Archives

Wellness Warriors

“More Than Skin Deep” – This Film Can Save Lives

If you had the resources to tell hundreds of thousands of people around the world about skin cancer and prevention would you? Director and Cinematographer Stan Kozma has worked in the film business his entire adult life. He also knows all too well how skin cancer can affect people’s lives, so he decided to take action. All is revealed about skin cancer and melanoma in his film “More Than Skin Deep: Skin Cancer in America”. The hour long film examines the cultural, historical and social facets of the disease, including how the tanning craze was accidentally popularized by Coco Chanel, as well as its medical, scientific and treatment aspects.  Since 2009, the film has been broadcast over 500 times on 200 stations to approximately 500,000 viewers in addition to audiences attending film festivals across the U.S. and currently in Norway. This landmark film has so many elements that we decided to speak with Stan and get the reasoning behind his creation of the film.

Here’s a brief clip from the film “More Than Skin Deep: Skin Cancer in America.” 

                          

Why did you decide to create a film about skin cancer?
As the saying goes, “You choose some projects. Some projects choose you.” My fiancé, Kristi, a professional make-up artist was diagnosed with melanoma. After four tough years of operations and protocols, she was taken by the disease at age 35. During a brief period of remission, she and I vowed that upon her return to full health, we would do what we could to spread awareness about skin cancer. Prior to “Skin Deep”, I had produced a successful PSA campaign about sun awareness directed at kids, teens and parents. The documentary was planned as the next step.

Stan Kozma Shooting "More Than Skin Deep"

Who do you think your audience is for this film?
The audience is anyone who is exposed to the sun – which is all of us. The film is directed at mid-teen to adult. Classroom versions have been created for middle school, high school and nursing academies.

What is your hope for every person who watches “More Than Skin Deep”?
One hope is that people who watch “Skin Deep” will want a friend or family member to watch it as well. We’ve received many requests to send copies of the film to a granddaughter or younger family member who might not realize the possible consequences of their sun habits.

What was the number one point you wanted to get across?
If there is one overarching message it is that skin cancer is REAL cancer. While the film addresses basal and squamous cancers, the primary focus is on melanoma. There are two main points we emphasized. One is that melanoma is an unpredictable and very treacherous cancer that although when caught early has a 99% cure rate, once it spreads it is very difficult to control. The second is that sun exposure or early sunburns can have long term serious consequences. Your body doesn’t really ‘get over’ a sunburn. It’s not like getting over a cold. Your skin stores that information for your entire life – and we get 80% of our lifetime sun exposure before we are 18.

How did you choose people to interview?
During Kristi’s treatments we traveled from Florida to California, New York and Bethesda for consultation and treatment. We met many brilliant and caring physicians and nurses during that time. I remained in contact with most of them after her passing. When it came time to make the documentary, not one turned down the opportunity to be on camera. In fact, several made important introductions that resulted in interviews that otherwise would not have been possible.

Sun protective clothing is now being recommended as the first line of defense by many leading organizations. The movie doesn’t really address the use of sun clothing as a protection method, was this intentional?
Several of our interviewees did mention sun protective clothing. Our limiting issue was time. The film had to be a specific length to adhere to broadcast standards. We had more footage than time. Since “Skin Deep’s” initial release in 2009, there have been significant developments in melanoma treatment and in skin cancer news. Currently we are looking to revise the film for a new broadcast version and a longer non broadcast version without time constraints. The importance and advantages of sun protective clothing will certainly be included in the update.

In your eyes, has the film been a success?
The film has been successful. But its full potential is far from being reached. “More Than Skin Deep” is the most engaging, emotional and entertaining film to examine skin cancer produced to date. It can be updated and advanced as new information and treatments become available. Custom versions of the film can be created for certain geographical regions and for ages and occupations.

Do you have any future plans as a skin cancer crusader?
In addition to continuing the outreach of “Skin Deep”, I am developing a feature film which Kristi and I started writing together and which chronicles the odyssey of her melanoma journey. It is not a standard approach to the subject and the intent is to create a narrative film that will do for skin cancer awareness what the film ‘Philadelphia’ did for HIV/AIDS understanding.

To view clips or purchase the DVD, visit www.morethanskindeep.org.

