Sun Damage Awareness

A Big Oops

I know that I have done at least one post about the importance of protecting your skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays; however, I can’t resist doing another as I keep witnessing those around me get horrible burnt – one person in particular – my son.

Though his fried shoulders were a result of a complete misunderstanding between the two of us; I still felt like the world’s worst mother for not making sure he was covered.  Needless to say, we both learned our lesson-all-night screams of “don’t touch it”, and definitely the tear-filled applications of every sunburn remedy known to man did the trick.

Step It Up (I Am)

Sheesh…if I (the poster child for pasty and proud) let my son get scorched, what in the world are other women/moms doing for their children?  The problem isn’t that most aren’t doing anything, it’s the fact that moms and dads need to educate their children (at a young age) about what can happen if they are not protected.  This means explaining the risk for skin cancer, premature wrinkles, and the obvious pain that is associated with sunburn.

I thought  my son understood these things; but even at 11, he still had not grasped the danger that he was in when he chose not to protect his already burnt body from the sun. The only way that our children are going to learn the truth is from us.  No, you can’t just rely on the schools to educate them about prominent medical conditions and their causes.   It really boils down to repetition and setting a stellar example; which brings me to the grand finale of this short post.

It Starts With Us

Ladies, please wear sunscreen EVERY DAY!  It’s not pretty to be so tan that you look fake; and it’s certainly not pretty to look fifty when you’re thirty-five.  Yes, these are beauty problems that may concern you; but it’s the more crucial issues that you need to pay attention to.  The biggest misnomer is women who have a nice tan think that they are immune to the sun’s damaging rays; therefore, they don’t apply any sunscreen or cover up when they are out for extended periods.  Skin cancer is deadly serious; don’t be a casualty.

Skin Checks

It’s a good idea to check over your body and your children’s for any suspicious moles, spots, or sores that just won’t heal.  Your health care provider can also help you recognize any dangerous changes. This is one of the most important self-checks that you can easily do. Remember, though early detection can save your life; prevention is still the best way to avoid a life-threatening skin condition.   Please share your sun safety tips and “bad sunburn” stories with us; we can learn from each other.  Be well.

Photo by marshmallowblue