Simple steps to prevent skin cancer

With the nice warm weather of summer quickly approaching, it is important to remember to protect yourself from the suns harmful rays. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Stay in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The sun’s rays are the strongest from mid-morning to late afternoon. Try to stay out of the sun during these hours.

Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
Use sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection. To get the most protection:
 
* Wear sunscreen even on cloudy days. UV rays can still harm your skin through the clouds.
* Plan ahead – put sunscreen on 30 minutes before you go outside.
* Be sure to use enough sunscreen (a handful).
* If you wear very light clothing, put sunscreen on under your clothes.
* Put on more sunscreen every few hours and after you swim or sweat.

Cover up with long sleeves, a hat, and sunglasses.
Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants or a long skirt. A hat with a wide brim can protect your face and neck.  Also, the skin around your eyes is very sensitive. Wear wrap-around sunglasses to protect your eyes and your skin from sun damage.

Check your skin once every month.
Check your whole body once a month. Pick a day and mark it on your calendar so you don’t forget.

Use mirrors.
The best place to do a skin self-exam is in a well-lit room in front of a mirror. The best time is right after a shower or bath.  Examine your skin from head to toe. Use a hand mirror to check hard-to-see areas like your back.

Look for changes.
Learn where your birthmarks, spots, and moles are and what they usually look and feel like. Use this chart to keep track of your self-exams. 

* Check the growths on your skin for changes in size, shape, color, or feel.
* Check for anything new – a sore that doesn’t heal, a mole that bleeds, or any new growths.

If you find any changes, see a doctor.
See a doctor or nurse right away if you find any changes that worry you. Most changes are harmless. But only a doctor or nurse can tell you for sure.

Positive Change Hypnosis