No Comments
Inside Coolibar

Coolibar Community Outreach

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.

Organizations Coolibar Supports (listed alphabetically)

AIM at Melanoma
AIM is committed to melanoma research, education, awareness, and legislation.  They offer a melanoma community for patients, caregivers, and advocates; and collaborate with top melanoma researchers to find the CURE!

________________________________________________________________________________

American Academy of Dermatology
The AAD is the most representative of all dermatologic associations. The Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails.

________________________________________________________________________________

Andy Caress Melanoma Foundation
The mission of The Andy Caress Melanoma Foundation is to alert the world of the seriousness of melanoma skin cancer and the dangers of the sun’s harmful rays, and to educate all human beings that melanoma does not just affect the fair skinned, rather all colors and races.

________________________________________________________________________________

Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation
The CMPF delivers a comprehensive sun safety and melanoma awareness program, free of charge, to school children in Massachusetts with the goal of expanding nationally. The CMPF was created to aggressively focus attention on the need to teach “prevention” or “sun protection” to children, and their caregivers.

________________________________________________________________________________

Dermatology Nurses’ Association
The DNA is a professional nursing organization comprised of a diverse group of individuals committed to quality care through sharing knowledge and expertise. The DNA promotes excellence in dermatologic care.

________________________________________________________________________________

Melanoma Research Foundation
The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent, national organization devoted to melanoma in the United States. Committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about prevention, diagnosis and the treatment of melanoma. ________________________________________________________________________________

Skin Cancer Foundation
The Skin Cancer Foundation is the only global organization solely devoted to the prevention, detection and treatment of skin cancer.  The mission of the Foundation is to decrease the incidence of skin cancer through public and professional education and research.

________________________________________________________________________________

Stay Out of the Sun Foundation
The Stay Out of the Sun Foundation was established in 2006 by melanoma survivor Tim Burriss to promote awareness of the dangers of sun exposure and to support melanoma research and education. Based out of Rochester, MN the annual race (which is held in the evening) benefits Melanoma Research at the Mayo Clinic where researches are committed to finding a cure.

________________________________________________________________________________

SunAWARE
SunAWARE is an educational organization dedicated to the prevention and detection of skin cancer. Its website provides advice and free educational materials and resources for use by educators, advocates and the general public.

No Comments
Avoid UV & Seek Shade SunAWARE Videos

Brain Studies Show Tanning Could Be Addictive

Human Brain

Have you ever wondered why your loved one can’t get enough of the tanning bed?  They are, after all, very health conscious, they don’t smoke, they exercise and eat an organic diet.  Why then would they continue to use tanning beds knowing the potential risks?  Science can shed some new light on the subject.

According to a recent study, tanning beds may have people “hooked” for more than cosmetic reasons.  With risks such as premature aging, skin cancer or even death associated with tanning beds, the scientific community has long thought that tanning could possibly be addictive. Now, new research provides evidence to back-up this theory.

Dr. Bryon Adinoff, professor of psychiatry at the University of Texas South Medical Center and leader of the tanning addiction study featured in journal Addiction Biology, says the brain is responding to UV light. It’s triggering the areas that are linked with reward. The same areas that activate when someone takes a drag off a cigarette or eats a sweet treat.

To reach this conclusion, Dr. Adinoff and his team assembled a group of frequent tanning bed users and monitored their brain activity during tanning bed use. The users were split into two groups: group one used beds with real UV rays; and group two, without being told, used tanning beds with fake UV light. The results were clear. The subjects in the real UV tanning beds showed brain activity in the reward and addiction areas.

So now, just like in the 80’s, we can repeat the slogan “Just Say No.”

Just Say No – To Tanning!

1 Comment
SunAWARE Wellness Warriors

Stay Out of the Sun Run 2011

On May 20, 2011, the Stay Out of the Sun Run (SOSR) Foundation held their 6th annual walk/race in Rochester, MN to promote awareness of the dangers of sun exposure and support melanoma research and education.  All proceeds from the SOSR are donated to the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center for melanoma research and education. Coolibar was there to contribute to the run for the 5th consecutive year.

