveaway ends August 23. Open to U.S. only.
One winner will be chosen!
*I will be using a random number generator (random.org) to select the winner. The winner will be emailed and also announced on here on Monday August 31, 2009.
- Contest ends at 11:59pm on Sunday August 30,2009. If the prize is not claimed in 48 hours a new winner will be chosen.
GOODLUCK!
62 comments August 17, 2009
End of Summer Clearance!
It’s the end of the summer and UV Skinz is having its annual End of Summer Clearance! Here is your chance to shop to your hearts desire while saving money on our cool and stylish swim shirts for the whole family.
I’ve got mine, do you have yours?!
You can stock up on swim shirts that never go out of style and offer excellent UVA and UVB protection without harsh chemicals…
For Mom:
Allison Sky Blue/Navy Aloha Print
For Dad:
Tim Red/Navy
For Girl’s:
Sarah Hibiscus Black
and for Boys:
Drew Brick Red/White "Layered" look
You can get these styles and many more starting at $18 and up!
Great deals with quality that speaks for itself!
Don’t just take my word for it. Read this testimonial from the Editor of Celebrity Baby Scoop…
My two kids live in their Skinz! From nap time to outdoor play time, these stylish garments were made to endure the rigorous elements of childhood! I highly recommend UV Skinz to protect your loved ones – and yourself – from sun damage. Not only are UV Skinz soft and comfy for my baby and toddler’s delicate skin, these products are highly durable and easy to clean. Not to mention the reasonable prices!
Not only have I been exceedingly pleased with their products, I’ve also been thoroughly impressed with the professionalism from UV Skinz founder, Rhonda Sparks. Rhonda’s passion to protect as many children as possible is clear in her generous spirit and business ventures. This is a mompreneur on a mission to change the way we think about dressing for the sun and honoring our precious skin.
Jenny Schafer
Senior Editor
Celebrity Baby Scoop
Add comment August 17, 2009
Holey Moley
According to current findings sunshine is not the main cause of most dangerous forms of skin cancer. Even though exposing yourself unprotected to UVA and UVB rays increases your risk of developing skin cancer, it could have more to do with the number of moles you have.
Scientist, whose research appears in the current issue of the journal Nature Genetics, claim the number of moles on your skin is the most important factor in the risk of getting melanoma. According to the scientist they believe sun warnings would be more effective if they focused on people who had 100 moles or more and taught them to check them regularly for change in shape, color, and size.
Tim Spector, professor of genetic epidemiology at King’s College London, said: “The number of moles you have is one of the strongest risk factors for melanoma – stronger than sunshine. This paper shows that we found two important genes that control the number of moles you have. Those genes also give you an extra risk of melanoma.”
Source: Times Online
Melanoma can be treated if caught early enough. Melanoma is relatively rare, accounting for 10% of all skin cancer cases, but it is responsible for most skin-cancer deaths.
After reading this I realize that some people may seem overly afraid of the sunshine. Sun protection can become a little obsessive, but we have to keep in mind that we don’t have to hide away in our houses all day long and not enjoy the outdoors.
Everyone should wear an SPF 30 sunscreen to protect against sunburn and to help prevent premature aging and wrinkles.
If you are fair skinned, have red hair and have a lot of moles then you have a higher risk of getting melanoma, but that doesn’t mean you have to. Just take the right precautions–be cautious–not afraid!
- Wear your sunscreen everyday
- Avoid the peak hours of the day between 10am-4pm
- Wear uv protected clothing and a wide brimmed hat
1 comment August 13, 2009
Vitamin D: From the sun or food?
“The American Academy of Dermatology recently issued an updated position statement on vitamin D after an updated review of the increasing body of scientific literature on this vitamin and its importance for optimal health.”
This is such a tricky subject because while we want to make sure we and our children are receiving the healthy amount of vitamins and nutrients, we also don’t want to expose them to UV rays unprotected just to get the right amount of vitamin D.
Vitamin D is important in many ways. Vitamin D helps maintain bone density, healthy bone growth and helps maintain the normal functioning of the nervous system. It is crucially important in aiding the body’s absorption of calcium. It has also been found that having a higher intake of vitamin D can help lower certain cancer risks, such as breast, prostate and colorectal cancer.
(Read more: http://vitamins-minerals.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_importance_of_vitamin_d#ixzz0O08ep3RO)
Now the Academy is recommending that the public received their vitamin D from nutritional sources and dietary supplements, and not from unprotected sun exposure.
“The Academy’s position statement on vitamin D now also states that individuals who regularly and properly practice sun protection, such as the daily use of sunscreen on exposed skin or the wearing of sun protective clothing, may be at risk for vitamin D insufficiency. A higher dose of vitamin D may be necessary for these individuals and others with known risk factors for vitamin D insufficiency, such as those with dark skin, the elderly, photosensitive individuals, people with limited sun exposure, obese individuals or those with fat malabsorption.
Take a look at this website to see a list of Vitamin D fortified foods, such as, salman, cheese, eggs, etc. Also at Cooking Light you can find yummy recipes that include Vitamin D!
Therefore, the Academy encourages those with concerns about their levels of vitamin D to discuss options for obtaining sufficient dietary or supplementary sources of vitamin D with their physician. “The vitamin D position statement supports the Academy’s long-held conviction on safe ways to get this important vitamin – through a healthy diet which incorporates foods naturally rich in vitamin D, vitamin D-fortified foods and beverages, and vitamin D supplements,” stated dermatologist David M. Pariser, MD, FAAD, president of the American Academy of Dermatology. “The updated recommendation for individuals who practice daily sun protection acknowledges that while protecting the skin from the damaging rays of the sun is important, so is maintaining adequate vitamin D levels.”
Add comment August 12, 2009
Wordless Wednesday
I love the way she jumps straight in…without any hesitation!This is one of the reasons that Rhonda the Founder of UV Skinz created these amazing swim shirts–she wants everyone to enjoy life, family and the outdoors in style while getting excellent sun protection.
Live More–Worry Less!
The beach is a great place to wear your UV Skinz! The uv protection never wears or washes off because it is in the tight weave of the swim shirt.
Thanks to Adventures of a Wanna-Be Supah Mommy for sharing her pics with us. To see more Wordless Wednesday pics go over to 5 minutes for mom!
2 comments August 12, 2009
Sunbeds Elevated to Top Cancer Risk!
Like I have said before and what we all should keep in mind is that there is no such thing as a “safe tan.” This article really should make everyone think twice about tanning yourself or even letting your teenagers tan.
I would love to know what you think…Would this change your tanning habits or make you think twice?
“The International Agency for Research on Cancer announced Wednesday
that it had elevated sunbeds, used by tens of millions of people for
tanning, to its highest cancer risk category. Classified in 1992 and a “probable” cancer agent, research since then has left no doubt that soaking up UV rays at tanning salons significantly enhances the chances of developing the disease, the World Health Organization (WHO) agency found.
“The use of sunbeds is carcinogenic to humans. It causes melanoma of the
skin, and melanoma of the eye,” said Vincent Cogliano, an IARC researcher
who led the new assessment.”
2 comments August 6, 2009
