Here in points north, the sun has finally decided to shine! I couldn't be happier to soak up some Vitamin D straight from the source, but...if you have met me or ever talked to me, ever...you know that  I am passionate about skin cancer prevention. I was blessed with fair Irish skin, and right now I am sporting a sunburn that is KILLING me. It doesn't hurt - I just KNOW better than to go out in the sun exposed.

So, here is my yearly plea to all of you—please take care of your skin. Wear SPF 30 at all times and reapply often. Do not visit tanning salons! According to www.cancer.gov,  women who use tanning beds more than once a month are 55 percent more likely to develop malignant melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. I recently spoke with Rob Loy, a faithful volunteer from Florida. He relayed a VERY sad story to me. One of his local contestants, all grown up with a family and children, recently died from skin cancer. She worshipped the sun in her youth and the damage was done. I don't want that to happen to anyone else, particularly when it is so easy to avoid! 

I know that some people like to have darker skin, but there are plenty of bronzing products available today plus you can always get a "spray tan" a day or so before competition. 

My favorite sunscreen brand is Neutrogena and I do prefer the kind that sprays right out of the can - very easy to apply every morning and with no mess. I also have an SPF in my face lotion and my foundation. And I have to tell you, avoiding skin cancer is my #1 goal, but I often am mistaken for being MUCH younger than I am and I think that's because tanning causes premature aging as well.

Okay, I'll step off my soapbox now! 

How is your summer going?