The Burning Truth

New Drug Released for Skin Cancer Treatment!

2011-11-11T18:31:00.000-07:00

I know it has been a long time since I have last posted, but I found this article today that I feel is pretty important in the world of medicine! :) Please read it and keep remembering to take your precautions.http://news.discovery.com/human/new-skin-cancer-drug-approved-110818.html

Sunscreen!

2011-06-19T23:27:00.002-06:00

New FDA changes to sunscreen labels!! Important to Read!!

http://www.sunmonograph.com/home

The label changes are important to understand which sunscreens are best for you. If they are complying with FDA rules, they are approved to protect you and we want the best for our skin every time!

Now, I want to discuss the difference between sprays and lotions in sunscreens. I personally would advise everyone to used lotion instead of spray. Lets think about this; when you rub something on your skin, you cover a larger area as the lotion is rubbed over a whole area. When you spray it, it only covers where the mist lands which means not every area of skin was covered. So by using the spray, you are getting maybe a little more than half of the coverage that a lotion gives you. Especially with children, I would make sure that you are not using spray as their skin is very vulnerable at their age to premature skin cancer due to damage at an early age. Also, the lotions are cheaper. I did my own investigation at a local Wal-Mart and this is what I found. Personally, I don't like Coppertone as much. I prefer Banana Boat but as long as it is FDA approved and following the above guidelines, then you should be good to go.

The Two Sprays, as you can see are 2-3$ more than the lotion.

Knowing that you get more coverage with a lotion now, wouldn't you also like to save money? I would definitely want to save money and save my skin. I found it very interesting that the spray with less in the bottle and giving less coverage is more expensive. [Its probably paying for the fancy sprayer on top.]

SUMMER!!

2011-05-22T23:13:00.000-06:00

First of all, here are a few links that I thought I would share with you all as I found them both informational and helpful. :)

ksl
healthline.com
risky tanning
CNN message

Next, I would like to make sure you all make sure you are using sunscreen even if you are covered. Make sure you are putting sunscreen in places that you may feel are not going to be sunburnt. Example: I was out weeding my new garden the other day and thought I was fine and well I ended up with a burn that was a stripe across the bottom of my back where my shirt tended to ride up. It does not feel good but now before I go out tomorrow to finish some gardening, I am going to make sure I have sunscreen on my back! :) Have a good summer and make sure you are all taking precautions!!

Time to help out...

2011-04-15T15:09:00.001-06:00

Hey everyone, check out this boutique to help out a girl who is battling Stage IV Melanoma. There's some fun stuff there and all the proceeds go to the cost involved for her treatments.

To check out the boutique CLICK HERE

2011-04-13T14:22:00.000-06:00

With Summer well on it's way, people are beginning to think about Summer fun and TANNING...
It's a great time to reevaluate how we go about getting our healthy glow.

To read more about how giving up tanning could save your life and looks and learn more about the "Go with your own Glow" campaign click on the link below.

Give up Tanning in 2011

What is Basal Cell Carcinoma?

2011-04-13T13:35:00.003-06:00

Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, affecting approximately two million Americans each year. In fact, it is the most common of all cancers.

Learn more about Basal Cell Carcinoma by clicking the link below.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Fight For A Ban!

2011-03-02T12:11:00.000-07:00

Check out this article. People are now fighting for a ban on tanning beds for teens. Some states already regulate and have bans for those under 14, but some are considering a ban for anyone under 18. What is your opinion???

