Mrs. Rockport Pie Recipe Revealed

Jenifer Kuykendall, Mrs. Rockport-Fulton International 2010, visits many of the Coastal Bend's groups to share her message to "Cherish Your Skin". More often than not, a yummy pie is delivered with samples of sunscreen.

It has become the official "Mrs. Rockport Pie"and the recipe is listed here:


Mrs. Rockport Pie
Make in 9 in Pillsbury Rollout Piecrust in dairy section


3 Eggs
1 1/4 cup Sugar
4 Tbsp Butter (melted)
1 Tbsp Flour
1/8 Tsp Baking Powder
Dash Salt
1/2 Tsp Vanilla
1/2 Cup Buttermilk
1/2 Cup Chopped Pecans
3/4 Cup Coconut
1 Tbsp Cinnamon


Bake at 350 Degrees for 40 min
ENJOY with Bluebell Homemade Vanilla ice cream.
Come see why Rockport-Fulton is truly the "Charm of the Texas Coast"!

FDA Panel Advises No Tanning Beds for Minors

Yesterday was a GIANT LEAP forward toward a ban on the sale of UV tanning to minors! The collective testimonies of some very dedicated physicians, researchers, organizations and individuals made it very difficult for the FDA committee to recommend anything other than a ban for minors.

Melanoma Survivor and Cherish Your Skin Organization Founder, Jenifer Kuykendall, "What an amazing experience to be a part of this influential group addressing the FDA panel. Let's hope the FDA does the right thing and protects our children."

Stay Tuned for the final ruling to come soon!

According to ABC News this morning:

FDA Panel Advises No Tanning Beds for Minors
FDA Advisory Panel Recommends Ban on Tanning Beds for Children Under 18

Minors could be barred from indoor tanning and a registry could be required to monitor the use of tanning beds by salons if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration heeds advice from a panel it convened to review the classification of tanning beds.

Ultraviolet, or UV, lamps for tanning currently are considered class I medical devices by the FDA, which means they are subject to relatively few regulations.
The FDA could boost tanning beds either to a class II or class III medical device -- a change that would mean stricter regulation. Among the new rules could be a prohibition of devices containing mirrors that amplify the power of UV exposure. A few members of the FDA panel dissented on the under-18 ban. They agreed with the sentiment of a ban, but thought it would be unrealistic to implement a ban and would be better to require strong warnings and parental notification.
More than 30 million people tan indoors every year, and nearly three quarters of them are women between ages 16 and 29, according to the Journal of American Dermatology.

Using a tanning bed before the age of 35 increases the risk of melanoma -- the deadliest form of skin cancer -- by 75 percent, according to the Melanoma Research Foundation.
Skin cancer is one of the few cancers for which a preventative option exists, said Dr. Allen Halpern, vice president of The Skin Cancer Foundation, who testified at the panel meeting.

Tanning salon businesses, one of the many industries hard hit by the recession, are already feeling the heat with the passage of the Obama administration's new health care bill. The bill includes a 10 percent tax on individuals receiving indoor tanning services, and the initiative is expected to generate $2.7 billion over 10 years to help fund the health care overhaul.

Mrs. Rockport-Fulton's Cherish Your Skin Guacamole for Your Face

When life gives you LEMONS, make GUACAMOLE (for your face)!

The best way to relax is to CHERISH YOUR SKIN.

You know I want you wearing SPF 30 and above to protect your skin from the dangerous rays.... but here is a great way you can pamper your beautiful skin.

Grab a friend and mash up some fun!:

AVOCADO MOISTURIZING CHERISH YOUR SKIN MASK

Benefits of avocado are numerous: it is filled with monounsaturated fats, Vitamin B and E, nutrients excellent for moisturizing and rejuvenating dry or tired skin.

FOR Dry and Sensitive Skin
Ingredients:
1 avocado
3-4 drops of almond oil
Preparation
Peel and mash avocado and add almond oil until the mass is consistent.
Apply to face while massaging it gently.
Let it rest for 30 minutes and rinse off with warm water

You will certainly enhance your own GLOW with this yummy, healthy recipe.

