Preview of "Cherish Your Skin" children's book at First Learning Tree in Rockport

The children at First Learning Tree School in Rockport had a fun visit from Mrs. Rockport-Fulton International 2010. Jenifer Kuykendall read from the children's book which she co-authored with her sister-in law, Amy Kuykendall, entitled "Cherish Your Skin". She also introduced Fun In The Sun 101, a kids program created by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Teaching the children the importance of sunscreen, the dangers of sunburns, and how to be "Sun Smart" is a fun part of Jenifer's outreach in the community.



Jenifer also made sure each child (and parent) received a goodie bag complete with sunscreen and protective lotion. Teachers were given key information on the ABCDs of Malignant Melanoma and the importance of monthly self checks.

Before leaving the school, Jenifer even had a chance to share her crown with some little princesses!

For more information about the soon to be published "Cherish Your Skin" children's book, please visit: http://www.cherishyourskin.org/

A Valentine's Visit by Mrs. Rockport to the Coastal Bend Adult Day Care

Mrs. Rockport-Fulton had a great day visiting with the fun people at Coastal Bend Adult Daycare in Fulton. The Coastal Bend Adult Daycare is committed to providing the highest possible quality of care for their clients. Joanna Sain, R.N. is the cheerful director and her team's mission is to keep their clients enthusiastic, busy and active in order to maintain or improve their level of functioning.

A qualified nursing staff assists clients with their medications, as well as monitoring blood pressure and blood sugar. Hot, nutritious meals and snacks are part of their services. An activity director coordinates fun outings as well as music, arts & crafts, bingo, movies and dances.

The Valentine's Day party was complete with goodies generously donated by the Guerras at Rockport Bakery. Jenifer shared information about skin cancer prevention with sunscreen samples, while also going over important ABCDs of malignant melanoma.

Our community is made richer by the kind people at the Coastal Bend Adult Daycare!

Skin Cancer Foundation Recommends Increased Vitamin D Intake

The Skin Cancer Foundation's physician experts now recommend that adults with limited sun exposure or practice sun protection increase their intake of Vitamin D to 1,000 International Units (IUs) daily.

Vitamin D is necessary for strong bones and immune system health; deficiencies have been associated with bone softening in adults, rickets in children, as well as other diseases including diabetes, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain cancers.

There are three sources of vitamin D: UV B radiation from the sun, certain foods, and supplements. Since the benefits of sun exposure cannot be separate from the harmful effects, the SCF urges everyone to get their vitamin B safely.

Foods high in vitamin D include oily fish like salmon, and fortified dairy products and cereals.

Vitamin D can be toxic in high doses; 2000 IU per day is the upper limit for safety.

To learn more about vitamin D, visit www.skincancer.org/Vitamin-D.

Source: SCF Sun and Skin News Vol 26, No. 2

Mrs. Rockport-Fulton Joins Coastal Bend Troops Support at Chili Cookoff

On January 16, 2010, Jenifer Kuykendall joined Carla Reed and her team at a Chili Cookoff at Jersey's Bar and Grill to raise money for the Coastal Bend Troops Project. Jenifer was able to donate sunscreen to be sent in the care packages through key partnerships with her Cherish Your Skin organization.

The Patriot Guard Riders lead the sponsors with many active duty, retired and ex-military lending support as well. Friendly competition and yummy chili was shared for the support of this project. Donations and contributions from an auction raised money.

Since Spring of 2005 the Coastal Bend Troop Support neighborhood group, led by Carla Reed, has sent over 6500 care boxes to our troops in the Middle East. Volunteers from Rockport, Corpus Christi, Mathis and even other states gather in Carla's home each month. Her passion for supporting these young Americans has kept the project strong. Visits from some of the returning soldiers receiving care boxes reaffirm our resolve to honor these heroes who give so much to keep America free.

Thanks for the opportunity to support this wonderful cause.

Know the ABCDs of Melanoma

Look for Danger Signs in Pigmented Lesions of the Skin

Consult your dermatologist immediately is any of your moles exhibit:

A Assymmetry- One half is unlike the other half.

B Border- Irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border.

C Color- Varied from one area to another; shades of tan and
brown, black; sometimes white, red or blue.

D Diameter- Melanomas are usually greater than 6mm

in diameter (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed. If you notice a mole different from others that changes, itches or bleeds- see a dermatologist.

MIND THESE ABCDs: They may be the signs of a malignant melanoma.

ALWAYS APPLY SUNSCREEN WITH SPF 30 or ABOVE!

CHERISH YOUR SKIN in 2010!!