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20037736-10391704.html

Skin Cancer Doesn't Just Affect Your Skin

2010-11-04T23:52:00.000-06:00

Malignant Melanoma is important to watch for because if caught early, it can be taken care of easily. Now, if caught in the later, more serious stages, it not only spreads through your skin damaging those cells, it spreads to your organs, which can therefore cause organ failure. There are some aggressive treatments that can help someone diagnosed with this serious of a case, but the point of prevention is to not get tot that point. Especially with the winter getting closer, it is becoming more cloudy and cold, so we are covering up more but we are not wearing sunscreen. When we ignore these little things because it is cold outside still does not protect your face. Make sure that you are wearing sunscreen because the sun is stronger coming through random clouds. Second, you need to make sure that you have sunglasses because they protect not only from light but it protects the retina. Next remember to have a hat as well. It helps protect your scalp. Utah is a higher elevated state and so we are in need of remembering to cover up and put on some sunscreen. Remember, just because it is getting cold does not mean that you don't have to worry about your skin.

It's Football Season!

2010-10-01T16:28:00.000-06:00

Hey Sports Fans! It's Football Season and that means time outdoors, in the sun, watching and cheering on your favorite teams! Sitting in the stands can be dangerous. The sun's damaging ultraviolet radiation can harm your skin regardless of the temperature.
Check out this link for tips on how to best protect yourself in the stadium on game day.

Have you read about Team SCF

2010-08-12T14:28:00.000-06:00

New public service announcements by the Skin Cancer Foundation to promote sun safe behaviors among those active in the outdoors. They're great!

Read about and see some of them here:
Team SCF

My new favorite product ever!!

2010-08-07T18:03:00.002-06:00

There are so many alternatives to tanning out there. You just have to look for them and experiment so you can find a product that you like and feel works best for you. My new favorite product that I have recently been trying out is Jergens Natural Glow. It is a tanning lotion that progressively gives you a tan. It is different than other progressive lotions, in that the DHA level is lower. By applying this lotion every day, your skin gets darker but not more orange. There are different types of lotion for different types of skin. In my experiment, it has worked amazingly. It really does work! In only a week of using Jergens Natural Glow, my skin has an even glowing tan! And its safe!! No more skin cancer worries for me!! :) I encourage you all to try Jergens Natural Glow and let me know how it goes for you. Also I would love to hear from you if you have any other ideas on alternatives that you can use for tanning! :)

Putting up Sun Safety Tips Posters

2010-07-30T18:12:00.002-06:00

Getting around to posting some of the pictures taken while hanging my posters...

Check out the AWESOME picture above my poster. The little Girl Scout Girls drew their own pictures to promote Skin Cancer Awareness! I commend them for that! I love to see everyone getting more aware of this disease and what they can do to help prevent it!

Alternatives to Tanning :)

2010-07-27T18:16:00.000-06:00

This week I am going to explore a few alternatives to tanning. There are some different options out there that are safe, better for your skin, and can give you the same look that you are looking for.

Spray Tanning:

Most salons in your area will offer a spray tan. They aren't too much money and are pretty natural looking. A spray on tan is applied by an airbrush. Sometimes they are applied by another person, and sometimes they are applied by a machine. The reason it is the most natural looking is because the individual applying the tan has control over the airbrush and can make it lighter or darker if needed to help blend.

Lotions:

There are a lot of different brands of self applicable tanning lotions that you can buy. They have come a long way from the orange tinting. They are easy and affordable. You may have to practice a few times to get used to applying the lotion evenly, but its much better for your skin and not very expensive.

Bronzers:

Bronzer is a powder you can apply to your daily make up to give your skin a temporary tanned look. They are inexpensive and found at most stores that you can find make up.

This link has a list of 25 different alternatives to tanning as well.
http://www.beautifulmakeupsearch.com/beauty-blog/avoid-the-tanning-tax-25-alternatives-to-indoor-tanning.html

There is also the the option to go natural. The Skin Cancer Foundation has started a campaign to "Go With Your Own Glow". Learn to love the skin your in and your natural beauty.

http://www.skincancer.org/Go-With-Your-Own-Glow/

Attacks on Sunscreen

2010-07-19T10:42:00.003-06:00

Lately there have been a lot of attacks on sunscreen. There are a lot of claims saying that it cannot protect you enough. Click this link to see just one example of these claims.

Staying Safe: Are you using the right sunscreen?

