316/365 June is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Friends and Fitness Enthusiasts,

Summer is here and it's time to get out there and enjoy the weather. Two super important things to do before getting out there is drinking water and putting on sunscreen! Here are the basics of what you need to know about sun safety:

- Sunscreen blocks UVA and UVB rays where sunblock only blocks UVB

- Check out this site for the ultimate Sunscreeen guide; the Environmental Working Group has researched major sunscreen brands have picked out the most effective and least toxic ones for your skin

- SPF means Sun Protection Factor. Each unit of SPF equals 10 minutes of protection. Ex: SPF 30 = 300 minutes of protection. Apparently sunscreens max out at SPF 15 though the American Academy of Dermatology recommends SPF 30. You don't need to spend your money on crazy high SPF

- The sun is hottest between 10a-4p. If you can avoid going out during these times, that'd be great! Otherwise, be especially vigilant about putting on sunblock

- Clothing also provides protection from the sun. Consider purchasing a hat or getting wicking clothing

- Keep an eye on your moles! No one is completely safe from skin cancer. Last summer I had a mutant mole on my back that my mom caught. We had it removed just in case; it was benign. Still, I learned my lesson. Even me, your Pacific Island friend, is not immune.

In health,

Lauren