As the turn of another year flies by us, many media sources start touting their own takes on life changes that can help one lose weight, seek a calmer being, or quit a vice (like chocolate – sorry, no dice). Basically, you’re resolving to change an undesired trait or behavior in order to make your life better. Hey, count me in!
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Well, Reader’s Digest came out with their own annual list of suggestions and this year, a particular item caught my eye. “Take a naked selfie every month” screamed for further analysis! I began to read and grew concerned when they suggested that I store the “nudes” on my phone. I’m quite sure there is no explanation that I could offer my wife as to the reason for such use of my iPhone. Nope, none. They also suggest that a monthly selfie is “essential,” as “who can remember from month to month if a mole changed in appearance?” Well, I’m guessing that a mirror would be needed to check out one’s backside. And I can only guess at the crazy notions that my wife would have if I added the use of a mirror to take such a snapshot. Then, there’s the thought of me pressing the incorrect app to save the photo and launching the photo into the web-o-sphere. Not pretty.
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Reader’s Digest goes on to point out that according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, about 9,000 U.S. residents will perish from melanoma. That’s correct. The hyperlink on the page took me to the Skin Cancer Foundation site, where they extolled the “ABCDE” warning signs of melanoma: Asymmetry: drawing a “line” through a mole that leaves two unmatched halves would indicate asymmetry – a warning sign. Border: rough border edges indicate early stages of melanoma. Color: different colors of a mole are another warning sign. Diameter: a mole that is ¼” or larger is also cause for concern. Lastly, Evolving: the mole starts to evolve or change. Solid information about moles and melanoma is also covered in our popular Sun is Life® Certification course.
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However, Reader’s Digest omitted the fact that the overwhelming majority of those who develop melanoma are males over age 50 who, undoubtedly, were not fond of using the proper SPF while working outdoors in the sun baling hay, running fence-wire or fishing to catch dinner during their youth. Nowadays, you can’t pick up a health magazine in the spring without seeing coverage devoted to the use of the latest SPF anytime you step foot outside. Yes, there are some pretty big companies that thrive on that concept, for sure. But hey, it makes good sense to use the proper SPF to avoid burning and overexposure when basking in the great outdoors.
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Interestingly, Reader’s Digest also suggests making new friends as a healthy habit to try in the New Year. Think how many new ones I’ll have when those selfies hit the internet … nonetheless, all the best for a great 2019!
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Team IST searches for erroneous, suspect or negative reporting by the media that adversely impacts the tanning industry. Reports such as these have plagued tanning businesses for decades. Although the media sources will seldom admit a falsehood and print a retraction, IST offers these well-crafted responses to the negative reports that can be shared with your customers and potential customers, alike.
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