Tag Archives: skin cancer foundation

04.06.13
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Prevention News: Teens Create A Sunscreen Reminder

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These two New Zealand teens have created a visual reminder to reapply sunscreen in hopes that their efforts will raise awareness about skin cancer and Melanoma.  Danielle Watt and Sarah Mount are participating in a school program called Young Enterprise. Taking sun safety into their own hands they created the Exposure Band, which looks like a rubber watch. The Exposure Band is a sensor that changes color when the wearer needs to apply more sunscreen. When the wearer applies sunscreen to their skin they also apply the same amount to the face of the band. As the sunblock wears off of the skin and the band the Exposure Band changes color (from white to bright yellow) alerting the user that it is time to reapply! The bands come in 7 colors and are made for kids and adults. For now these bands are only being sold on their Facebook page. The teens will be donating the sales to the Skin Cancer Foundation. (Source: Brisbane Times)

This cause hits close to home because they have both known someone diagnosed with Melanoma and live in a place where skin cancer is the most common cancer. In New Zealand, new skin cancers total about 67,000 per year, compared to a total of 16,000 for all other types of cancer. There is a one in 17 chance that a person from New Zealand will develop Melanoma. It is not just affecting older people, but it is quickly becoming a young persons disease–Melanoma is the most common type of cancer for 25–44 year old males (17 deaths in 2004) and 15–24 year old females (12 deaths in 2004). (Source: Science Learning)

Many people believe that putting their sunscreen on once a day will protect them from skin damage, UV exposure and ultimately skin cancer. This is not true. Sunscreen must be reapplied at least every two hours, less when in and out of the water. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, UV protective clothing and avoiding the peak hours of the day are also other ways to protect your skin from sun damage, sunburn and skin cancer.

Wearing Exposure Bands would be a fun way to keep track of sun exposure and a subtle reminder to reapply sunscreen.  Children would especially benefit from this product; giving them independence in their own sun safety with less nagging from Mom to put on more sunscreen!

Would you wear one?

09.10.12
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Feature Athlete: David Henry

David Henry is an avid golfer and uses his talent to support Melanoma awareness. He will never deny that he does it for his mother, who courageously battles the disease. You can read more about them on their MY Story. Here are David’s thoughts on why he chooses UV Skinz UV protective clothing.

1. What caused you to become interested in UV protective clothing?

I became interested in UV clothing after my mom was diagnosed with stage IV Malignant Melanoma.  Being a golfer requires the majority of my time in the sun.  I became more interested in it after I was diagnosed.
2. How did the fabric feel on your skin?

I find the clothing comfortable, cool and very diverse with my career.  I most recently let my caddy wear one of UVSkinz shirts and he fell in love with it.  Said it was the nicest shirt he’d ever worn.  I specifically like the fact that it’s not a heavy weight shirt and when I’m golfing and sweating it doesn’t stick to my skin and allows me to feel cool and comfortable.  I have received many compliments when I wear my UV protective shirts and it’s stylish in the life of a golf professional.
3. Would you recommend this shirt to your fellow golfers? Why?

I would urge anyone, especially golfers to try this product.  It could make a difference in saving your life as well as make you have that ease of mind that your body is protected while playing the game you love.  UVSkinz has quality products for a great price….they are comfortable, cool, washable, wearable and most importantly they protect your body.

Final thoughts from David Henry (and photos below!)

People don’t realize the dangers of the sun and think just by applying sunblock you are safe.  Well that’s not always the case.  Wearing UV clothing protects your body more!  I have tried many different types of UV protective clothing but I can honestly say that UV Skinz overall products are far more advanced in every aspect.

Looking for a new golf shirt? Shop the Matt Collared (shown in Navy and Black) on our website!

