[Northkeep] Outdoor Fun!!

[Mark D. Conklin N7XYO]

Outdoor Fun!!

For years we have sloshed on goobs of sun screen to protect us from UV-B rays (the burning rays) and thinking that the UV-A rays (the aging rays) did not cause a burn, thus no harm.  News today is that BOTH UV rays cause damage.  Some damage may not be seen for years.  The best way to protect yourself and your family from Melanoma (skin cancer) the  #1 cancer killer is avoid sun, or protect your skin with a good quality sunscreen that protects for both UV-A and UV-B and has sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher.  (For more info on Melanoma see www.melanoma.com )

What product do I and my Lady use you ask?  We use Elta UV Shield SPF30+ a 3 fl oz. tube goes along way. It's a light oil-free base, works well on sensitive skin and it is what most dermatologist recommend.   Where can you get it?  From your dermatologist and on-line. You can expect to pay $16 to $20 per tube, but 1 tube last Lynn and I about 3 to 4 months and we use it EVERYDAY.  

Sun Safety for Kids:

Infants, children, and teens who get sunburned may not see the long-term damaging effects for many years. Parents should remember to protect their children from the sun's rays by following the same sun safety tips as adults. Also, special sunscreens are available for babies and children who are under 6 years of age.

   In general, children should: 
- Avoid the sun from 10 AM to 4 PM. (Ok, that's a tough one.)
- Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat. (Ah.. this one you can do.)
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen - sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher, choose a product that protects UV-A and UV-B. 
- Stay out of tanning salons. (Like kids will stay still for 10 minutes.)
- Have a skin check-up regularly. (At least monthly by the parent and once a year by family Doctor.)
- Keep babies 6 months or younger out of the sun whenever possible. (A light shade cover over a bassinet works great.)

I am seeing more members of the populace being smart and following the tip to cover up with clothing, and wear broad-brimmed hat for themselves.  It's easy to do and with a little reading I am sure you can find cover ups that will fit your personas.  

Oh yes, what kind of Chirurgeon would I be if I did not remind everyone to KEEP DRINKING WATER, lots of water. Also, since we live in the Southern Plains and we had a mild winter... we will have bugs o'plenty. Don't forget to bring &  use your bug spray to keep those nasty little bugs (misquotes and ticks) away from you and your loved ones. 

See you at Castellan,

Marcus Quietly