Episode #215 See A Dermatologist

Ten Problems

• Most skin cancer in adulthood is the result of decisions from childhood.
• Even small problems can become big problems if left unaddressed.
• The longer we wait to address health concerns, the more concerning they become.
• We tend to debate, delay, or decline some of the healthiest choices we could make.
• Going to the doctor can feel scary because they might discover something wrong.
• We may not be as healthy as we’d like to believe.
• 20% of Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetimes.
• Any human being can develop skin cancer, and dark skin is associated with subtler and often more aggressive forms.
• The worst thing we can do for our skin is to lay in a tanning bed below the age of 18.
• Many of the choices that feel good in the moment can have long term consequences.

Eight Principles

• One of life’s greatest blessings is a wake-up call that we never knew we needed.
• It is never too late to begin taking our health seriously.
• We must seek out the support of others in order to see ourselves clearly.
• A skin lesion should be evaluated when it is new, changing, growing, itching, or bleeding.
• Hats are more than a fashion statement, and they can actually reduce our risk of cancer.
• Skin is the largest organ of the human body, so it deserves special attention.
• Our pain has the potential to serve an important purpose.
• The only thing that keeps our feet on this planet is the health of our physical bodies.

Six Practices

• Create a habit of annual check-ups, even when you feel well and have no concerns.
• Apply SPF 30 sunscreen at the start of each day, even when it’s cloudy.
• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours outside, or more frequently if sweating or swimming.
• Avoid direct sunlight between 10am-4pm and when the UV index is above 6.
• If you must use a tanning bed, keep sessions short and limit to less than 10 per year.
• Make decisions that will allow your lifespan to align with your healthspan.