For my first article I would like to introduce you to a friend of mine, Colette Coyne, who has an important message for us all. She has formed and is devoted to the Colette Coyne Melanoma Awareness Campaign (CCMAC). I share this story because I believe it is so timely in the middle of July and, perhaps, lives will be saved.
Recently Colette wrote an article that has meaning for all of us as caring individuals. I have decided to summarize the article for you because of my belief of its importance.
Memorial Day - July 4 - Labor Day...many wonderful memories are recalled with the smell of the beach, cook outs and fun in the sun.
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Years ago people heard little about sun exposure. That truly is understandable when we reflect on the fact that in 1935 a person had a 1 in 1500 chance of getting deadly melanoma skin cancer, vs. the estimated 1 in 55 in 2010.
In 1998 my friend Colette was a mother who was helpless to make a difference in the life of her youngest daughter, also named Colette, who had been diagnosed with Melanoma skin cancer. Outpatient treatment was unsuccessful and her gorgeous daughter had to undergo clinical trials and was informed that her melanoma was terminal. She died in October of 1998, 5 and 1/2 months following diagnosis.
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You must wonder why I am sharing a “downer” when you are enjoying your summer. Colette’s earnest wish and mine is that only joy should fill our lives ant that no one should experience what the Coyne family had to that summer of 1998.
Colette’s daughter was not a sun worshipper. The doctors told the family that two blistering sunburns in her early years were enough to trigger her melanoma at age 29.
Please remember a few things:
- Self body exams are a must and examine your significant others.
- Sunscreen, moisturizer with at least 15 SPF should be used daily, even on cloudy days and believe it or not, even in winter months. “Slop” the products on instead of a drop which is rubbed in. Allow our skin to absorb the protection.
- UV shirts are wonderful for children and adults and offer perfect protection even when swimming.
- Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. Do not burn.
- Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
- Use a broad brimmed hat and UV blocking sunglasses.
- Continuously apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher everyday.
- Keep newborns out of the sun and use sunscreen on babies over six months.
- See your Doctor for a professional skin exam every year.
You can learn more by visiting www.ccmac.org or calling 352-4227.
Enjoy a wonderful, carefree summer but DO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF and your loved ones. It is easy to do and can save a life which is precious.
“BE SUN SMART “ is the registered trademark of the CCMAC.
