HEALTH & WELLNESS
The ArT of Skin ProTecTion
88 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | JULY/AUGUST 2017
extended outdoor activity, use a waterresistant,
broad spectrum (UVA/UVB)
sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Apply one ounce (two tablespoons)
of sunscreen to your entire body 30
minutes before going outside. Reapply
every two hours or immediately after
swimming or excessive sweating.
One six-ounce bottle of sunscreen
should provide two full days of sun
protection for prolonged outdoor
activity. If you’ll be in open water,
purchase a lycra sport skin at any dive
shop for full sun protection.
Examine Your Skin Head-totoe
Every Month. While self-exams
shouldn’t replace the important
annual skin exam performed by a
physician, they offer the best chance
of detecting the early warning signs
of skin cancer. If you notice any
change in an existing mole or discover a new one that looks
suspicious, take photos and see a physician immediately.
What should you be looking for? Remember these ABCDEs
of Melanoma! Signs of skin cancer may present as moles
with Asymmetry, uneven Borders, Color variation, Diameter
greater than 6 mm, and Evolving changes in size, shape
or color. Any new growth that looks suspicious should be
monitored. If you have a sore that doesn’t heal, you should
have it checked out by a doctor.
Early detection is very important. The estimated five-year
survival rate for patients whose melanoma is detected early
is about 98 percent. Paying careful attention to your skin
now can greatly improve your chances of surviving cancer.
At PureLife Medi-Spa, we offer medical-grade skincare
products with SPFs that are recommended by the Skin Cancer
Foundation. We also offer laser treatments to diminish the
appearance of sun damaged skin and to help you restore a
healthy, youthful appearance. 9
EDITOR’S NOTE: Dr. G. Joseph Fitzgerald, Owner and Medical
Director of PureLife Medi-Spa, has been practicing family practice
medicine for more than 22 years. Dr. Fitzgerald, MT(ASCP), is also
a medical technologist, and in 2013 was awarded a U.S. patent for
colon cancer prevention.
Summer is officially here, and I
want to take this opportunity to
recommend prevention guidelines
when it comes to the largest organ
of your body, your skin. Ed Haxby, my
lifelong best friend, died of melanoma,
and because of him, I cannot stress sun
protection enough. In my 23 years as a
family practice physician, I’ve discovered
that most people don’t realize that there
is no such thing as a healthy tan.
Make Ed proud of us all and follow
these tips. You’ll greatly reduce your
chances of developing melanoma in
the future.
Stay in the Shade. Avoid direct
sun exposure between 10 a.m. and
4 p.m. when rays are the strongest.
The shadow rule is a simple method
for sun protection. If your shadow
is shorter than you are, the sun’s
harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation is stronger; if your shadow
is longer, UV radiation is less intense.
Don’t Burn. A person’s risk for melanoma, the deadliest
form of skin cancer, doubles if he or she has had five or
more sunburns at any point in life. Severe burns not only
significantly increase your chances of developing skin cancer,
but can make you ill.
Avoid UV Tanning Booths. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
is a proven human carcinogen and more people develop
skin cancer because of tanning than develop lung cancer
because of smoking. People who use indoor UV tanners are
74 percent more likely to develop melanoma, the deadliest
form of skin cancer, than those who have never tanned
indoors. Tanning bed users are also 2.5 times more likely to
develop squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times more likely
to develop basal cell carcinoma. The more time a person has
spent tanning indoors, the higher the risk.
Cover Up. Clothing can be your most effective form of sun
protection, so wear long sleeves and long pants whenever
possible. Always have a hat, as well as UV-blocking
sunglasses to protect your eyes too.
Use a Broad Spectrum (UVA/UVB) Sunscreen. Regular
daily use of an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen reduces the risk
of developing squamous cell carcinoma by about 40 percent
and the risk of developing melanoma by 50 percent. For
PureLife Medi-Spa Wellness & Skincare
12442 Indian Rocks Rd., Largo FL
727.595.3400
www.PureLifeMediSpa.com
Dr. Joseph Fitzgerald
Medical Director/Creator PureLife Medi-Spa
PHOTO: B. LIVELY IMAGES
Fitz Tropics Family Care
12464 Indian Rocks Rd., Largo FL
727.596.5446
www.fitztropicsfamilycare.com
By Dr. Joseph Fitzgerald
/www.PureLifeMediSpa.com
/www.fitztropicsfamilycare.com