Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time, but it ain’t going away. – Elvis Presley, American singer, actor (1935-1977)
After every storm the sun will smile; for every problem there is a solution, and the soul’s indefeasible duty is to be of good cheer. – William R. Alger, American minister, author, poet, abolitionist. (1822-1905)
Lately the sun has been holding heat around the 90’s and occasionally up to the 100s.Grass is suffering as are the shrubs, flowers, pets, wildlife, and humans. There was a time decades ago when going outside in the sun was a wonderful time. Summertime meant swimming, playing, beaches, visiting the Gulf, boating, fishing, skiing, summer camps, bike rides, and late evening games like “kick the can.” By teens and twenties summer sun meant covering oneself with Crisco oil while catching a tan or visiting tanning beds. Turned out there was a price to pay.
Twenty or more decades later I had basal cell carcinoma removed from my face. The malignant tumor was dime sized. The surgeon said, “It’s a good thing we got this out.” I thought about my days of being in the sun. Since I worked most summers, I couldn’t imagine how this happened. I didn’t think I’d get cancer.
A neighbor stopped by, and I noticed a sore on her face and asked about it. She said, “I don’t know what it is. It doesn’t go away.” I shared my story. She went to the doctor. It was cancer. She’s fine now.
A coworker and her husband decided to take the son to the dermatologist, he had been swimming all summer. The dermatologist said, “Your son is fine. There’s no damage but I’m a little concerned with your husband’s ear” The top part of his ear was removed due to cancer from sun exposure.
The husband wore a ball cap everyday when he was outside thinking this was enough. I went to Sam’s closet and pulled out a MSU ball cap and put it on my head. With a measuring tape the bill covered my eyes, but the hat was ½ inch over my ears. There was no sun protection from the ball cap over the ears.
I told my dental hygienist about the basal cell carcinoma. I was telling everyone. She took her family to the dermatologist for a check-up. Her son was diagnosed with skin cancer.
Google’s Dermatologist recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50. Apply it 15 minutes before sun exposure and every 2 hours after. Long sleeve shirts, pants, sunglasses, and hats with a flap over the back of the neck or a large brim.
Consider limiting your time in the sun, wear protective clothing with hats and sunglasses. Sun damage is caused by ultraviolet radiation. AI says “UV rays can damage eyes and increase risk of eye problems. The damage can lead to chronic conditions that can ultimately decrease vision. Take care. Be safe. Live longer and better.
Shannon Bardwell is a writer living quietly in the Prairie. Email reaches her at [email protected].
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 29 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 29 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
