What is SPF?

Hi Everyone,

It is the middle of the week and we are fast approaching the Memorial Day Holiday, the "beginning of summer". This is the time of year that brings the excitement of getting outside and hitting the beach. This is also the time of year that skin protection is a must. I have to admit I am not very "sunsmart", so I did some research to help us better protect our skin.

SPF means Sun Protection Factor. It is recommended using sunscreen with at least 30 SPF with both UVA and UVB protection. One of the biggest mistakes made with applying sunscreen is that we do not put enough on. Sunscreen should be applied generously to all exposed skin and should be reapplied every 2 hours or more frequently if you are sweating, in and out of the water or are in windy conditions. Sunscreen should be applied at least 30 minutes prior to going outside.

I have included a website link below that will help you be "sunsmart"!
http://www.gosunsmart.org/yourskin/yourskin_protection.shtml

Check this link out and learn all you can about protecting your skin!

Thanks Everyone!

Check Your Skin!

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month; timing is everything as we are fast approaching the summer and its abundance of sunshine. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, there has been an estimated 350% increase in the number of skin cancers over the past decade and a half. I was amazed when I saw that increase.

Get skin smart, log on to The Academy of Dermatology's website at http://www.aad.org for more information on "Understanding the ABCDEs of Melanoma Detection and "How to Perform a Skin Self-Exam".

Also on The Academy of Dermatology's website, under the Public tab, scroll down to see other great educational information on your largest organ...your skin!!!

Remember, wear your sunscreen, not only when you are going to the beach but also when you are working in the yard or just running errands! Stay protected!

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

This is skin cancer awareness month, don't forget to get your screens.

National Women's Health Week

I saw this on the Susan G. Komen website and wanted to share it with everyone.

"In the U.S., breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women ages 40-59. It's National Women's Health Week, so we encourage women to think about their breast self awareness! "

Check out more on this:
http://bit.ly//komenBSA

Happy Monday from Women of Hope!

I am Becky McGhee and I recently joined Women of Hope to volunteer my time and services to promote education for all women whose lives have been touched by cancer. I will be posting weekly blogs with helpful information and updates. I may post blogs more frequently if I have time sensitive updates or educational information I am excited to share with everyone. I am a cancer survivor myself and know from personal experience the need for stronger education efforts for women suffering from all types of cancer. I had breast cancer and realize the wealth of information out there for those with breast cancer. Women of Hope recongnizes the need for education for women with all types of cancer, we want to let you know you are not alone.

For this week, I want to let everyone know it is the 8th Annual National Women's Health Week and today, Monday, May 10, 2010, is National Women's Check Up Day. This is a great time to call your doctor to get your annual physical, mammogram and gynecological check up appointments...and don't forget your dental check up.

Check out the following website for more information on National Women's Health Week.
http://www.womenshealth.gov/whw/check-up-day