Here, it mentions how different SPF's do not work as well. It also mentions how the more ingredients that are in our sunscreen, the more dangerous they are. Look at the list of ingredients listed on the back of your sunscreen and choose the ones with the least amount of ingredients. We need to be aware of and watch what we are wearing to make sure that we get the correct protection, but none the less, some sunscreen is better than no sunscreen.

This next link explains it a lot better than I can. This article is from the Skin Cancer Foundation and explains how attacks on sunscreen are making people scared, who then decide not to wear sunscreen. Bottom line is, sunscreen is still the best form of protection that we have today.

http://skincancer.org/recentattackssunscreen.html

New Information on Tanning Salons!

2010-07-05T21:03:00.003-06:00

Its not anything new to hear that tanning is bad for us and increases our chances of skin cancer, but here are a few other tid bits of information you may not have thought of.

1. According to about.com, thearg.com, and skincancer.org, UVA rays can cause the skin to thin. UVA rays burn deeper and when the skin is trying to heal from a burn, the UVA rays cause the skin to not be able to heal as fast because the burn is deeper where the skin is trying to heal. It also breaks down the skin to thin it out. Most tanning salons do not tell you that there is a difference between UVA and UVB rays.

2. Overexposure to UVA rays can damage the cornea. Just closing your eyes, wearing normal sunglasses, or covering them with a towel does not protect your eyes enough from the UV radiation that is being emitted.

3. Tanning booths can cause acne to become worse. The drying effects of UV rays may cause your skin to over produce oil. Your pores can then become more clogged and your acne can become worse. They can also cause your scars to show up darker and stand out even more.

4. Sunscreens can block out UVB rays and some claim that they can block out UVA rays, but the truth is that there is no system for rating the blockage of UVA rays. Therefore there is no way to know for sure if you are being protected from them. Tanning bed bulbs put off UVA rays. I know most of you who are planning on going to a tanning bed are not planning on wearing sunscreen, but its just a bit of information for you.

5. UVA rays mixed with certain medications or lotions can also cause different skin reactions such as rashes, itching, fevers within the skin, and quicker burns.

Another source you can find information on tanning is at http://kidshealth.org/ under teen advice, click on your body and then skin stuff and there you will find some topics on tanning.

Watch this video and Jergens® Skincare will donate $1* to The Skin Cancer Foundation (*Jergens® Skincare will donate $1 per view, with a maximum donation of $20,000. Campaign runs from March 19, 2010- August 31, 2010)

2010-06-21T14:19:00.000-06:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkeY_rI9cY0

Summer Health Heads Up... Find out your local UV Index

2010-05-28T16:08:00.003-06:00

Go to this site and type in your zip code to get daily UV index and minimum SPF needed while outdoors in your area.

EPA.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html

Raising money!

2010-05-27T14:16:00.001-06:00

There is so many different ways that someone can help raise money for different foundations that support prevention and awareness of skin cancer as well as the research for a cure. Please if you have the opportunity to support one of these foundations, take the chance. It really helps more than we realize. This summer I am planning to work for an event that hopefully will raise a good amount of money that I am going to donate to the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. This foundation is wonderful and is doing a lot of research for a cure. They are also right here in Utah. You can find many local foundations close to you as well. It may take a little research and time, but they are all over the place. Its so nice to see that though, it shows how many people are taking action and making an effort to do what they can to further the awareness and prevention of skin cancer. If you have any ideas as well that would help raise money, please share. I would love to hear everyones ideas.

Baseball Fans, What's your strategy for Spring?

