Shedding light on sun's harm
By Colleen Kielty
For 19 years I have endured, or maybe I should say survived, solar exposure such as 145 straight days of zero rain fall, summers with temperatures regularly reaching 120 degrees or more, and well, you get the point: I live in the desert.
I am a native of Arizona -- home to the currently on fire Phoenix Suns, the once world champion Diamondbacks, one of the seven wonders of the world, and some of the world's finest golf courses, resorts and spas.
The perks of my sun-filled state also cast ominous shadows.
Arizona has the highest skin cancer rate in the United States.
Just look at our U.S. Senator, John McCain, who is fighting the deadliest form of the disease, melanoma, on his face.
Santa Clara, although an environment conducive to an outdoor lifestyle, compels me to argue for caution in protecting one's skin.
I can only define "tanorexics" as people ignorant of the sun's danger. With great sadness I have noticed far too many of this sort.
The 70 degree temperature and cool ocean breeze invites us all to ditch our 11:45 class and head to the Leavey pool, but be forewarned: the sun never "cuts class."
Lying out in the rose garden on the weekend, tossing the disc after lunch, walking from Benson to O'Connor -- these little activities add up to significant time in the sun.
And if you neglect the sunblock Santa Clara, your skin will pay the price sooner or later.
One who is "well-versed" in tanning procedures is not someone who has racked up hundreds of hours baking under the sun.
Well-versed is the person with the safely acquired tan who has limited his or her exposure to the sun's rays.
The sun can tattoo your skin with hideous sun spots and leave your face a wrinkled, leathery mask.
Moles and freckles can multiply like gerbils and, in many cases, lead to skin cancer. And who wants all that misery when prevention can be so easy?
A few words from the wise: Embrace the outdoors, but take the following into consideration:
* UV is at its highest radiation levels from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., i.e. 'Chernobyl time.' Limit time outside during these hours, or at least take some breaks.
* Wear an SPF of at least 15 daily, or 25 if you will be outside for a prolonged period of time.
* Reapply, reapply, reapply. Pay special attention to nose, cheeks, neck, forearms and hands.
* Hats can prevent scalp burn and sunglasses can prevent eye damage.
* Dark and fair skin require equal amounts of protection.
But, for those with blonde or red hair, freckles or moles or blue or green eyes: you need more protection.
* Ditch the tanning salon. Self-tanners and spray-on tans are your friends. With so many products on the market, there's bound to be one that will work for you.
Contact Colleen Kielty at (408) 551-1918 or ckielty@scu.edu.