Y Tabloid - Issue 88 - September 15, 2009 - Y-oman.com

Here comes the SUNJennifer CuttanceWhile the temperature may be ideal for sunbathing, it is advisable to bear inmind the dangers the Sun can hold. Studies have shown that although someSun exposure is good for health, it is also known that over exposure to the suncan be as dangerous as smoking. There are a number of dangers, including skincancer, but if you take the necessary precautions, you can enjoy the hot summerwithout fear.The three most common forms of skin cancer:• Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. Basal cellsappear on the outer layer of the skin, usually on the head, neck, shoulders orhands. Sometimes tiny veins may appear and sore, dry patches may possiblydevelop. Other symptoms could include crusting, and bleeding. Although thecancer does need to be removed, it is the least harmless and can be removedwithout scarring body tissue.• Squamous cells are usually redder, and scalier in appearance. Bleeding cansometimes occur and it may look like ulceration. Squamous cells appear onthe face, neck, shoulders, and hands. This form of skin cancer is regarded ashighly dangerous and needs immediate treatment. It can reoccur even afterthe growth has been surgically removed.• Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, and requires immediateaction. It shares the same characteristics of other skin cancers, but canrapidly change in size, shape, and colour and may emerge as a mole on thebody.BE AWAREHave a ‘Mole Map’ preformed by your doctor once a year. If you have skin that ismore susceptible to sunburn or freckles, have your skin examined once every sixmonths. Remember that it’s not just ‘sun worshipers’ that suffer adverse affectsfrom the Sun, so stay vigilant at all times.Exposure to the Sun at a young age may result in skin problems later in life, whichis why regular checkups are a must.Abiding by the rules of regular checkups and following these tips, shouldallow you to enjoy the Sun safely.• Wear sun block before spending long periods outdoors;fear not George Hamilton, you will still develop a tan this way!• Apply SPF (Sun Protection Factor) lotion before you get dressed anddon’t forget to put sun block on your ears and on the back of your neck• Use a water-resistant sun block if you’re swimming and apply your sunblock every two hours or even more regularly if you’re in and out of thewater• If you are spending long hours in the Sun then use a lotion with ahigh SPF; 15 or 30 is ideal. Anything below SPF 6 gives you no sunprotection in the Omani environment• Use a sun protection cream in your hair before swimming especially ifyou’re in salt water to prevent damage• ALWAYS wear a hat• Use an after-sun cream or spray to prevent peeling• We need ten minutes of sunshine each day, but avoid the peak UV hoursbetween 10am and 4pm. Exposure to the Sun allows our bodies toobtain much needed vitamin D• Eat three to four Brazil nuts each day to keep your selenium levels high• Never walk barefoot, especially on hot surfaces around a pool or onsand in summer• Take an antioxidant supplement to fight-off free radicals from the Sun• Zinc cream provides excellent protection for your nose, cheeks andears. It’s great for kids too• Ensure your children wear a ‘rash’ shirt (as seen on surfers, so thereare no worries about not looking cool) and always get them to wear ahat that has a neck flap. And of course, apply sun block regularlyRemember, without the right protection, your skin will rapidly age andwrinkle!30