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Coolibar Asks: What Does Yoga Mean to You?

Coolibar - Yoga

We’ve been thinking about yoga a lot lately. We can’t help it. When you’re promoting sun protection, health, happiness and peace of mind, yoga just naturally comes up.

Do you practice yoga? If you do, what does it mean to “practice yoga?”

At one extreme are the hardcore enthusiasts.  You may have heard that yoga can relieve stress, improve digestion, balance the metabolism and strengthen the immune system. These folks will tell you yoga is about cleansing the bioemotional self, toning the endocrinal system, coordinating the musculoskeletal structure, creating a union between our physical and emotional beings.  It decreases cortisol and adrenalin, which co-opt the production of vital hormones! It promotes and balances neurotransmitters, and inverted postures re-balance the pituitary and thyroid glands!

Corresponding to this knowledge is a full range of classes. There’s hot yoga, restorative yoga, yin yoga, power yoga, and the list goes on.

Other people, as we’ve read, just like wearing the clothes. This is okay too; we know that not everyone wearing a North Face jacket is an experienced High Alps mountain climber either. And when you’re trying to attain a fully integrated mind and body, total comfort certainly helps.

At Coolibar we think our understanding of yoga is pretty balanced between the neurobiologists and those who just look the part.

“I just needed a form of physical activity that I didn’t dread,” says Heather Olson, Wholesale Operations Manager at Coolibar. She says she’s been practicing yoga for about two years, drawn to it by a background in dance with its balance and flexibility. “It’s a way to get a workout – and have fun.”

Coolibar Yoga
Kelly Johnson in Coolibar Banded Fitness Tee, Active Swim Tights

Kelly Johnson, Coolibar Customer Service Manager, thinks so too. “It’s a slower pace of exercise,” she says. “I’m not the type of person who likes to go to the gym and pump weights and run on the treadmill. I like the mediation aspect, too, to calm my mind, re-center and relax.”

About that last part: yoga can be especially practical if you’re living what we might refer to as a full life.

“I get stressed out easily,” Kelly says. “And I have a five-year-old. So yoga is my alone time.”

What kind of yogi (that would be, “one who practices yoga”) are you? Tell us about it!

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Coolibar Athletes Rich Early

Age, Opposing Team – But Not Sun – Are My Biggest Adversaries

Rich Early - Coolibar 2014 Sponsored Athlete

By Rich Early, 2014 Coolibar Sponsored Athlete

I play for a Senior Softball age 65 tournament team that travels throughout Oregon and Washington, and will also play in Reno, Nevada and St. George, Utah this year. To play competitive tournament softball I work out at home five days a week at 6 am. I may not be the fastest player on the circuit but I work out hard in order to at least be in the conversation.

Working out at home has several advantages besides not having to go out into the cold and drive 10-15 minutes to a gym. Not having to share equipment and deal with distractions is a plus.

I primarily do multi-jointed exercises for a full body workout which I perform using a three-day rotation. This rotation consists of chest on day one, back on day two, and shoulders on day three. I do three sets of two exercises for these muscle groups along with core work and lower body exercises. On the next three-day rotation I select different exercises to perform for each muscle group, along with changing core and lower body exercises. I rotate between strength days and endurance days by altering the weight and the repetitions. Using the three-day rotating system Monday through Friday creates different days during the week I perform the exercise. It’s not as complicated as it sounds and I’ve found it eliminates boredom and training ruts.

The home gym workouts also allow me to get the most out of practice on the ball field. Since we are able to use a synthetic turf field, we are out two days a week for hitting and fielding practice as long as it’s not too rainy or cold. At this time I am able to work on increasing running speed and strengthening my throwing arm. At our age we have to keep working on our abilities to hold off their decline.

Even on the cloudy and rainy days at practice I have to be aware of UV exposure and make sure that I’m protecting myself. When the sun is out in its glory I have to cover up as much as I can to block out the UV rays.

Before I discovered Coolibar clothing I envisioned I would burn up and explode like a vampire if the sun touched me. Ok, a little exaggerated, but that is how I felt.

