Environmental Working Group is a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. There is TONS of good info on their website (EWG.org). Today we want to share their findings on sunscreen. This Sunscreen 101 article helps you find the right sunscreen for you and your children (Yes, they are different!) and how to properly use the sunscreen.
Can Sunglasses Prevent Eye Cancer?
When it comes to taking care of your health, don’t “overlook” your eyes… literally. Temporary blindness caused by sudden exposure to bright light can’t be helped. But continued over-exposure to bright lights… especially sunlight… increases your risk of permanent damage including cancer.
Here’s what you need to know.
Eye disease starts to manifest during middle age (40 to 60). Even if you have no symptoms, getting a baseline eye examination at 40 can save your vision in later years. And you don’t have to wait until then. It’s not a bad idea to have your family’s eyes checked periodically as they grow.
In the meantime, practice good eye protection with broad-brimmed hats and sunglasses. Just don’t settle for bargain sunglasses. Look for glasses with 100% UV-blocking capability. These moves don’t guarantee cancer prevention but they do contribute to keeping eyes healthy.
And protect your children’s eyes early, starting as early as infancy. Help them develop good habits now that will benefit them for a lifetime.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (www.aao.org/eye-health) lists numerous ways to keep your eyesight as healthy and keen as possible.
Beach & Water Safety Tips
We want to share this important information from the US Lifesaving Assn about Beach and Water safety. Many of us are heading off for vacations! Be safe!
Be A Sun Hero
Love the outdoors? Arizona’s sunny weather gives us more opportunities to enjoy outside activities than most parts of the country. To minimize the possibility of developing skin cancer, take steps like wearing protective clothing and sunscreen to shield your skin.
Of the different forms of skin cancer, melanoma is the deadliest. Yet even this form can be effectively treated with early detection. Here’s what to do.
Examine any spot on your skin to look for the following characteristics:
- Asymmetry – is one half of the spot different than the other half?
- Border – is the border irregular, scalloped or poorly defined?
- Color – does the spot have different shades of tan, brown or black?
- Diameter – is it the size of a pencil eraser? Usually melanomas are larger, but they can be smaller.
- Evolving – is the shape, size or color changing?
www.spotskincancer.org has a terrific graphic to help you identify these characteristics right away. Use it to protect yourself and your loved ones.
That Motorcycle Rider Could Be Someone You Know
Maybe you can’t think of any motorcycle owners you personally know right now… but chances are… you know someone who has ridden as a passenger on one. That’s why taking the extra effort to look for motorcyclists is personal to all of us.
Let’s face it, sometimes motorcyclists can be annoying. Some riders weave between cars in heavy traffic. Some seem to come out of nowhere and suddenly cut in front of you. Often they go fast. How you feel about this doesn’t matter. They have the same rights to the road as you do and are at a disadvantage if an accident occurs.
The best way to prevent any altercation on the road is to treat motorcycles as full size cars. Always allow them a whole lane. Since they’re harder to see, take a second, even a third look to be sure you don’t pull into their space.
Remember, even if you aren’t acquainted with any motorcycle owners, you may know the person who’s riding with them.