This mask smelled so good, I used the other avocados to whip up some GUAC for myself, grabbing the extra hot salsa and chips, too!

Aren't you glad you took the time to CHERISH YOUR SKIN?!

Coolibar Quality Sun Protection for Mrs. Rockport-Fulton and Family on Spring Break

We had a great Spring Break 2010 getaway with a 7-day cruise on the Disney Magic Ship! We made sure to apply sunscreen of SPF 30+ at least 30 minutes before leaving the ship, and to bring our hats and sunglasses, too. Thanks to our sponsor, Coolibar Clothing, we were protected from the sun on the gorgeous beaches, while touring the islands of St. Maartin and St. Thomas. My husband Kirk and I, along with our three children, also had a blast at the famous Mickey Pool and water slide.

Coolibar fabrics are developed and independently tested for their Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) and we wore the UPF 50+. This fabric rating means the fabric blocks 98% of the sun's UVA and UVB radiation.

We were surprised on our day at Castaway Cay, that having our bodies covered didn't make us hot and sweaty! The "COOL" and breathable fabric kept us comfortable....and confident we wouldn't return to our ship crispy and sunburned.Thanks to Coolibar, from Carson and the whole Kuykendall Clan for keeping us fashionable AND protected!

Coolibar has received the Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation for sun-protective clothing.
For more information and to order Coolibar, visit
http://www.coolibar.com/

Mrs. Rockport-Fulton International to Testify at FDA on March 25, 2010

I am honored to join a panel of ADVOCATES at the upcoming FDA General and Plastic Surgery Devices Advisory Panel Meeting on March 25th, 2010 in Maryland. Also presenting their stories will be other cancer survivors, and sadly, families of patients who died from Skin Cancer. Importantly, the leading doctors and researchers will share the facts undeniably linking Skin Cancer and tanning beds. Together, we will ask the FDA to appropriately reclassify tanning beds to better protect the public.




My personal story will be about my experience in tanning beds. I hope to be a part of the influence that changes how people think about tanning beds and its link to skin cancer. We can truly save lives by making this important first step to reclassify tanning beds. Join me by signing this petition at the link below:

http://support.skincancer.org/site/PageServer?pagename=FDA_Dec_2009_Petition

WHY?

Any tan is a sign of skin damage, warns the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A tan results from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, forcing the skin to produce more melanin, the pigment that darkens skin. This process can lead to aging of the skin and skin cancer. UV radiation includes UVB rays, which penetrate the top layers of skin to cause sunburn, and UVA rays, which penetrate deeper layers of skin to cause allergic reactions. Both types of rays can cause DNA damage that leads to skin cancer. Lamps used in tanning salons emit both types of radiation, according to the FDA.

TANNING BEDS HURT!

Radiation from the sun and artificial sources, including lamps in tanning salons, increases the risk of developing skin cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Women who use tanning beds more than once a month become 55 percent more likely to develop malignant melanoma, the NCI says. But both men and women increase their risks of developing skin cancer with long-term exposure to artificial sources of UV.

UVA RAYS BURN!

The UVA radiation in tanning bed bulbs is up to three times more intense than UVA in natural sunlight, reports Dr. Celeste Robb-Nicholson of Harvard Women's Health Watch. Most of the 30 million Americans who use tanning salons each year are women between the ages of 16 and 49 years old.

THE CIGARETTES OF OUR GENERATION!

Tanning beds are a relatively new industry phenomenon, becoming popular in the United States during the 1970s. Long-term studies on populations soon began showing connections with skin cancer. In a report in the February 6, 2002, issue of the "Journal of the National Cancer Institute", the NCI found that indoor tanning devices were linked to a 50-percent increase in the risk of basal cell carcinoma and more than a 100-percent increase in risks of squamous cell carcinoma.

TANNING BEDS CAUSE CANCER!

