Synod Assembly

from the Southeastern Synod Health Ministry Task Force

I learned recently that a middle-aged friend had been diagnosed with Melanoma.  She said that she was not really surprised to have received this diagnoses as she grew up spending many hours as a teen in a tanning bed and in the sun trying for a fabulous, dark tan.  She admitted to giving little regard to the need for sunscreen.  With this discussion fresh on my mind and the summer rays soon to be enticing us outdoors, I decided to research facts about skin and skin cancer. 

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.  Basal cell and squamous cell cancer, the two most common types of skin cancer, are highly curable.  Melanoma, the third most common skin cancer, is far more dangerous with 65 percent to 90 percent of these cancers being caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. 

UV rays, an invisible kind of radiation, come from the sun, tanning beds and sunlamps.  Three types of UV rays can penetrate and change skins cells. UVA rays, the most common kind of sunlight at the earth's surface, reach beyond the top layer of human skin, damaging connective tissue. UVB rays do not reach as far into the skin as UVA rays but they can still be damaging. UVC rays, the third type, are very dangerous but do not reach the ground.  Unprotected skin can be damaged by the sun's UV rays in as little as 15 minutes.  Any change in the color of the skin after time outside indicates damage from UV rays.  Even a few serious sun burns can increase your risk of getting skin cancer.
 

So how are you going to protect your skin?  For the best protection, use sunscreen that includes UVA and UVB protection and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Don't forget to protect your ears, nose, lips and the tops of your feet.  If you are going to be outside for a while, be sure to reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours.  If you are swimming, you may need to reapply sunscreen more often. Contrary to popular belief, you can still get a sun burn on a cloudy day because clouds filter UV rays rather than blocking them. While sunscreen does reduce damage from UV radiation, it does not eliminate it.

There are other ways to protect yourself from UV rays.  Because UV rays are strongest and most harmful between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, it is best to stay out of the sun during that time.  If that is not possible, a shade tree, umbrella or pop-up tent will help to prevent sunburn. 

Clothing that covers all of the skin such as long sleeve shirts and pants, helps to protect against UV rays.  Hats that shade the face, scalp, ears and neck are easy to use and will provide great protection.  Even if you are well covered, it is wise to also use sunscreen and to choose shade for extra protection.

The bottom line is that exposure to the sun's UV rays can damage your skin.  For the best protection against skin cancer use sun screen when in the sun, monitor the length of time in the sun, seek cover and shade when outside, especially during midday, avoid tanning beds, and see a physician if you notice any skin changes.   Have a safe, fun summer!

Reference:  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Connie Pearson, Chair

Health Ministry Task Force 

Career Crossroads

    
May 26     Budget & Finance Committee Conference Call

May 30     Memorial Day, Synod Office closed

June 1      Synod Council Executive Committee, Renaisssance Waverly Hotel

June 2      Synod Council Meeting, Renaissance Waverly Hotel

June 3       Anti-Rasicm Task Force, Immigration Task Force,

First Call Rostered Persons Meet, Renaissance Waverly Hotel

June 3-6   Synod Assembly, Renaissance Waverly Hotel

June 6-8   Synod Office closed

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