Tip # 2 - 3 Tips to Prevent Skin Cancer – Savvy Sun Safety

Tip # 2:  Being sun safety savvy is one of the best ways to help prevent skin cancer. The following are "need to know" tips on how to do so:

• SPF of 30 or more - SPF means sun protection factor.  Sunscreen with a strength of 30 is the minimum amount considered to give you a fighting chance against the damaging rays and to help prevent over exposure to the sun.
• Broad Spectrum – Use broad spectrum as this term is necessary (must appear on the package label) to ensure you’re getting protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
• Reapply every hour – The term “waterproof” is no longer allowed by the FDA.  If you’re sweating or swimming, your product is wearing off. Reapplying every hour helps to ensure you’re covered.
• Use enough – Apply a generous amount to all areas exposed.  Research has shown that most of us don’t use enough.
• Cover all exposed areas – And don’t forget the bottoms of your feet (if you’re lying on your tummy in the sun), the back of your neck, ears, and top of the head for anyone who has balding areas.
• Use lip products that contain suncreen (SPF) of 30 or more, to help protect delicate lips from overexposure.
• Wear a hat (with a brim) or sun-visor – to help cover your head and face in addition to sunscreen.
• Fragrance Free – Use “fragrance free” sunscreen if you’re prone to fragrance allergies.
• Oil Free & Non Comedogenic - Look for the terms “Oil Free” and “Non Comedogenic” if you are prone to acne/pimples from oily products. These are formulated to help prevent a breakout from using the product.
• Stay out of the sun between the hours of 10 AM to 4 PM when the sun is at its strongest..
• Eye Protection - Wear quality sunglasses that offer both UVA and UVB protection of 99 - 100 %.

The added bonus with being savvy about sun safety is that practicing these tips over time will help contribute to an improved and more youthful appearance to your skin with fewer wrinkles and sun spots. See this link for Tip # 1 on skin cancer prevention: http://carole-jakucs.blogspot.com/2012/05/3-tips-to-prevent-skin-cancer-monitor.html 
See this link for Tip # 3: http://carole-jakucs.blogspot.com/2012/05/tip-3-skin-cancer-prevention-healthy.html
More info, see these:
http://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/prevention-and-care/sunscreens
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/uv-protection/AN00832

3 Tips to Prevent Skin Cancer - Monitor Your Moles

Tip # 1: Skin Cancer can be deadly if caught late. Monitor the skin on your whole body each month to look for changes to existing moles and for anything new and unusual such as new growths of any kind or irregular patches or areas of scaling, bleeding, crusty skin. Get in the habit of conducting a monthly surveillance your skin, just as it is recommended to do monthly breast and testicular exams. 
See this link for Tip # 2: http://carole-jakucs.blogspot.com/2012/05/3-tips-to-prevent-skin-cancer-savvy-sun.html
See this link for Tip # 3: http://carole-jakucs.blogspot.com/2012/05/tip-3-skin-cancer-prevention-healthy.html

• Don’t forget to look at the bottoms of your feet, between your toes and fingers and your backside. Recent research has shown that a number of new skin cancers are presenting on the soles of feet which usually get skipped over during the exam process.  However, skin cancer can be anywhere. Have a trusted family member or your partner help you check those hard to see places on your body.

Know your ABDCE’s. This is a good way to remember what to look for:
Asymmetry – If one half looks different from the other, see your doctor.

Border – If the border/edges of the growth look irregular and uneven, see our doctor.

Color – Abnormal moles have various shades of color in them, see your doctor.

Diameter- Larger growths are of more concern than smaller ones.  The standard used is to measure it against the size of an eraser on the tip of a pencil. If your mole is larger than that, get it examined by your doctor

Evolving – If your mole or growth is changing in size, color, border, height or anything that is different from before, see your doctor.

• If you find any area of concern, even if it does not match anything above, or, you are not sure, make an appointment to see a licensed healthcare professional or your dermatologist (who is a medical doctor that specializes in the diagnosing and treating the skin).