2010-04-09T15:51:00.002-06:00

Spring is here, and that means baseball season has arrived.
You may think that cheering on your favorite team is a safe enough pastime, but sitting in the stands can be dangerous. The sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation can harm your skin, regardless of the temperature. The majority of the UV rays that hit the earth, in fact, are ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which are present in about equal intensity throughout the year. Sun protection is a year-round commitment!
Excessive exposure to UV radiation is considered the main cause of approximately 90 percent of all skin cancers, and is also associated with eye damage, including cataracts; premature skin aging; and reduced immune system functioning. But you can stay safe during baseball season, and beyond, with The Skin Cancer Foundation’s guide to spectator sports.
Wear Sunscreen Sunscreen is a must. Choose a product with an SPF of 15 or higher, and some combination of the following UVA-blocking ingredients: avobenzone, ecamsule, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide. Apply a full ounce (two tablespoons) of sunscreen to the entire body, including a nickel-sized dollop to the face, 30 minutes before heading outside. Reapply every two hours, or immediately after sweating heavily. And don’t skip the sunscreen if it’s overcast: Up to 80 percent of the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation) can penetrate clouds — and harm your skin.
Dress the Part The more skin you cover, the better. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants protect the skin on your arms and legs, and are perfect for the changeable spring weather. If you’re worried about overheating, look for clothes made of breathable materials, like certain microfibers and specially-treated athletic wear. For cooler days, densely-woven, dark-colored fabrics (like deep blue denim) are heavy enough to keep you warm, and lightweight enough for comfort.
A baseball cap may announce your team affiliation, but a hat with at least a 3” brim all around (such as an outback or bucket hat) will protect your head, neck, and shoulders — the parts of the body that sustain the most sun damage, and the most common sites for precancers and cancers.
Cover Your Eyes Between five and 10 percent of all skin cancers occur on the eyelid, and UV radiation can also lead to eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Protect your eyes with a pair of UV-blocking sunglasses. For the most sun protection, choose larger-sized frames that shield the eyes, eyelids, and surrounding areas, or a wraparound style with side shields.
Look for a pair of sunglasses that block 99-100 percent of UV radiation (the sunglasses’ tag or packaging should say this). Make sure your shades fit comfortably, and don’t slip down your nose!
If you’ll be watching a sport on a solid-color surface (like grass or Astroturf), brown-tinted lenses provide great color contrast and visibility.
Sit Strategically If possible, sit in the shady section of the stadium or field — under an awning or overhang, if possible. If you can’t find a seat out of the sun, consider bringing a portable shade structure or an umbrella with you.

Source:http://www.skincancer.org/baseball-fans-whats-your-strategy-for-spring.html

Don't Forget your SUNGLASSES

2010-02-11T15:20:00.004-07:00

Sunglasses have become the ultimate fashion accessory. They not only make a fashion statement but protect your eyes from the sun's harmful ultraviolet(UV) rays.

5 Important Steps in finding a GREAT pair of Sunglasses

1) Select sunglasses with adequate UV protection. Sunglasses should block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation. UV-blocking lenses will also reduce eye strain due to squinting on bright, sunny days.

2) Pick the best lens color for your purposes: Gray reduces brightness without distorting color, brown creates greater color contrast, providing better visibility on solid-color surfaces. Yellow is good for both contrast and depth perception.

3) Choose a polarized lens to reduce the glare of light reflected on the water or the light you face while driving.

4) Make sure sunglasses fit comfortably over your ears and do not slip down the bridge of your nose, which would allow more UV rays in. In terms of materials, plastic frames can come in rich, complex colors and typically are easy to adjust for a custom fit. Metal frames give a thinner profile, a lighter look and are usually very durable.

5) Select a sufficient lens size to shield the eyes, eyelids and surrounding areas. The more skin you cover, the better. Wraparound styles with a comfortable, close fit and UV protective side shields are ideal.

**Lenses that absorb and block UV are one of the strongest defenses against eye and eyelid damage, so it’s best to wear sunglasses year-round whenever you are out in the sun. And remember, fashion and high price do not guarantee safety. A recent review of 32 pairs of inexpensive sunglasses showed that they were all effective in filtering out UVR.

