Cherish Your Skin Supports National Council's "Don't Fry Day"

As a member of the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, Cherish Your Skin Organization Encourages Everyone to Protect Your Skin Today and Every Day! Friday May 28, 2010 is Declared “Don’t Fry Day” To Encourage Sun Safety Awareness.

To help reduce rising rates of skin cancer from overexposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun, the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention has designated the Friday before Memorial Day, May 28, 2010, as “Don’t Fry Day” to encourage sun safety awareness and to remind everyone to protect their skin while enjoying the outdoors.

The action step the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention emphasized for 2009 was “Slap on a Hat,” encouraging everyone to wear protective clothing like a wide-brimmed hat to provide important protection from too much sun. This year the National Council is emphasizing practicing all of the action steps ---because no single step can fully protect from overexposure to UV radiation, so use as many of the followingactions as possible.

• Avoid sun burning, intentional tanning, and using tanning beds.
• Apply sunscreen generously.
• Wear sun-protective clothing, wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
• Seek shade.
• Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand.
• Get vitamin D through diet and vitamin D supplements.

The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention is the united voice of 45 groups dedicated to reducing skin cancer morbidity and mortality in the United States. Council members represent some of the nation’s premier researchers, clinicians and advocates for melanoma and skin cancer prevention.

Source: http://www.skincancerprevention.org

Cherish Your Skin Announces Membership in Honored National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention

The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention is a united voice to reduce skin cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality, through awareness, prevention, early detection, research, and advocacy.


The core members of the Council are the American Academy of Dermatology, American Cancer Society, Shade Foundation of America, The Skin Cancer Foundation, and Melanoma Research Foundation. Some of the other members include American Academy of Pediatrics, American Red Cross, Dermatology Nurses Association, Melanoma International Foundation, National Safety Council, and Women's Dermatological Association.

"We are honored to join the center of excellence known as the NCSCP. CYSO will benefit greatly from exposure to key tools and information shared through the Council."said Jenifer Kuykendall, founder of Cherish Your Skin Organization. "We will be excited to bring these resources to further our impact to teachers, families and communities."

Cherish Your Skin will have an opportunity to meet the Council at their semiannual meeting next week in Washington, D.C. The group will be discussing the latest updates to the FDA reclassification process of tanning beds, as well as the upcoming "Don't Fry Day" activities.

Jenifer Kuykendall, Mrs. Rockport-Fulton: Finalist in Texas International Pageant 2010

We had an amazing experience at Mrs. Texas International Pageant weekend! I met incredible women and competed for the crown in interview, fitness and evening gown. The participation heightened awareness about our nonprofit organization, Cherish Your Skin.

Many thanks to family and friends who supported me through this outstanding personal growth opportunity. Love to Carson, Cash & Connally AND my husband, Kirk, Mr. Rockport Fulton!

What an honor to place in the TOP 5! I received 3rd Runner Up to the new Mrs. Texas, Natalie McLarty. Congrats to all of the gorgeous, dynamic ladies who make a difference in their communities!

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?!

Spring Break 2010: Cherish Your Skin

The World Health Organization report last summer made clear that UV radiation from tanning beds causes skin cancer. This, along with the melanoma gene study pointing to the link between UV radiation and melanoma, make basking in the sun on vacation a no-no.
Without question, intense, intermittent sun exposure's link to basal cell carcinoma and melanoma reinforce the case against tanning.
Sorry to say, tanning as a lifestyle is over. Fashion and beauty insiders agree that today, it’s all about natural beauty.

“Beauty begins with healthy, glowing skin,” says Bobbi Brown of Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. “No matter what your age, protect yourself daily from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, which not only wrinkle and dull the skin, but increase your risk for skin cancer. It’s the best beauty advice I have for keeping your skin looking smooth, luminous and radiant.

The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Spring Break Checklist:

• A broad-spectrum SPF 15+ sunscreen
• Lip balm with SPF 15+ sunscreen
• Wide-brimmed hat to protect the head and neck
• UV-blocking sunglasses to protect the eyes
• Beach sarong to cover the legs
• Beach umbrella to help you seek the shade
  
  
  

And, don't forget to drink lots of H2O which keeps that gorgeous skin and body hydrated!

Have a WONDERFUL and safe Spring Break 2010 and

CHERISH YOUR SKIN!

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.

Monthly Self Exams for Skin Cancer: VERY Important

A Skin Self-Exam means checking your own skin regularly for any abnormal growths or unusual changes. A skin self-exam helps find any suspicious skin problems early. The earlier skin cancer is diagnosed, the better chance you will have for a cure.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommend that people perform a skin self-exam once a month.

The easiest time to do the exam may be after you take a bath or shower. Women may wish to perform their skin self-exam when they do their monthly breast self-exam. Men may want to do the skin self-exam when they perform their monthly testicular self-exam.

The Warning Signs...

When you are performing the skin self-exam, look for:

New skin markings or growths (moles, blemishes, colorations, bumps)
Moles that have changed in size, texture, color, or shape
Moles or lesions that continue to bleed or won't heal
Moles with uneven edges, differences in color, or lack of symmetry
Any mole or growth that appears very different from other skin growths Any open sore that does not heal within three weeks


How to do it....

Examine your body front and back in the mirror, then look at the right and left sides with your arms raised.

Bend elbows and look carefully at forearms, upper underarms, and palms.

Look at the backs of your legs and feet, the spaces between your toes, and on the sole.

Examine the back of your neck and scalp with a hand mirror. Part hair for a closer look.

Finally, check your back and buttocks with a hand mirror.

If you Spot it....

See a physician immediately, preferably one who specializes in diseases of the skin. Do NOT delay. Skin Cancer is the easiest to cure if diagnosed and treated early. When allowed to progress, however, skin cancer can result in disfigurement and even death.

Remember the Skin Cancer Foundation Guidelines for Protection!

-Seek the shade, especially between 10a and 4pm.

-DO NOT BURN.

-Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses,

-Use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher EVERYDAY.

-Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside.

-Reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.

-Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over 6 months.

-Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.

-Avoid tanning and UV tanning beds and booths.

Source: Skin Cancer Foundation 2009

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!!!

Cherish Your Skin Website Launch!

We are excited to announce the Cherish Your Skin Organization website, http://www.cherishyourskin.org/ went LIVE today! The Mission of CYSO is to raise awareness about Skin Cancer and stress Skin Cancer Prevention. We will do so in three important ways: Educate through informational forums and web links, Donate to various Skin Cancer foundations through organizational fundraising efforts, and Support Skin Cancer patients through outreach programs. As a mother, wife, daughter and Skin Cancer Survivor of Malignant Melanoma, I am committed to leading the way in this important fight against Skin Cancer.