See these websites for more information:

http://www.skincancer.org/

http://www.aad.org/for-the-public/home

http://www.aad.org/spot-skin-cancer

http://www.webmd.com/melanoma-skin-cancer/ss/slideshow-skin-lesions-and-cancer

4 Tips on Martial Arts Training – And How to Choose What’s Right for You

Studying the martial arts is a great way to kick your workout up to the next level (no pun intended). If you’re thinking about taking classes for either yourself or your child; here are some helpful tips on what questions to ask/consider before getting started with a program. The Martial Arts help to improve psychological confidence and build physical strength. *Always observe at least one to two classes first, so you can consider the following points:

1. Sensei (The Teacher): Do you like his or her style of teaching? Does he/she foster an environment of mutual respect in the school (dojo)? What’s his or her background?
2. Students: Are they respectful of their fellow students? Do they help the newcomers? Or, are they bullies allowed to intimidate new students (newbies) either verbally or physically? Obviously, unless you’re a glutton for punishment, you want the first two.
3. School Operations: Are classes offered at a convenient time that works well with your schedule? What’s the cost? Is it reasonable and similar to other schools in the area, or, outrageously overpriced? Can you pay by week or month? If so, that’s good. Stay away from schools (and gyms) that demand a minimum of 3 – 12 months tuition in advance. This is why; if you’re unable to continue classes for any reason such as a schedule change, get injured or decide you don’t like it; you’re usually out the money.
4. Form/Style: Each form has a unique set of methods and goals; you’ll want to research these on your own (in addition to your class audit) to see if they match your goals. Here’s a brief synopsis on 4 (of the many) styles to choose from:

• Tender Tai Chi – Tai Chi is well suited for older people or those that want a low impact, low stress style. It focuses on balance, brain-muscle coordination, agility and relaxation.

             A Few Fighting Forms:

• Tackling Tang Soo Do or Tai Kwon Do – These forms involve a lot of kicking, punching, self defense and fighting techniques usually while standing.
• Grappling with Jui Jitsu – This form incorporates pressure points on the body and learning how to fight on the ground with an opponent.

*Consult with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

Bug Off and Out of Our Food: Eating Bugs-Read your Labels

When the Starbucks controversy surfaced regarding their use of an FDA approved “natural” food coloring additive called “Cochineal” in some of their drinks and pastries , my first thought was; if this comes from a beetle, there must be people who are allergic to it. Many people are allergic to cockroaches, and some receive immunotherapy (allergy shots) to reduce their sensitivity to them; so, it would stand to reason people would be allergic to cochineal. After a bit of research, here is what I found:

• Various scientific studies have been performed and documented cases of asthma and allergy symptoms being exacerbated (worsened) by consumption of products containing cochineal.
• Known under many names, cochineal can also be listed as; cochineal extract, carmines, and carminic acid. It is used in foods and beverages as a “red” food coloring. Many companies use cochineal in many of their products, and not only in foods and drinks.
• Besides being used in various smoothies, beverages and pastries, it can also appear in yogurts, candies, cosmetics (especially lipstick) and shampoos, to name a few.

According to their press releases, Starbucks will be changing their formulations and removing cochineal soon. Hopefully, all the other companies will follow suit. *In the interim, if you have a history allergies and asthma, or, can’t figure out what you’re reacting too with unexplained hives or any other symptoms; play detective and read your food, beverage and cosmetic labels to reduce your exposure to cochineal and any other additives you think your body may be allergic to.

Cracking the Code on Colorectal Cancer

Are you at risk for Colorectal Cancer? Have you been screened for it? Do you know the symptoms? Are there things you can do to help lower your risk for developing it? Too many people delay getting screened for various reasons; experience symptoms that bring them to their doctors and are subsequently diagnosed with a late stage Colorectal Cancer that has metastasized (spread) to other parts of their body.  Once it has spread, it is more difficult to cure.

Colorectal Cancer is Cancer of the Colon (large intestine) and, or, Rectum (last/end portion of the colon). Getting “Routine Screening” (before any symptoms appear) as recommended by your doctor; increases your chances of early detection of this disease (if you have it) and increases your chances of survival by catching it early, before it has spread to other areas such as lymph nodes and organs.