The founder of the SOSR, Tim Burriss, a Melanoma survivor, started the run to benefit melanoma research and education. He states that this year’s run had a record number of registered participants, 934! The most they’ve ever had. Not even the dreary, rainy weather before the event kept people away.

So far, not counting this year’s totals, the run has raised over $120,000 to help Mayo Clinic fight melanoma. Tim says, “Melanoma has had such an impact on so many individuals and families and we realize we cannot be content but must continue our fight!”

Skin cancer education and prevention is so important, especially with summer almost being here. So this Don’t Fry Day, May 27, Coolibar wishes to remind everyone to be SunAWARE and protect yourself from the sun.

Avoid unprotected sun exposure; Wear sun-protective clothing, wide brim hat (3” brim or greater), and UV sunglasses; Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher every two hours while in sun; Routinely check your whole body for changes in your skin; Educate your family and community about sun protection.

Perhaps even join a fundraising or educational effort like the SOSR in your area and help support the need for sun protection!


Video footage of the Stay Out of the Sun Run and melanoma survivor feature from NBC Rochester local news

[nggallery id=10]

Congrats to our Coolibar team members who walked and participated in the 5K at the SOSR! You all looked spectacular in your Coolibar sun protection clothing!

Learn more about Skin Cancer and Melanoma from the American Academy of Dermatology

No Comments
Expert Rx SunAWARE

Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Coolibar Beach Umbrella

 

Did you know that May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month?

May has been declared Skin Cancer Awareness Month by the Centers for Disease Control.  With more than 3.5 million skin cancers diagnosed annually in over two million people in the United States, we need to become SunAWARE. 

Here are a few ideas for you to be AWARE of Skin Cancer this month and all summer long.

1.) Start out May with a Free Skin Cancer Screening.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) designates the first Monday in May as Melanoma Monday- 5/2/2011.  The purpose of this day is to raise awareness of melanoma, a potentially fatal skin cancer, and to encourage early detection.  With early detection, melanoma has a high cure rate.  Participating clinics offer free screenings on that day and throughout the month.  Click the links below for more information.

Click to learn more about Skin Cancer Screenings.

Click to locate a FREE Screening in your area.

Click for Daily Tips from the AAD.

Click for Free Screenings from The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Road to Healthy Skin Tour

2.) Walk or Run to support Skin Cancer Research.

There are many walks/runs across the United States that raise money in support of skin cancer research, such as the Stay Out of the Sun Run in Rochester, MN.  Search locally for an event in your area, or create your own Miles for Melanoma event.

3.) Register to win Free School Sun Hats from Coolibar in May.

In May Coolibar is giving away free school sun hats to 5 winning classrooms across the United States.  Download the contest form to enter.  Contest deadline is May 13th.

4.) Kick off your summer with Don’t Fry Day.

The Friday before Memorial Day (5/27/2011) is deemed “Don’t Fry Day” by The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention.   The purpose is to remind everyone to protect your skin while enjoying the outdoors.

 Pledge to follow these simple steps to prevent and detect skin cancers all summer.

SunAWARE
SunAWARE - Simple steps to prevent and detect skin cancers.
6 Comments
Educate Others SunAWARE

Books That Teach Sun Safe Habits

Sun Protection Books

If you’ve been seeking reliable sources of information on sun protection for yourself or tools to help teach children about the importance of sun safety, these books may be just what you’re looking for. Sun protection habits should start from day one. Experts believe that even two to three sunburns at an early age can increase the risk of skin cancer or health issues later in life.  Teach yourself all there is to know about sun protection – then teach your kids too. It could result in one less skin cancer statistic.

The following books promote SunAWARE, which teaches five simple steps to prevent and detect skin cancers.

SunAWARE

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 _________________________________________________________________________________________

Books for Parents and Educators:

Book Sun Protection for Life Sun Protection for Life by Mary Mills Barrow & John F. Barrow

Based on leading medical research and education programs, such as Australia’s SunSmart, Sun Protection for Life is a complete guide to a lifetime of healthy and beautiful skin. It describes the problems associated with overexposure to the sun, identifies those who are most at risk, and discusses the best approaches for effective sun protection.