Now with the Coolibar Sun Gaiter, the ZnO Long-Sleeve shirt or the new Cool Long-Sleeve Fitness Shirt I’m covered up and confident in my sun protection. I have to admit that I was self-conscious the first time I wore the gaiter to cover my entire head, neck and ears. It was short-lived, after playing a weekend of softball and not having any of the problems that come with too much sun exposure. It may sound silly but now I want the other players and fans to notice me wearing Coolibar sun protection. It makes me want to play better!

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Educate Others Routinely Check Skin Success Stories Sun Protection Clothing Wear Sun Protection Wellness Warriors

Staying Positive, Staying Aggressive

Tim Fater - Coolibar

Coolibar wraps up our official Melanoma Survivor Series with Tim Fater, a Rhode Island native whose sense of adventure has never wavered (we suspect it’s actually gotten stronger) following his diagnosis and treatment. Melanoma Month is almost over, but we’ll share additional stories throughout the year. Tell us yours!

Tim Fater noticed the first sign of melanoma in December of 2003. It wasn’t ominous; just an unusual freckle on his right forearm. Tim was 19 then, a junior at Fairfield University in Connecticut. He was also preparing for a semester abroad in Australia.

His mother, a nurse, urged him to get the freckle checked out before the trip. A biopsy was performed and a follow-up phone call told him the results were benign.

“I went to Australia,” Tim says now, “and burned for six months.”

The Adventure Begins

Following his graduation in 2005, Tim took off on another adventure. “I was doing the classic backpack trip across Europe,” he says. “While sitting on the train, I noticed the hints of a subtle re-growth emerging from the scar on my forearm where that initial excision had taken place. When I got back to the States, I immediately scheduled an appointment with a dermatologist to have the growth examined.”

Tim noticed that more doctors were involved this time, and that they were talking a lot more than usual. “I could tell by the way this was being treated that thiTim Fater - Melanoma Foundation New Englands was something serious, although no one wanted to admit it until we knew for certain,” Tim says. Finally the news came back: malignant melanoma. In fact, it had been all along.

Then it was a whirlwind: shock, fear, confusion. “It’s just really hard,” Tim says. “Especially for your parents, to see the fear on their faces.”

Looking back, Tim believes the disease was pretty certainly enabled by sun exposure during his childhood in Newport, Rhode Island; he was “always outside…whether it was sailing, surfing, golfing or working at an outdoor bar on the beach.”

This annual summer routine rarely included sunscreen, or anyone advising sun safety.

He and his family immediately transferred from Newport to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Massachusetts. “I remember one of my first meetings with the dermatologist very clearly,” Tim says. “The dermatologist that day informed me that a patient in my situation, with the recurrence, depth of the disease and the amount of time that had elapsed, had a five- year survival rate of 50 percent.” This was consistent with a Stage IIIB melanoma diagnosis.

The resulting surgery and skin grafting claimed most of Tim’s right forearm, along with the lymph nodes in his right armpit. This was followed by interferon treatments – an initial five weeks of intravenous deliveries and plenty of cold-sweat discomfort – “they call it shake and bake,” Tim says – followed by 11 months of self-administered injections.

Aggressive, Yet Positive

Here is what else Tim remembers: “I committed myself to a positive outlook; I taught myself to disregard such negative news which I knew could be lurking around the corner at any time. At that point everything was one day at a time.”

In considering this battle, though, one shouldn’t confuse being positive with being passive. Tim says that from the start he had decided to be aggressive in treating the disease; at such a young age, he was determined to navigate what is always a significant disturbance in one’s life and live as close to normal as possible.

That has included educating himself, as well as a great deal of educating others about melanoma. People share the initial whirlwind: what is it? Where did it come from? When people ask how he “got” melanoma, Tim says he tells them: it is one-third sun; one-third genes; and one-third “nobody really knows.”

Still, he says, “this might be the most frustrating part of the whole experience – the fact that skin cancer is, for the most part, very preventable.”

Today Tim Fater is a CPA and works as a Senior Staff Accountant at Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He is married; he is an avid skier and a photographer. He is active in several melanoma-related causes. He has also spoken about melanoma at schools throughout New England.

Tim has remained aggressive through all of the doctor’s appointments, skin checks, scans and follow-ups that come with a melanoma diagnosis. There has been no sign of the disease since the fall of 2005.

