Last month I had two Basal Cell cancers removed from my face. One was deep in my cheek and I required a two hour general anesthesia to remove it and reconstruct a skin flap that would not look like a pirate. The surgery went well, but I had my normal bad reaction to anesthesia and got a persistent month long viral bronchitis. I was reminded that skin cancers were due to past sun exposure, recent sun exposure and your immune status, which worsens with age. Turning sixty this year, all three caught up with me.

But, how could this happen? We were told that the sun was good for us and told to play outside. No one ever mentioned sun screen. I pushed it by living outdoors as much as possible (still do), and hoped my mother’s skin (she was Moravian Czech) would protect me. A tough reality check!

So, now I have a sun hat and multiple sun screen products. Skin cancer can be fatal (melanoma) and must be taken seriously. And, good parenting dictates protecting those under your care by insisting they wear proper sun protection. If your kids are fortunate to live long enough, they will be grateful!