SKIN DEEP

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Currently 14 percent of American men and 30 percent of American women regularly put on sunscreen before heading outside for more than an hour. That number needs to be higher! When you head outdoors to enjoy the warming weather, don’t forget to take proper precautions to enjoy the sun safely.

See the Sun Safely

Did you know that it is as important to protect your peepers from sun damage as it is your skin? Extended exposure to the sun’s damaging rays has been linked to chronic eye diseases including cataract, growths on the eye, corneal sunburn and eyelid cancer, so keep those sunglasses handy and wear them when you’re in the sun!

We’ve all heard a lot about skin cancer in the last decade, and it’s easy to get “information overload” and forget how crucial sun protection is in the prevention of skin cancer. Remember these key facts:

Skin cancer is the most common form

of cancer in the United States but is also one of the most preventable.

One in five Americans will develop skin

cancer in their lifetime.

All it takes is a smart sun exposure

strategy combining sunscreen, shade and protective clothing to greatly reduce your chances of developing this deadly disease.

Wear protective clothing, a wide-

brim hat and sunglasses as extra layers of prevention.

Seek shade, especially during the peak time of 10 am - 4 pm when the sun’s rays are the strongest.

Protect children. If they’re under six months old, they should avoid exposure completely.

Use extra caution near water, sand and snow as rays reflect off these surfaces.

Get vitamin D safely through a healthy

diet or vitamin supplement. Speak with your doctor if you think you’re not getting enough.

Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps.

They not only cause skin cancer, they can lead to major skin damage and discoloration as well as deep wrinkles.

HOT NEWS:

New Alabama law allows school students, both public and private, to apply sunscreen at school without the need for special permission from a doctor or parent.

CHOOSING SUNSCREEN- LOOK FOR:

BROAD SPECTRUM Protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

SPF 30 OR HIGHER Indicates how well a sunscreen protects against sunburn and tanning.

WATER RESISTANT

Sunscreen can be water resistant from 40-80 minutes, but sunscreens are not water-proof or sweatproof and must be reapplied every two hours.

ADEQUATE COVERAGE

Most adults need about one ounce of sunscreen to fully cover their body.

DON'T SKIP THIS STEP:

And even if you’ve been good about putting on sunscreen all of your life,

it’s still essential to regularly check yourself (and let a dermatologist check you) for moles or other marks that have grown or changed in color. Sun damage builds up over time, meaning early detection of skin cancer is important and can save your life.

PROS TO KNOW * L O CAL EXPERTS *

Local experts in areas from health to home design. Get to know some local pros.

Rosemary Ragsdale Treatment Coordinator Kingry Orthodontics

Specialty: Rosemary aids Dr. Kingry in assessing patients and developing individualized treatment plans. She also customizes flexible payment options to fit patients’ budgets so they can achieve the ideal smile for their life. Contact: kingryorthodontics.com

Meagan Anderson Makeup Artist Bella

Specialty: Meagan has been a makeup artist for 21 years. By carefully listening to clients’ wants and needs, she’s able to make them look and feel beautiful.

Instagram: @bellamontgomery_ Andrew Thrash General Manager Montgomery Antiques & Interiors

Specialty: Helping clients learn how to mix a fine antique piece of furniture into today’s contemporary design. It only takes one piece to add warmth and character to any space. Contact: MGMantiques.com

Brooke Ainsworth, Medical Laser Technician Aesthetica Montgomery Medspa

Specialty: Botox and fillers for the cheeks, chin and laugh lines. All laser procedures. From IPL and laser body sculpting to vaginal rejuvenation, she covers it all. Contact: aestheticamontgomery.com