Check out David Henry’s website at  www.playingforacure.biz and follow him on his Facebook page! Do you like to Tweet? David Henry would love to tweet with you! Add him @progolfer4

 

08.07.12
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Back-to-School Sun Protection List

Can you believe the Summer is coming to an end? Even though the beginning of school is drawing near that doesn’t mean you are free to forget about sun protection. Good sun safe habits should continue year round because the sun definitely doesn’t disappear in the Fall, Winter or Spring! It’s important for children to develop year-round sun protection habits to lower their risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Just one blistering sunburn as a child can double a person’s chance of developing skin cancer as an adult.

Once school begins help your child apply sunscreen before you leave the house in the morning. Most elementary school’s have their recesses between 10AM-2PM, when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest. Instruct your child to re-apply their sunscreen before recess asking for a pass to the bathroom and using the mirror to make sure they don’t miss a spot. Encourage your child to play in the shade and most importantly lead by example and protect yourself.

So, you’ve loaded up your shopping cart with pens, markers, crayons, notebooks, and tissues–don’t forget these must-have sun protection items!

1. A wide-brimmed hat that will protect your child’s face, neck, and ears. Try a UV protective hat that can block out 98% of the sun’s UV rays and protect your kiddo’s delicate scalp.

2. Broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 15-30 (depending on your child’s skin tone) that is easy for your child to reapply on his own.

3. UV protective sunglasses–my favorite are Eyes Cream Shades!

4. UV protective clothing for those field trip days when your child might be outside for many hours. ie: Zoo, Botanical Gardens, walking tours, etc. UV Skinz sun wear come in many unique colors that your kids will love pairing with their favorite skirts or shorts. The long-sleeve and short-sleeve options are so light-weight and breathable that it will keep your kiddo cool and comfortable all day long.

Some schools have legislation that allows children to bring hats, sunscreen and sunglasses to school while others prohibit such actions. If your school doesn’t take your child’s sun safety seriously The Skin Cancer Foundation has a form you can print out and have your child’s doctor sign called the Sun Protection Authorization Form. It’s a perfect way to take control of your child’s sun safety while at school. You can also find out how to create a Sun Safety Committee if your school doesn’t have one. Very good resources and I encourage you to take advantage of them.

06.29.12
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MY Story; For Jillian

I had the honor of speaking with a very passionate melanoma awareness advocate, Susan Hayes. She is a Mother raising awareness for her daughter, Jillian.

Jillian was 19-years-old when an irritating mole became more and more bothersome. It began to bleed and so Jillian saw a Dermatologist to have it removed. The biopsy of the mole came back as Stage 2 Melanoma, but showed no evidence that it had spread. Jillian frequented her surgeon for check-ups every three months for the next year and a half. Then one day the doctor felt it would be a good idea to conduct a PET scan.  A PET scan uses a glucose die to search for areas in the body that could have tumors. The PET scan showed that there were two spots on her lung, one on each, and a large spot on her liver.  Jillian had a biopsy of her liver to determine of the spot was cancerous.

One day before Jillian’s 21st birthday she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Melanoma. Jillian then had half of her liver removed.

Despite the devastating news, Susan explains that she couldn’t be happier with the treatment Jillian has received at the University of Michigan Hospital. She went on to say that, “The melanoma specialist and all of the staff are professional, caring, up to date on their melanoma research and have been like family.” Throughout all of Jillian’s treatments and radiation Susan says that she has remained strong with little side-effects.

Jillian continues to inspire her friends and family by being a determined and courageous woman. A woman who has a zest for life! When there are times the family needs outside support they have found Aim at Melanoma (AIM), The Melanoma Research Foundation and the Skin Cancer Foundation to be great resources.

Jillian’s Motto: “Fall seven times, stand up eight.”

Susan has been diligent in her efforts to raise awareness about melanoma and tanning dangers. She confides that her Faith, Jillian and her family have been her greatest inspiration and source of strength. Susan admits to being very lucky that her family forms such a strong support unit.

So, was tanning or sunbathing a factor in Jillian’s development of melanoma?…”Yes, I believe so.”

