July 2010

Thu, 07/22/2010 - 11:15 — Newsletter

Protect yourself from Skin Cancer

 
Being in the sun often increases your risk for skin cancer and skin cancers most often occur on parts of the body that are repeatedly exposed to the sun. A tan results from your body's attempt to protect itself from the sun's rays.  If you have fair skin, red or blond hair, you may tend to burn easily and have many moles or freckles. Tanning booths are not safer than being out in the sun, because tanning booths use UVA rays that go deep into the skin and can cause damage.


Here are some tips on preventing skin cancer:
  • Avoid the sun, especially from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the sun's rays are the strongest.
  • Don't use tanning booths or sunlamps.
  • Wear protective clothing and a hat whenever you go outside. Remember that you are often exposed to the sun while driving, especially your hands and arms.
  • Wear sunglasses that wrap around the side of your face and are rated to block at least 99% of UVA sunlight.
  • Check your skin yourself every month for signs of skin cancer.
  • If you see an area on your skin that looks unusual, ask your family doctor about it


Sunscreen can be used to help protect you if you are going to be in the sun for an extended period of time.  Use safe sunscreen's recommended by the Environmental Working Group to make sure you are not exposing yourself to harmful chemicals while applying sunscreen.  Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside to all exposed areas including your ears, the back of your neck and the top of your feet if they are exposed.  If you are swimming, be sure to reapply your sunscreen every hour.


If you are at higher risk for skin cancer, you should visit your dermatologist yearly for a head to toe exam.  Here is what you should be looking out for when you see a suspicious mole or growth on your skin. Follow the ABCDE rules:

A for asymmetry: A mole that, when divided in half, doesn't look the same on both sides

B for border: A mole with edges that are blurry or jagged

C for color: Changes in the color of a mole, including darkening, spread of color, loss of color, or the appearance of multiple colors such as blue, red, white, pink, purple or gray

D for diameter: A mole larger than 1/4 inch in diameter

E for elevation: A mole that is raised above the skin and has an uneven surface

Healthy Skin


Healthy skin is directly a result of our body's health.  Make sure that your skin is nourished with the following nutrients. 

Essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiencies are often found in people with eczema and psoriasis.  EFA's, especially Omega-3s improve the quality of skin and hair.  Skin cells require a steady supply of EFA's to keep the skin flexible and moist and to help repair damaged skin cells.  Essential fatty acids are a critical factor in the development of cellular injury and death. Without them, our cells lose their ability of hold water, nutrients and to communicate with other cells in the body.

Water is involved in and helps improve many bodily functions - digestion, absorption, circulation, and excretion.  Water helps flush harmful toxins from the body, it also helps carry nutrients into the cells of the body.  When cells are properly hydrated, they can function properly.  Water moisturizes your skin from the inside out, it helps keep your skin smooth and drinking adequate water is the most important thing you can do to improve the appearance of your skin.  A good rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces of water per day.  If you weigh 150 lbs, then you should be drinking 75 ounces of water a day, at minimum.


To keep healthy, youthful skin here are some minerals/vitamins that you should include in your diet: Silica, Zinc, Selenium, Vitamin A, C and E.
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Sincerely,
Logo Anita M. Larrow, ND
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