(AAD Gold Triangle award winner)

 _________________________________________________________________________________________

Books for Children:

Book Pretty Prom Pretty Prom; Your Skin is Pretty Too by Mary Mills Barrow and Maryellen Maguire-Eisen

Pretty Prom; Your Skin is Pretty Too is the story of Katie who finds out the sad facts of tanning salons while getting ready for prom night. The story is written for pre-teens and teens to alert them that tanning can cause premature aging and skin cancers.

 

 _________________________________________________________________________________________

Book Lake VacationLake Vacation by Mary Mills Barrow and Maryellen Maguire-Eisen

Lake Vacation is the story of Hunter and Caitlin learning the importance of sun protection while enjoying a day of fishing at the lake. It teaches the five easy steps of SunAWARE in a story that will appeal to children ages 6-10.

 

 

 _________________________________________________________________________________________

Book Skin Sense Skin Sense by Lori Gehrer-Glickman, Ed.M, MSW

“Written in the voice of a four-year-old girl, this fun and interactive narrative educates young children about the sun’s ability to hurt our skin and shows how easy it is to protect ourselves. It is a wonderful tool to open and encourage discussion between young children and adult s on the importance of sun-safety.” Effectively introduces the topic of sun protection to preschool/kindergarten age children.

 _________________________________________________________________________________________

Book What Are These Spots On My SkinWhat are these Spots on my Skin? by Scott and Gus Naughton

Gus and Scott Naughton, a father and son team, created this book to encourage children to pay more attention to changes on their skin. “Spots appear as you grow older, and you should learn to keep track of them”, says eight year old Gus. “We wanted children to have a better understanding of how the skin works and why we develop spot’s on our skin.” It’s a great tool for preschool/kindergarten age children. This interactive book also contains two spot maps at end to help track skin changes over time.

Click on images of the books to purchase. Visit Coolibar’s Sun Protection Resources Webpage for additional sun protection resources.

2 Comments
Wellness Warriors

14 Year Melanoma Survivor

Tim Burriss, Melanoma Survivor and founder of the Stay Out of the Sun Foundation passionately promotes awareness of the dangers of sun exposure and melanoma research.  He discusses his work with us.

I am a very grateful 14 year melanoma survivor! 

In May 2006 I started the Stay Out of the Sun Run to benefit melanoma research and education at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.  We have had great success and have contributed over $120,000 to the Mayo Clinic and have had over 2,700 participants in just 5 years.  

Mayo Clinic has used these proceeds for the 2009 Melanoma Patient Symposium, Melanoma CME course for the professional staff, and Mayo Proceedings publication of several research articles prepared by Mayo Clinic researchers.  We are in the process of wrapping up the 2010 event and starting the preparations for the 6th Annual Stay Out of the Sun Run on May 20, 2011.  For more information please visit our website at Stay Out of the Sun Foundation

 
2010 SOSR 10K Runners - Rochester, MN

2 Comments
Wellness Warriors

Would you Row 3,000 Miles to Fight Cancer?

That’s exactly what Paul Ridley did last year when he set off from Africa toward South America, crossing the whole of the Atlantic Ocean, solo.  The expedition and Row for Hope was an opportunity for Paul (and his sister Joy) to make a significant contribution to cancer research in memory of their mother, who lost her life to skin cancer in 2001.

While planning for his excursion, Paul turned to Coolibar for his sun protective clothing needs.  We outfitted him with UPF 50+ hats, swimwear and shorts, to keep him protected from the intense sun for his 87 days on the ocean.  Paul wore his Coolibar swim shirt during the heat of the day to stay cool, but rowed shirtless in the morning and at night.  He was pleased at how incredibly breathable and fast-drying his shirt was.

A quote from Paul;

Some people have told me that making a difference in the fight against cancer is an impossible challenge. Others have said that rowing oceans requires impossible risk. Here at Row for Hope we know that together we possess the powerful combination of hope and determination that can prove them wrong.

Row for Hope, a public charity, partnered with Yale Cancer Center to fund cutting-edge cancer research.  The $500,000 raised will help to expand the efforts of Dr. Mario Sznol, Vice-Chief of Medical Oncology and Co-Director of the Yale Cancer Center Melanoma Program. 

If you would like to contribute, you can do so by visiting the Row for Hope website.

Row for Hope Logo
Row for Hope Logo
6 Comments
Show Buttons
Hide Buttons