Susan explained that in Michigan (back when Jillian was a teenager) you had to have a parent’s consent if you were under the age of 18 to use the tanning salon. Jillian found a way to begin tanning at 16. Those tiny “tanning tattoos” gave it away and Susan remembers she would tell her daughter; “I don’t approve of it and I don’t want you tanning.” Somehow teenagers find a way or maybe the tanning salon didn’t ask for proof of age. Who knows? Jillian was granted unlimited tanning when she turned 18 and began to work for a tanning salon.

Susan admits that even she didn’t know the real dangers of tanning. She said, “I would get a base-tan before vacations.” With the knowledge she has now she wants people to listen–go have their skin checked and urges them to not listen to tanning companies with their false information. This is one of the few cancers that can be prevented. Most people don’t think it can happen to them, but it can. 

It was out of this need to get people’s attention that Susan began Jilly’s Jems.

Jilly’s Jems, named after Jillian, is a non-profit dedicated to raising melanoma awareness through beautiful hand-crafted prayer beads, bracelets and custom designs. The money raised has gone back to the community as scholarships, donations and to fund a melanoma awareness billboard campaign. During May, billboards (pictured below) were erected with Jillian’s picture throughout Grand Rapids, MI to show that melanoma affects real people. Young people.

Jillian and her family.

It was a pleasure speaking with Susan. I want to Thank her for being so open and for sharing Jillian’s story. Everyone at UV Skinz will keep Jillian, Susan and their family in our thoughts as they fight this battle! You can follow Jillian’s Journey With Melanoma, show your support and learn more about Jilly’s Jems.

Please feel free to leave your comments or words of encouragement.

09.06.11
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Back to School Sun Safety

Summer is winding down and kids all over the country are gearing up to begin a new school year. Parents may be tempted to think that once summer vacation has ended, there isn’t as much of a need to worry about sun safety and using sun protection. However, just because summer is almost over, that doesn’t mean the sun is going on vacation! It is just as important to protect our kids from sun damage during the school year as it is during the dog days of summer.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, about 23 percent of lifetime sun exposure occurs by age 18 and one or more blistering sunburns in childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person’s chances of developing melanoma later in life. During childhood it is up to parents to protect kids from skin damage caused by sun exposure. During the school year, it is also up to the schools and teachers to help reduce exposure but unfortunately, most schools do not have a sun safety policy and many schools ban the use of sunscreen as part of their policies against kids using medications or over the counter drugs at school. So what can parents do to ensure their children are protected while at school? There are actually several ways parents can promote sun safety at school.

  • Talk with the school principal to find out whether sunscreen is allowed at school and if it is not, ask what can be done to allow it. If is a school policy, it may only take parents requesting that their children be allowed to use sunscreen to get the policy changed. If is a school district policy, it may be necessary to approach the school board.
  • Apply sunscreen to your child’s exposed skin before school starts each day and have the child reapply before going outside for recess (if the school permits).
  • If the school bans sunscreen, you can dress your child in tightly woven, dark or bright colored fabrics that cover the arms and legs.
  • If your school allows, have your child wear a hat while outside. A hat with a wide brim is the best protection but even a baseball cap can help.
  • Purchase clothing that has sun protection built into the fabric.
  • For clothing that does not have sun protection built in, you can make it “sun safe” by washing the clothes with SunGuard, a laundry aid that gives your clothes an Ultra-Violet Protection Factor (UPF) rating of UPF 30. The product lasts for up to 20 washings.
  • Have your child wear sunglasses while outside to protect their eyes.
  • Ask the school to provide shaded areas on the playground.
  • If your child participates in outdoor sports, plan for sun protection during practices and games.

Following these tips will help ensure sun safety success throughout the school year and all year long.

Tamara Walker, R.N., aka “MomRN”, is the mom of two teenagers, a registered nurse, a child safety expert and instructor, and host of the “Ask MomRN Show”. Her websites are http://www.MomRN.com and http://www.blogtalkradio.com/FlyLady.