May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!!!! But did you know that May is also Skin Cancer Awareness month? As one of the most common forms of cancer it is important we all take steps to keep ourselves protected from the sun’s harmful rays. This is especially important for those of us whole live in sunny tropical climates as our exposure to the sun is increased with regular daily activities. The following is a list of great tips to keep you and your family safe provided by the Skin Cancer Foundation: 1) Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun is strongest. An extra rule of thumb is the "shadow rule." If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation is stronger; if your shadow is longer, UV radiation is less intense. 2) Do not burn. A person's risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, doubles if he or she had had five or more sunburns at any point in life. Severe burns not only significantly increase your chances of developing skin cancer, but can make you ill. For severe burns, see your doctor. 3) Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths. UV radiation from tanning machines is known to cause cancer in humans. Indoor UV tanners are 74 percent more likely to develop melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, than those who have never tanned indoors. Tanning bed users are also 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma. The more time a person has spent tanning indoors, the higher the risk. 4) Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. Clothing can be your most effective form of sun protection, so make the most of it with densely woven and bright- or dark-colored fabrics, which offer the best defense. The more skin you cover, the better, so choose long sleeves and long pants whenever possible. 5) 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. For an all natural alternative, try St. Maarten Nectar’s sun block line available in both fragranced and fragrance free with protection up to 50 spf here: http://www.stmaartennectar.com/#!sun/wfcuc 4) 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. One six-ounce bottle of sunscreen should provide two full days of sun protection for prolonged outdoor activity. 5) Keep newborns out of the sun since their skin is extremely vulnerable. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months. Children are very sensitive to ultraviolet radiation- just one severe sunburn in childhood doubles the chances of developing melanoma later in life. 6) Examine your skin head-to-toe every month. While self-exams shouldn't replace the important annual skin exam performed by a physician, they offer the best chance of detecting the early warning signs of skin cancer. If you notice any change in an existing mole or discover a new one that looks suspicious, see a physician immediately. To find out more about how to perform self-examination and spot a skin cancer, visit www.SkinCancer.org/selfexamination. 7) See your physician every year for a professional skin exam. #skincancerawarenessmonth #skincancerprevention #cancerprevention #skincancer #melanoma #natural #sunprotection #sunblock #naturalskincare #naturalbeauty #naturalingredients #nontoxic #crueltyfree #vegan #preventativehealthcare #newmom #motherhood #handmande #handmadewithlove #stmaarten #madeinsxm #caribbeanmade #sxm #weproducehere