So, I’ve been trying to think happy thoughts this week and think sunshine and butterflies…It’s working some of the time.  Then I walk outside and it is still under 50 degrees.  I hear sunshine and 50 though on Friday.  We can hope!

With my focus on sunshine and spring, there comes the time of year that I have all my yearly or semi-annual doctor appointments scheduled.  The dentist…the neurologist for my migraines…a physical…and of course my dermatologist.  I have a history of basal cell cancer on my Dad’s side.  My grandmother, father, and aunt have all had spots removed and two years ago I had my first basal cell spot removed.  It’s not a fun time.  I have a fabulous dermatologist in the South Hills that I love and have recommended her to my family (mom, dad, grandfather, and Dan go there) and have recommended her to a bunch of my friends.  However, we lovingly call her the “cutter”.  Because that’s what she does.  She usually takes a few samples of spots that look suspicious and most times she can fix any bad spots in her office.  Thankfully she has caught my spots before they have gotten out of hand.  With that all said, I beg you to use sunscreen…and I wish when I was younger I didn’t believe the old wives tale that you need that “base tan” so you should use a tanning bed before the summer or vacations.  You don’t.  Maddy was dipped in sunscreen all last summer and I will continue to do it to her.

“C”lue-If you need more reasons to uses sunscreen here are 5.  I took them from this article:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/19/sunscreen-benefits_n_3464687.html

1. The ozone layer is depleting and your body needs shielding from harmful rays.

2. Skin cancer rates are on the rise and sunscreen has been proven to decrease the development of skin cancer.

3. It helps to prevent facial brown spots and skin discolorations.

4. It also helps to reduce the appearance of facial red veins and blotchiness.

And most importantly…5. It slows down the development of wrinkled, premature aging skin…Who wants to look older than they are??

“L”ink- I posted this website before, but here is a link directly to sunscreens:  http://www.ewg.org/2013sunscreen/best-sunscreens/best-beach-sport-sunscreens/?tag=2012SunscreenAd&gclid=CNOgjJee_rwCFYuXOgodJHsAIw Lots of good sunscreens. 

“T”hought- We used Alba Botanica Natural Very Emollient Kids Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30 on Maddy last year.  I give it a 9 out of 10 for the little ones.  Only because it’s thicker, so a little hard to apply sometimes.  This year as she is more active, I will probably pick a spray sunscreen for most of her body and pick a lotion or stick for her face.