Warm Weather Winter Warning

2010-02-11T14:42:00.003-07:00

Getting ready for a much-needed winter break? If you’re headed to a sunny vacation spot, do yourself (and your skin) a favor and read this article about the link between tropical vacations and melanoma first.

2010-02-11T14:37:00.001-07:00

According to a study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, patients themselves discover approximately 50 percent of melanomas. The earlier a skin cancer is detected, the better the prognosis. Learn how to perform a skin self exam.

just checking up on everyone!

2010-01-22T09:56:00.002-07:00

Hey every one! I know its been a while since my last post but i'm back now. With all the snow its very important that we keep checking our skin. This is important because a lot of us think that because its cold we don't have to worry about getting burnt. That is very untrue. The snow actually causes the light from the sun to be magnified as well as reflected onto us unknowingly. How many of you have had your face sunburnt after a long day at the resorts? Chances are most of you will say yes. We need to make sure we are aware of this and taking care of this especially if we live in utah with the higher altitude and longer winters.

Another thing I want all of you to make sure that you are doing is keeping up with those skin checks. If you don't know how to do a skin check or what to look for, heres a link on the Skin Cancer Foundation's website that has a lot of good information and resources for more help that you might find resourceful.

http://www.skincancer.org/ask-the-expert-how-do-i-perform-a-skin-self-exam.html

Just a little reminder... :)

2009-08-26T11:54:00.000-06:00

Just a little reminder to all of you to remember that even though school is starting and its going to start feeling like fall soon, remember to keep in mind how much you are still out in the sun. August is one of the hottest months of the year, especially in Utah. Being inside all day for high school students does help but for all of those college students on campus all day, make sure that you are thinking about sunscreen and shades. I know everyone loves a sweet pair of stunnas. Next, maybe try a hat and also try not to always wear flip flops. I know they are what every girl would like to wear daily but have you seen how much pain someone goes through that just got their feet sunburnt. If you don't want to go through that or have the potential to have cancer there one day in the future then pay attention to that. If you must wear them, put sunscreen on your feet. You can laugh, I did when I was first told that, but it really does work. Keep yourself well hydrated as well because hydrated skin also won't burn as easy. :) Hope school is going well for you all.

4th of July

2009-08-07T19:10:00.001-06:00

For the 4th I set up my booth in the Manti City Park. I am so thankful for my dad and little brother for all their help in putting up my booth and especially to my little brother, Kotah for manning my booth while I was in two parades on the 4th before I could get back to Manti and take over the booth. We had so many come by on the 4th seeking information on skin cancer and I was also able to teach alot of people how to spot check themselves. It has been rewarding to be able to share so much about skin cancer and it's dangers to so many people. I hope by getting the word out that we can lower the amount of skin cancer cases in Utah or at least in Sanpete County.

My daddy helping set up my booth

My AWESOME little bro helping get my booth set up

Just getting it anchored in

Just sharing some information on skin cancer.

As you can see in the background, I also offer my booth

for shade to get people out of the hot sun, as well as offering

sunscreen to passersby so they can protect themselves if they

don't have any with them.

Scandinavian Days 2009

2009-08-07T18:30:00.000-06:00

I set up a booth to give out information during Scandinavian Days. After the parade and giving tours at the pioneer cabins, I was able to spend some time in the booth teaching. There were quite a few that stopped by for some information.

The Burning Truth

2009-08-07T18:11:00.002-06:00

Welcome to THE BURNING TRUTH. Here you will find basic information on Skin Cancer Awareness and Prevention. I am currently the 1st Attendant to Miss Ephraim. I have chosen THE BURNING TRUTH: Skin Cancer Awareness and Prevention as my platform because it is something that I am passionate about. My mother is a survivor and she has inspired me so much. I also plan to become and oncologist in the future. I have started this blog in hopes that everyone will become more aware of the dangers of skin cancer and to also help put out information on how to prevent skin cancer in our daily lives.

It is my hope that you will find this blog informative and helpful as you seek to stay Cancer Free.