kincare KIN CHECKS S

Say Yes To Healthy Skin

what increases your risk?

Indoor Tanning

Sunburns

Skin Type

Unprotected Exposure to UVA & UVB Rays

Genetics

Skin Cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S.

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and nearly 20 Americans die from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, every day.

Asymmetry: most melanomas are asymmetrical.

Border: borders tend to be uneven with scalloped or notched edges, while common moles have smoother borders.

Color: multiple colors are a warning sign. Look for different shades of brown, tan or black, instead of the usual single shade of brown.

Diameter and Dark: Look for lesions the size of a pencil eraser or larger, and if it is darker than others.

Evolving: any change in size, shape, color, elevation of a spot on your skin, or new symptoms such as bleeding, itching or crusting, may be a warning sign to see your doctor.

Summer is finally here and not a moment too soon— although it would have been nice to have even one day of spring this year! With the Northstate's rivers and lakes full to the brim, this summer promises to be an experience we haven't had in years, and I hope each of you takes the time to make the most of it.

With no shortage of fun and activities, summer is the perfect time to get out and enjoy all this area has to offer. It's also the perfect time for a mental and physical reset, and this issue of Upgraded Living is dedicated to just that. Over the winter months, it's easy to become sedentary and develop less than beneficial habits. We trade in seasonal fruits for candy, light and refreshing beverages for heavy and sugary ones, and generally exercise considerably less. The summer months provide us ample opportunity to change and return to a more balanced lifestyle. Righting those wrongs, and forming new habits in the process, will benefit us all year long.

I'm not exaggerating when I say we feel truly blessed to have a number of incredible contributors in our annual health issue. Each one is an expert in their field and provides a valuable perspective on a different area of health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness. Together, their advice creates an excellent roadmap to find a healthier and happier version of yourself at the end of these summer months. Everyone on staff had the pleasure of reading their pieces early, and I'd be surprised if any one of us hasn't already decided to incorporate them into our daily lives. I'd discuss each one by one, but I'll just point you to our table of contents on the next spread instead and allow you to discover each on your own. I'm sure you'll find them just as valuable and informative as we all have.

As always, thank you for your readership. We couldn't do what we do without you, and we all hope you have the best possible start to summer! Cheers!