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

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!!

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!