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SUMMER 2025

SUDIE CROUCH

Health & Wellness Columnist

SKIN CANCER:

Being sun-aware and what to look out for

When many of us were younger, getting a tan was often the main goal of the summer months. We sprayed ourselves with oils that smelled like coconuts and spent hours in the sun, hoping for a tropical glow and not a burn, only to find out a few years later that we were

damaging our skin and putting ourselves at risk of skin cancer. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) lists skin cancer as the most common form of cancer in the United States and the Skin Cancer Foundation (skincancer.org) estimates that one in five people will develop skin cancer.

Who’s more likely to be at risk?

While anyone is at risk of developing skin cancer, there are certain factors that may increase the odds. Being fair skinned, having blonde or red hair and light eyes, and freckles are some factors that may put you at higher risk. Certain medications may make you more sensitive to the sun as well, which may make you burn easily and that can increase your chances of skin cancer too. And, people who have had severe sunburns in the past are also at risk. Bottom line though, anyone with skin can be at risk, so make sure you protect your skin when out in the sun.

Facts at a glance from Skin Cancer Foundation:

• 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.

• More than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour.

• Having 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma.

• When detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99 percent.

The sun is a natural source of Vitamin D.

This is true! The sun is a natural source of vitamin D, which helps support our muscles and bones, our immune system, and helps lessen cognitive decline among other benefits.

When we don’t get enough sunlight, like in the winter months, we can supplement with vitamin D3. While it was previously believed that tanning beds could help produce vitamin D production and were a safe alternative, it has since been proven that tanning beds only increase the risk for skin cancer.

Getting a tan is healthy/ good for you.

There is really no such thing as a healthy tan. Yes, it gives our skin a glow that can be perceived as healthy, and some people even may feel like a tan makes them feel more attractive, but a tan is indicating that our skin is trying to protect itself from being damaged. Add in the risk of getting a sunburn –which can increase the odds of getting skin cancer – and it makes us question how healthy that exposure really is.

Sunscreen will protect you.

Sunscreen can provide some protection from a burn but it’s not as comprehensive as we need. (Plus, there has been some concern over the ingredients in recent years, which is why making sure any sunscreens used are paba-free.) Mineral or physical sunscreens are often recommended. Making sure to reapply sunscreen is important, especially if you’re perspiring or in the water. Often people apply only once prior to going out by the pool or to the beach and reapplication is necessary. The CDC also recommends wearing light, loose clothing, sunglasses, and a hat can also help protect you from sun exposure, along with avoiding going out during the hours of peak intensity from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Early signs of skin cancer:

Even though skin cancer is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer, it can also be treated if it is caught early enough. Doing monthly skin checks can help you detect anything unusual that may be occurring on your body, such as moles that have changed size or shape or if you see anything on your body that wasn’t there before. Having an annual checkup with your dermatologist can also help detect any unusual growths before they become serious.

Links/Resources

Even though we all enjoy getting outside and taking advantage of all of the beautiful things that North Georgia has to offer, being smart about our skin can help us make sure we’re safe and healthy for years to come.

https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/

https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/tanning/risks-tanning#:~:text=There%20is%20no%20such%20thing,the%20skin%20from%20further%20damage.

https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/resources/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/badges.htm

https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/vitamin-d/#:~:text=Vitamin%20D%20production%20in%20the,inside%20much%20of%20the%20time

GEORGIA’S

HEARTS ARE ALWAYS ON OUR MINDS

While you’re busy being you, we’re working all day, every day to make Georgia Heart Institute the state’s #1 heart and vascular program. With the highest rankings in heart attack care, heart failure treatment and heart surgery, Georgia Heart Institute is also one of only two programs in the state to offer robotic heart surgery. Whether you live in Atlanta or on Lake Lanier, in the country or in town, the future of heart care is here for you today.

8 to take care of your skin TIPS

Dermatologists, including those from the American Academy of Dermatology, share tips on how to care for and protect the skin so it looks beautiful and functions properly.

As the body's largest organ, skin is of the utmost importance to overall health. The skin protects against germs, regulates body temperature and enables tactile sensations, says the Cleveland Clinic. Despite those vital functions, skin is easily overlooked in health care regimens.

Even though the skin is susceptible to aging just like every other part of the body, there are steps everyone can take to maintain healthy skin throughout their lifetimes. Dermatologists, including those from the American Academy of Dermatology, share tips on how to care for and protect the skin so it looks beautiful and functions properly.

Use sun protection. One of the key ways to care for the skin is to protect it from the sun. Over time, sun exposure can cause age spots, wrinkles and elevate the risk for skin cancer. Always use a broadspectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Apply generously and be sure to reapply every two hours or more if you will be swimming or perspiring.

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Stay away from tanning beds.

People mistakenly think that using tanning beds is safer than sitting out in the sun. However, tanning beds emit harmful UV radiation that can cause skin cancer just like the sun.

The AAD says one indoor tanning session can increase the risk of developing melanoma by 20 percent. Use self-tanning products instead for a golden glow.

Quit smoking or never begin. Smoking makes the skin look older and contributes to wrinkles. Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of the skin, decreasing blood flow to the skin and making the skin more pale, says the Mayo Clinic. Smoking also depletes oxygen in the skin and can damage collagen and elastin, the fibers that give skin its elasticity and strength.

Avoid an overload of products. Many dermatologists suggest their patients stick to the basics daily, which includes a mild cleanser, moisturizer and sunscreen. Drinking plenty of water also helps the skin. Exfoliating the skin once a week can help remove dead skin cells, but don't overdo it, which can lead to excess oil production and breakouts.

Select the right products for your skin type. Choose products that pertain to your skin type, which may be sensitive, normal, dry, oily, or a combination thereof.

Don't forget the lips. Many people treat their entire faces but then do not address the skin on their lips. Skin cancer can form on the lips, so use a lip balm that has an SPF of 30 or higher. Petroleum jelly can add moisture to the lips if they feel dry.

Visit a dermatologist. A dermatologist is an expert in many conditions of the skin, hair and nails. He or she can perform an annual examination to look at the entire body and determine the health of skin, and identify any moles or spots that may be of concern.

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Check your own skin. People are advised to pay attention to their skin and look regularly for new spots; spots that are different from other spots on the body; moles that itch, bleed or change color; and any other things that seem not quite right. Taking care of the skin throughout the years can help a person look and feel his or her best.

Hall about HEALTH EXPO

OCTOBER 15TH, 2025 FROM 9AM TO 1PM AT FRANCES MEADOWS AQUATIC CENTER

DEMONSTRATIONS

EXPERT SPEAKERS

ENTERTAINMENT

HEALTH SCREENINGS

? Did You Know

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that parents avoid exposing babies younger than six months to the sun's rays.

Infants should be kept in the shade as much as possible and dressed in lightweight and long sleeves, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. The AAD also notes that, when possible, sunscreen use should be avoided in babies younger than six months. Children six months and older can use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun-protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. These sunscreens should be applied to all areas that are not covered by clothing, and reapplied approximately every two hours (or as often as the product label indicates). Ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide may cause less irritation to the sensitive skin of children six months and older