Everyone is at risk for developing Colorectal Cancer; however, some people have a higher risk than others. Exercising and eating a healthy diet that is high in fiber and low in all of the following such as fat, red meat, processed meats and alcohol; along with not smoking may help to reduce your risk.

Take a few minutes to learn about the Symptoms and Risk Factors of Colorectal Cancer. See these links for more information:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/colon/Patient

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001308/

http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/basic_info/screening/

http://www.webmd.com/colorectal-cancer/default.htm

Dare to Dance - Follow Your Feet to Fitness

Whether you tango, tap, swing or salsa; dancing is great physical exercise and sharpens the mind due to learning new skills. I have studied various dance forms throughout my life and am always amazed at what a great work out dancing truly is.

• Dancing burns calories and blasts fat.
• Dancing works various muscle groups making them stronger.
• Dancing builds bone mass.
• Dancing improves heart and lung function.
• Dancing is fun!

Whether you’re male or female, young or old; if you are fighting boredom with your routine, take a dance class or two to spice up your life and challenge your body and mind. If you have any health concerns, consult with your doctor before beginning any new exercise program.

Allergies-Nothing to Sneeze At: 4 Tips on Medicines that Can Help

If you suffer from allergies and have tried various "natural" measures to reduce your symptoms, but find you and are still having problems, you may need allergy medication(s) to help you further. The following is a brief synopsis of four categories of allergy medicines that may make you more comfortable.

1. Antihistamines: These work to counter the effects of “histamine” in your body. These help to reduce the amount of sneezing, itching (skin and throat), runny nose and watery eyes.
2. Mucolytics: These work to help thin out the mucus you may have in your nose and the back of your throat to help get it out. If too much mucus builds up, it sets the stage for a possible bacterial infection to develop.
3. Oral Decongestants: These work to temporarily shrink nasal passages.
4. Steroid Nasal Spray: These also work to reduce the amount of swelling in your nose, are non-habit forming and can only be obtained by a prescription.

It’s important you drink enough water to stay hydrated when you have allergy symptoms and also when taking these medications. If your mucus membranes get too dry, you’re more vulnerable to picking up an infection and less able to fight it off.

Read and follow all package warnings and directions before you use any medications. This is important for everyone, but especially if you have certain medical conditions such as (but not limited to) high blood pressure, kidney or liver disease. Also, if you are on other medication(s); be certain to read all warnings and directions on the medication label/package.

See these links for more info on allergies.

http://carole-jakucs.blogspot.com/2012/03/control-your-allergies-by-controlling.html

http://carole-jakucs.blogspot.com/2012/03/attacking-spring-allergies-with-nasal.html

http://carole-jakucs.blogspot.com/2012/03/spring-into-action-3-more-tips-to.html

*Contact your doctor for any questions or concerns you have about your health.

Spring Into Action: 3 Tips To Allergy Proof Your Home

Spring is here and reducing your exposure to irritating allergy triggers is one of the best ways to help minimize the severity of your allergy symptoms. It also may help reduce the amount of medication you need in managing your allergies or asthma.

1. Opt for leather furniture as opposed to upholstered furniture. Unless you are allergic to leather; try to get leather couches and chairs since fabric furnishings can hold dust mites which are a source of problems for many people.
2. Choose window shades instead of blinds, shutters and drapes; as these can hold a tremendous amount of dust.  Window shades can be easily cleaned and hold less dust to begin with.
3. Do not use candles or incense as these fragrant products contain chemicals that can cause allergic and asthmatic symptoms for many people. Many folks use these products for their relaxation producing scents, not realizing they can severely worsen their allergies and asthma.

See these links for more information on allergy proofing your home and limiting your exposure to various sources of allergy producing items. http://carole-jakucs.blogspot.com/2012/03/control-your-allergies-by-controlling.html and http://carole-jakucs.blogspot.com/2012/03/attacking-spring-allergies-with-nasal.html

*Contact your doctor for any questions or concerns you may have about your health.