Post Classifieds
Careless in the sun now? Your skin will pay later
By Colleen Young
On May 8, 2013
In his 1971 hit song Sunshine on My Shoulders, John Denver said, "Sunshine on my shoulders makes me
happy."
Just make sure that your shoulders have sunscreen on them!
Campus has completely changed now that the sun is out. I see students lying on the grass, hanging out
in the quad and I even see some sunbathing.
I've been so happy now that the sun is out and I see that I'm not alone in that excitement. It's
so uplifting to drive around Buffalo with my windows down, happily wearing my warm-weather
sundresses.
However, I'm nervous that with all this spring fever, we'll all forget about taking care of ourselves -
especially our skin. Perhaps I'm on high alert because the minute I expose my Irish skin to the beautiful
sun, I'm as red as can be, But I do have good reason to be concerned about our skin health.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, "Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United
States. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in over two million people are diagnosed annually."
Skin cancer, specifically actinic keratosis and melanoma, runs in my family. My loved ones have even had
basal cell lesions removed from their faces. The problem of skin cancer is real and dangerous.
From the Skin Cancer Foundation,: "When allowed to progress, however, skin cancer can result in
disfigurement and even death."
How come, then, with all of the sunscreens and other options to prevent sun exposure such as swim
shirts, hats and umbrellas, does our generation still choose to ignore the warnings and lay out, becoming
fully vulnerable to sun rays and the possibility of being burned?
Whether you tan outside, in tanning beds or from incidental exposure, it isn't good for you.
The Skin Cancer Foundation notes that "tans are caused by harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun or
tanning lamps, and if you have one, you've sustained skin cell damage."
I'm not against enjoying the sunshine. Trust me, after we stay cooped up in our homes all winter, I'm all
for absorbing some Vitamin D this time of year.
I just don't agree with people being naïve and careless about their skin health.
If you know how much harm the sun causes, then why do you still go tanning or tan outside?
Maybe you look like a bronzed beauty with your golden tan, but don't forget that early skin-aging,
wrinkles and leather-looking skin are in your near future.
"One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime," according to the Skin Cancer
Foundation.
You're not invincible. You could possibly get skin cancer if you're not careful. Protect yourself and your
future. Don't set yourself up to live a life of having skin cells removed or dealing with cancer spreading
through your body.
I think that people need to prioritize their well-being over vanity. Rock your natural skin color and safely
protect yourself from the sun.
Enjoy your time outside, but take precautions before you do.
As long as you're smart about sun exposure and protect your skin, then in the words of Elton
John, "If I had a wish that I could wish for you, I'd make a wish for sunshine all the while."
Colleen Young can be reached by email at young.record@live.com.
Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly
Recent The Record News Articles
We've Moved to www.buffstaterecord.com!
Please visit www.buffstaterecord.com for all your latest campus news and updates from our staff of student journalists.
Obama divulges new higher education initiative during visit to UB
President Barack Obama delivered his new plan for making a college education more affordable to a packed auditorium at the University at...
Ailing Podolefsky steps down as president
Aaron Podolefsky has announced he will step down as president of SUNY Buffalo State, effective July 31, to concentrate on his...
Discuss This Article
GET TOP STORIES DELIVERED WEEKLY
FOLLOW OUR NEWSPAPER
LATEST THE RECORD NEWS
- We've Moved to www.buffstaterecord.com!
- Obama divulges new higher education initiative during visit to UB
- Ailing Podolefsky steps down as president
- SUNY appoints Cohen interim president
- President Podolefsky announces leave to fight cancer
- Rappers put Pepsi in a bind
- Congrats to grads: take next step with gratitude
RECENT THE RECORD CLASSIFIEDS
OUTSIDE THE LINES
- A Story To Sing About
- The Gap in Gum Care: Why Caring For Your Teeth’s F...
- Top Tips for Signature Scents and Better-Smelling Laundry
- A Dog Trainer’s Top Tips to Support Pets Through Life S...
- Clear the Air of Indoor Pollutants This Spring
- Stroke & Dementia in Black Men: Tips for Staying Healthy...
- Hispanics and African Americans at Higher Risk for Eye...
- African Americans at Higher Risk for Eye Disease
- Infinity Kings: Final Book In A Favorite Fantasy Series
- What You Need To Know About Keratoconus and the iLink...
FROM AROUND THE WEB
- 7 Reasons Renting an RV Should Be On Every Family’s S...
- Don’t Let Diabetes Shortchange Your Golden Years
- No Child is Forgotten By Marine Toys for Tots
- Sweeten Your Springtime Salads With Healthy Chilean Grapes
- Young Author Translates 4,000-Year-Old Text to Reveal...
- Keeping Cool and Energy-efficient Amid America’s “...
- Addressing Sarcopenia with a Healthy Diet
- Subway’s New Wraps Elevate Eating on the Go
- Family Teacher Conference Topics Beyond Academics
- Youth Take Down Tobacco
COLLEGE PRESS RELEASES
- Shoff Promotions Comic Book & Sports Card Show
- Semiconductor Research Corp unveils 2024 Research Call, $13.8M Funding
- Charles River Associates Opens Second Scholarship Cycle, Expands to the UK
- BLUMHOUSE AND AMC THEATRES LAUNCH FIRST-EVER HALFWAY TO HALLOWEEN FILM FESTIVAL
- THE GEN Z IMPERATIVE: LISTEN TO FEELINGS AND GIVE GEN Z A VOICE
