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Lester is the name, wellness is the game

By Virginia Lester

I am Virginia Lester, nurse practitioner at the new Aydon Wellness Clinic in Point Roberts. Wellness to me means we learn as much as possible about our bodies, our surroundings, disease prevention and health promotion. And then we work hard and take responsibility for our good health and wellness.

This month is the beginning of summer and the beginning of the activities that we all love to participate in. Of course this means we will be exposed to the sun and the outdoor elements a large part of the day. For this reason, I want to remind you to always wear protective clothing and apply sun protective creams and lotions to the exposed parts of your body. It is important to use at least an SPF of 15 or greater that protects from both UVA and UVB rays. The product directions should be followed. Generally, unless stated otherwise on the label, the sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before going outside and at least every two hours as long as the sun exposure lasts. Be aware if the sunscreen has been affected by being washed, rubbed or sweated off.

Remember, the sun’s rays are the most harmful between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wear a hat to protect the face and neck even more. Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes. Remember your children are at the greatest risk. Only one severe, blistering sunburn in childhood can double the risk of skin cancer in later life.

The appearance of an ozone hole over the Antarctic in the 1980s has posed health threats and concerns to Americans. The ozone depletion decreases our atmosphere’s natural protection from the sun’s harmful ultra-violet (UV) rays. Health risks include the following: skin cancer (melanoma and other skin cancers), premature aging of the skin, cataracts and other eye damage, and suppression of the immune system. This is not an all inclusive list and I want to focus on the first two.

The incidence of skin cancer in the United States has reached an epidemic. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime and one American dies every hour from this disease. Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and the fastest growing cancer in the U.S. There is fairly good evidence that sunburns that occur in childhood may be linked to melanoma in later life.

Two other skin cancers are of concern: basal cell and squamous cell cancers are also of concern because, although less deadly, they must be identified early in their development to hope for a possible 95 percent cure rate.

Other sun related skin damage and disorders include actinic keratoses and premature aging of the skin. Actinic keratoses are growths that occur on the areas of the body that is exposed to the sun. Therefore the face, hands, forearms and V part of the neck are the most susceptible. The growths are considered precancerous, especially for squamous cell cancer. It appears as a raised, reddish, rough-textured growth on the exposed areas of the skin. Chronic exposure to the sun causes premature aging of the skin. Over time the skin becomes thick, wrinkled and leathery. This is not normal again and can be avoided.

Have a happy, healthy summer and enjoy your wellness.

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