Free Skin Cancer Screening, This Weekend

Now that the weather is improving and the sun is out a lot more, it's probably a good idea to get a screening and know your skin health status.  St. Lukes's is offering a free screening this weekend.  If you're unsure about something on your skin, or maybe you have a family history of cancer(like I do), you may want to get a screening.

Here are some basics, to prepare for your screening:

1. Wear loose clothing to your screening

2. Be prepared to discuss specific moles, lesions or other skin concerns

3. Register online before you showing up.  The registration tool will show you available times.

Since we have more sun and more daylight hours, here are some additional tips, to protect yourself while out in the sun.

From skincancer.org

• Find shade between peak daylight hours(10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
• Avoid sunburns with lots of high SPF sunblocker
• Tanning beds are not a good idea, avoid them
• Hat, proper clothing and sunglasses 
•  SPF of 15 or higher sunblock is key every day. If you're planning on being outdoors for a long period of time use SPF of 30 or higher.
• How much sunscreen should you use? 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Repply frequently
• Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
• Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
• See a dermatologist at least once a year for a professional skin exam.