As a 5’2″ woman who became a model over 35, I let people know that if they believe in themselves all opportunities are possible. I have women ask me questions all the time about health, skin and personal growth. I am so excited to be able to help share the message about healthy lifestyles and self motivation. With my TMarie’s 7 Step Success Program and book called Model Advice. , you can benefit as well.
One area of health that is of particular importance to me is skin cancer. As a Cancer Information Specialist at Duke University, I found skin cancer to be a difficult cancer for patients to understand. I wrote and produced a skin health segment for a live TV show to promote good skin health through daily sunscreen use. It is a simple step. What should I look out for?… is a question I often get. Well, there is the ABCD’s of Skin cancer:
- Asymmetry-Look for one side of a mole or spot to be different from the other
- Border- The mole may have a notched or jagged appearance.
- Color- The color of the mole may be black tan or red.
- Diameter- Look for a diameter larger than a pencil eraser.
If you see anything suspicious see your dermatologist.
Stay Sun Safe
Now, I would like to share with you some easy tips on how to stay sun safe. (These tips are based on the American Dermatology Society.)
- Generously apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 to all exposed skin. This means you could be outside 15 times longer without burning. Broad-spectrum provides protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Re-apply approximately every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
- Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and broad-spectrum sunglasses, where possible.
- Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade. A sun umbrella is recommended if other shade is unavailable.
- Protect children from sun exposure by playing in the shade, using protective clothing and applying sunscreen.
- Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
- Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include safe doses of vitamin supplements. Don’t seek the sun.
- Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look like you’ve been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
All the Best,
TMarie
