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.
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