Sunscreen
Is Important
Outdoor activity this time of year is on
the increase. Longer days and increased outdoor activity brings
with it more exposure to the sun. Yeah, the sun, that glorious
star we so fondly worshipped for so many years. I know for me
growing up in the outdoors and being a competitive swimmer for
so many years it was cool to have the darkest tan. Sunscreen,
hell who needs that! Give me coconut oil and bright sunshine.
I know that many of you would rather be reading something about
the latest technique for catching fish here on the Delta. The
fact is if we don’t think about some doctor someday could
tell us news that could take fishing away from us forever.
Well, by now we all have been made aware of the
dangers that exposure to the sunlight we worshipped for so many
years. The damaging effects of the sun's ultraviolet rays on our
skin have been at the forefront of health advisories for years,
yet the number of skin cancer cases linked to excessive exposure
continues to rise every year. As anglers we are all exposed to
theses dangers each time we go on the water.
Many people think they're not at risk for skin
cancer, yet it's the most common of all cancers and accounts for
about half of all cases in the United States. But it's also the
most preventable, and there are many steps you can take to reduce
your risk of developing skin cancer There are two main types of
skin cancers: malignant melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers
(usually basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers). Melanoma
skin cancers are less common but far more dangerous, accounting
for 4% of skin cancer cases, but 79% of skin cancer deaths.
Here is the ABCD rule for early detection of Melanoma.
The ABCD rule is a convenient guide to the usual signs of melanoma.
Be on the look out and notify your physician about any changes
in the following factors:
A is for ASYMMETRY: One-half of a mole or birthmark
does not match the other.
B is for BORDER: The edges are irregular, ragged,
notched, or blurred.
C is for COLOR: The color is not the same all
over, but may have differing shades of brown or black, sometimes
with patches of red, white, or blue.
D is for DIAMETER: The area is larger than 6 millimeters
(about the size of a pencil eraser) or is growing larger.
The most important warning sign for skin cancer
is a spot on the skin that is changing in size, shape, or color
over a period of one month to one or two years.
The facts are simple About 80 percent of skin
cancers could be prevented if we took the time to protect ourselves.
Myths surrounding skin color being a factor of needing sunscreen
or not are all BS; if you have skin you need to protect it. Think
about what you can to protect yourself before you go out. Hat,
sunscreen, long sleeves, long pants will all help. I know long
sleeves and pants are tough to take, but lots of sunscreen and
hat will be a step in the right direction. Sometimes we take medications
such as antibiotics, can increase your skin's sensitivity to the
sun. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about drugs you are taking
and take extra measures.
Yes we all have heard the problems surrounding
the negative scent that sunscreen puts off. For me that was all
I needed to give me a reason not to use it. Hey Use it! I now
put it on in the morning before I leave and wash thoroughly (at
least a SPF 15 or higher). Then again about 11 am, following up
with a wash of scent masking soap, and a few drops of Proscent
Crawfish Oil.
Sunglasses
are very important tools for anglers, but they also provide our
eyes with much needed protection from the sun’s UV rays.
Eyes and skin are very important to me, spending a few bucks to
protect them is well worth the investment. For years many of you
have seen me regularly wearing wrap around UV protected and polarized
glasses. Getting the shades I wanted in a prescription lenses
is tough in many cases. After asking lots of questions and searching
the WEB I have made my choice Solarbat2 from Solarbat. There are
many others out there but Solarbat has come up with a mossback
green shade the highlights those greenbacks in the weeds. Check
'em out at www.solarbat.com What ever you choose in skin and eye
protection, make sure you protect yourself for years ahead.
Enjoy!
Dan
Mathisen
FishDelta.com
- All Species, All Delta
The
Ultimate Resource For California Delta Fishing
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