Tanning beds are now considered to be in the highest cancer risk category by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a World Health Organization agency. Tanning beds had been classified as "probably carcinogenic to humans" but were elevated to "carcinogenic to humans" by the IARC following a review of research that was published in the July 29, 2009 issue of "The Lancet Oncology". The review concludes that tanning beds increase the risk of deadly melanoma skin cancer by 75 percent for people who begin using them before age 30.
Warnings
The IARC report confirms earlier warnings from the American Cancer Society (ACS), which state that tanning bed use "is dangerous to your health and should be avoided," according to Dr. Len Lichtenfeld, deputy chief medical officer of the ACS. The IARC looked at 19 studies conducted over a 25-year period. The agency went so far as recommending the banning of commercial indoor tanning for people younger than 18 years old because the development of skin cancer is a long process that may take decades.

More information to come soon regarding the outcome of this important meeting.

SmartShield Serious Sun Protection-Sponsors Cherish Your Skin Organization

Jenifer Kuykendall is the current Mrs. Rockport-Fulton International 2010 and she knows sunscreen is a MUST when fishing. Together with their three children, Jenifer and her husband Kirk enjoy bayfishing for tailing reds, trout and flounder in and around the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and the Rockport Bay Systems.




And the Kuykendalls always wear SmartShield Serious Sun Protection.

Jenifer also knows all too well that prolonged exposure to the UV rays can result in Skin Cancer. As a 5-year survivor of Malignant Melanoma, Jenifer is making a difference with her non-profit organization, Cherish Your Skin. She understands that education equals prevention and that early detection is a key part to surviving Skin Cancer. Jenifer's goal as Mrs. Texas International 2010 will be to heighten awareness about Skin Cancer and stress the importance of Skin Cancer Prevention. Opportunities abound throughout our great state of Texas to change paradigms and save lives. Cherish Your Skin Organization's mission, projects and platform will accomplish this, with vital partnerships with The Skin Cancer Foundation and MD Anderson Cancer Center. Her educational outreach includes health fairs and skin cancer screenings with presentations to children, parents and teachers in our school system. Sunscreen distribution along with readings of her early education book, Cherish Your Skin, make a difference in the lives she touches.

Jenifer will compete for the Mrs. Texas International crown and title at the end of March 2010.
The Mrs. Texas International System celebrates women who want to excel in their lives while making a difference in their communities.For more information about Jenifer and Cherish Your Skin Organization, visit:www.cherishyourskin.org.


Go Catch the Crown, Jenifer!!! (With your SmartShield Serious Sun Protection ON!)

Fantastic Oysterfest Weekend in Rockport-Fulton

What a smashing 2010 Fulton Oysterfest parade! Mrs. Aransas County, Jan Burkhart, and I rode together, throwing multi-colored beads and sunscreen to the incredibly large crowd.

Everyone seemed to enjoy the gorgeous day and the fantastically creative floats. Best of all, the festival was for an important cause-all money raised benefited the Fulton Volunteer Fire Department. These are the amazing heroes who protect our towns!

Soon, everyone was off to enjoy the fair, rides and games-and listen to great local music. Many enjoyed the "famous"oysters. I stopped to reapply my sunscreen, though, making sure I was protected for the rest of our fun in the sun!

FDA to discuss stricter guidelines about Tanning Beds due to Skin Cancer

On March 25, 2010, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will meet to discuss the possible reclassification of UV-emitting tanning beds and lamps. Currently, tanning beds and lamps are Class I medical devices, putting them in the same category as elastic bandages and tongue depressors. But UV radiation from tanning machines is a proven human carcinogen (cancer-causing agent), and the chief cause of skin cancer. Reclassification by the FDA would permit more oversight and stringent regulation.

As a survivor of Malignant Melanoma who spent many years in tanning beds, I have joined the Skin Cancer Foundation in this important fight against tanning beds. I was told by the tanning bed salons that laying in the bed would provide a "safer" tan since I would "not be exposed to the dangerous rays". I was encouraged to get my daily "fix" over many years, because tanned bodies look healthier, right?

On Monday, I submitted my personal experience to the FDA and am hopeful I will be chosen to speak on the dangers of tanning beds in front of the panel at the end of the month.

You can also help in this fight by signing an important petition to the FDA at the following site:

http://support.skincancer.org/site/PageServer?pagename=FDA_Dec_2009_Petition

Thank you for your efforts on getting tanning beds reclassified by the FDA.

