PSA: Beauty shouldn't cause you to pay a price

One of the many lessons that I've learned the hard way: Tanning beds and sunburns are evil & can very much cause skin cancer.

In a recent article from Women's Health magazine called,  Tanning Beds Will Now Carry FDS Warning Labels, writer, Dennis Thompson says, "Tanning beds and sunlamps emit UV rays that have been linked to skin cancer, burns, premature skin aging and eye damage, the FDA said."

THAT IS SCARY!

Being tan has always been appealing in our society, the tanner the better.  For some reason I've always thought being tanner means I magically look/feel better.  Coming from someone that is the "mole child" and has had 3, pre-cancerous moles removed, that statement is a lie & my scars continuously remind me.

We must also remember that God values our inward beauty.  I've found two verses that point out this important lesson to us!

Psalm 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

1 Peter 3:3-4 Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.

I've learned my lesson the hard way and so has my mom and dad, who both have had surgeries for cancerious skin spots.  Luckily, neither have been life-threatening.  I can only try to work my way backwards in the fight against UV rays and skin cancer. 

Since I am an athlete, I do get extra rays (and tanlines), but this doesn't mean I shouldn't protect myself.  From the time that I get out of bed I start with face lotion that have SPF 35-50 in it.  My goal is to re-apply when needed.  I've become much more of a stickler with sunburn and I get upset at Eric when he comes home with a burnt nose or even if I get burnt.

I will be honest in saying that the sun and Vitamin D make me happy.  After a long, cold winter who wouldn't want to be out in those rays.  But let's join together and be smart.  Hold your friends and family members accountable.  Prevent. Prevent. Prevent.

Please visit: The Skin Cancer Foundation for more stories, tips, and ways to get involved.

Since May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, I wanted to provide some tips they provided on their website to prevent skin cancer.

• Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
• Do not burn.
• Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
• Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
• Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
• Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
• See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.