On Sunday, October 9, 2011, Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill making California the first state to prohibit minors from using tanning beds. This raises the question, should teens be able to decide whether or not to use tanning beds? According to Aim at Melanoma Foundation, using a tanning bed before the age of 20 doubles a person’s risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Even more staggering is that 28 million individuals in the U.S. use tanning beds each year despite the statistics, which includes 2.3 million teens.

Looking up the UV Index is as important as looking up the weather online or watching the morning forecast every day. Just like the weather forecast, the UV Index forecast tells you what to wear. In addition, it indicates how you should prepare for the sun’s intensity so you can feel comfortable and keep your skin protected while outside.

Dermatologists are way more than “pimple popping M.D.s”, which according to the popular ‘90s sitcom Seinfeld is all the profession is good for. They save and improve lives every day by helping people get control of their problematic skin, hair and nail conditions. Here are some of the top reasons to see a dermatologist.

As we swing into fall we would like to take a moment to reflect on the previous year and acknowledge those who are educating our communities on skin cancer prevention, detection and treatment. During 2011 Coolibar was able to support both individuals and organizations through the donation of UPF 50+ Coolibar clothing, hats and swimwear. Read on for a list of those inspirational groups and what they do.

The Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation (CMPF) began delivering skin cancer prevention education to school children in 2003. Maryellen Maguire-Eisen, an oncology/dermatology nurse practitioner, founded the organization to help children better understand UV intensity and utilize sun protection as most skin cancers are preventable and easily treated when detected early. CMPF’s SunAWARE Program provides a specialized curriculum for students in grades K – 12.

Last Saturday (8/27/11) my family and I attended the first ever SunAWARE fundraising event at Panino’s Sports Bar in North Oaks, MN. The event raised money to publish “Connor’s Right Field Save” book for Little League players and their families about the five simple, universally recognized steps to prevent and detect skin cancers. I wasn’t sure what to expect, it was after all, the first SunAWARE event.

Take it from sailing enthusiast and skin cancer survivor Brenda Scannell, sun protection is important at every age, especially around water. That’s why she’s making it a priority to provide Coolibar sun protective clothing and hats to youth and the greater sailing community at the Quissett Yacht Club in Falmouth, MA.

You may have seen your local dermatologist to discuss any number of skin conditions. Or perhaps, you’re planning your first visit to a dermatologist soon. Either way, our medical expert Dr. Lee, encourages you to address UV protection at your next appointment.

It’s back, a new season of “The Big C”, starting on Monday, June 27, 2011 on Showtime. “The Big C” tells the story of Cathy Jamison, played by Laura Linney, a wife and mother diagnosed with Stage IV melanoma. Her cancer forces her to shake up her life and find hope and humor in spite of her grim situation. The show may not always accurately portray the life of someone battling skin cancer; however, it brings the topic to the center stage without scaring off viewers due to its morose background.

The FDA recently announced new guidelines that sunscreen manufacturers will be required to follow for over-the-counter sunscreen labeling. Now in order to earn a “broad spectrum” designation, sunscreens must protect from both UVB (burning) rays and UVA (aging) rays. Read on for a summary of improvements as well as how Coolibar can help ease confusion.