Source: The Skin Cancer Foundation

Castaways Thrift Shop is a Blessing to the Coastal Bend Community

Mrs. Rockport-Fulton had the chance to drop off donations and a Rockport Pie while visiting the Castaways Thrift Shop. This nonprofit shop has been serving the community since 1972 and is run by the cheerful, committed volunteers.

Castaways is a fun place to search for that special book, affordable clothing, gently used toys, furniture, and many other household goods. You can also find some great holiday decorations; the group was getting the Easter baskets organized.
The proceeds of the goods sold at Castaways benefit five area church groups which in turn, make donations to other community organizations benefiting our county overall. In 2009, Castaways gave $225,430 to over 25 organizations.

The Castaway volunteers are a special bunch who benefit our community greatly through their participation at the shop! We appreciate all of you and are so glad you give back to the Coastal Bend and Aransas County through Castaways.

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!

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!!

Mrs. Rockport-Fulton Thanks True Heroes: Rockport Volunteer Fire/Rescue Department

What a wonderful year-end visit with Rockport's Finest: The Volunteer Fire/Rescue Department! Established in 1885, this department of heroic men and women today still protects our community and services a countywide area of 30,000 citizens with pride and professionalism.
Importantly, these 50 employees are NOT paid, they work as volunteers; of their own choice and are passionate about what they do. This saves the City of Rockport and Aransas County millions of dollars per year. When these brave people aren't volunteering, they are husbands, fathers, mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends with other careers and interests. We can't thank them enough for their service.
Chief Albert Howie and Assistant Chief and Aransas County Constable Doc Thomas made me feel welcome as I learned more about the Department. My tour was arranged and conducted by Firefighter and Instructor, #185 Edward Welch, who has been fighting fires since the 1980's and a leader in the force for the last 4 1/2 years.

Training is an integral part of keeping the force at optimal operating ability. In fact, much of the training takes place at the RVFD Fire Training Academy. While I was there, the Officers were conducting a training class on CPR, First Aid, and training with defibrillators.
The Rockport Volunteer Fire Department is extremely busy, averaging approximately 50 calls per month; over 500 for 2009. These rescue responses using 14 trucks include but are not limited to: car accidents, brush fires, gas spills, power line outages, bomb threats, pesky bees, air crashes, and area lock downs. They assist local and state law enforcement with a powerful "jaws of life" in a collaborative effort.
Over 4,000 people die annually from fires; therefore it is important that we all develop fire safety plans for ourselves and our families. Every home should have at least one working fire alarm. Changing your batteries in the fire alarms and making sure they are functional is key: doubling your chance for survival in a fire. For more information on fire safety: http://www.firesafety.gov/w.firesafety.gov/.
Chief Howie emphasized the fact that they are always hiring and training anyone interested in joining the force. Prospective firefighters should come to the Main Fire House on Thursday Nights at 7:30pm. Also, please learn more about the RVFD at http://www.rockportvfd.org/

I may join the RVFD just to get the World Famous BBQ recipe!

Give Thanks

During this Thanksgiving week, I am reminded of important Favorite things for which I am ever so THANKFUL:

Faith- We are strengthened by our faith which instills hope, grows joy and moves mountains. Say a prayer for all to find peace and faith this holiday.

Family & Friends- Time with our loved ones should never be taken for granted. Cherish today which is a gift to be together. Tell someone you love them with a hug.

Feeling Great- Many thanks for being healthy in heart, body, mind and spirit. Make a pie for a neighbor who is home bound, in pain or lonely, letting them know you care.

Freedom- Let's remember those who lived before us who made America free and to those who fight for freedom around the world today. We honor your efforts today and always. Thank a veteran soldier today.

Food- How blessed we are to have a table filled with a bounty of yummy choices in a world full of hungry people. Drop off canned goods at your local foodbank or firehouse.

Fishing- Be thankful for the beautiful Texas coast and Coastal Conservation. Take your husband (and children) fishing.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING, EVERYONE!!!