He’s also remained positive.

“People get caught up with all the little things, and now after fighting melanoma you have more to fall back on,” Tim says. “You know: don’t worry about the small stuff.”

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Apply Sunscreen Avoid UV & Seek Shade Educate Others Events Routinely Check Skin Sun Protection Clothing Wear Sun Protection

Today is Don’t Fry Day!

Dont Fry Day - National Council on Skin Care Prevention

Just before the outdoor summer festivities begin in earnest, a reminder: the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention has designated today as Don’t Fry Day.  This annual, national campaign takes place every year on the Friday before Memorial Day to help people keep sun safety in mind.

Here are some of the ways the council recommends to keep yourself and your family healthy for the summer and for a lifetime.

 

  • Do not burn or tan
  • Seek shade
  • Wear sun protective clothing
  • Generously apply sunscreen
  • Use extra caution near water, snow and sand
  • Get vitamin D safely

The council also takes a page from Australia’s effort to prevent skin cancer and reminds you to Slip on a shirt, Slop on a broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, Slap on a wide-brimmed hat and Wrap on sunglasses whenever you’re outdoors.

It’s also important to visit your dermatologist at least once a year, and watch for new or changing moles and skin growths.

Enjoy your summer – and stay sun safe!

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New Products What's Hot

New Coolibar Clothing for Summer Shows Beauty on Lots of Levels

Coolibar summer 2014

The latest Coolibar summer catalog starts arriving in mailboxes this week.  Here’s a quick look at what’s new!

Coolibar - Aqua Paisley Reversible Swim Tops and BottomsReversible Swim Base Layers: For the first time, Coolibar unveils sun protective swim base layers that you can wear in the water or under your favorite Coolibar clothing. These fashionable swim bras and swim bottoms are smooth, not skimpy, and addCoolibar - Reversible Swim Base Layers another level of comfort as well as style. Swim bras provide mediumsupport and swim bottoms won’t slip or sag. Best of all, they’re reversible – make this summer all about coordinates!

Active Swim Tights, Active Swim Shorts and Active Rash Guards: Coolibar turns up the summer fun with Coolibar Active Rash Guardthese new items for active, healthy lifestyles. They feature our aqua SUNTECT® fabric so Coolibar Active Swim Tightsthey’re lightweight and quick-drying. But the look is the real delight: these pieces contour and streamline your shape, yet retain complete freedom of movement for your favorite activities in the sun. The shorts and tights have a concealed pocket in back, just one of many little extra touches you’ll love. Choose rash guards with long or short sleeves.

Infant Seaside and Infant Splashy Rompers: This summer is big for rompers, and these are two of our most exciting. The vivid new Infant Seaside and Splashy Rompers - Coolibar summer 2014designs feature fish, dolphins and lots of color for sunny days around the water, but these rompers also feature four-way stretch fabric for lasting comfort during getaways just about anywhere. Snap closure at the neckline and along the bottom make for easy changing on the go!

Sun Hats: Highlights include our new SmartStrawTM Packable Golf Hat, featuring material that’s just like Coolibar SmartStraw Packable Golf Hatclassic, casual straw except that it’s also completely packable without losing its shape. Other new Coolibar sun hats include the Stay Put Fishing Cap, and, for ultra sun protection, the Ultra Sun Hat.

These are just the highlights of our new items, colors and styles for summer 2014. Watch for your Coolibar 2014 summer catalog. Or shop online!

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What's Hot

Last Minute Ideas for Mom!

We know this would never be you. But if someone you know is in a pinch for Mothers Day, consider the gift of sun protection (and so much more) from Coolibar sun protective clothing. Here a few last-minute Mothers Day gift ideas from head to toe:

 

Facesaver Sun Hat: Nothing says “I love you mom” like a sun hat. It keeps her looking young, and looking great too! Buy it Here

 

 

 

Coolibar Convertible Swim Shirt

Convertible Swim Shirt: Excellent for hard-to-shop-for moms: it’s a tankini or a full shirt depending on her mood. It’s also quick-drying, chlorine and saltwater resistant in case of the urge for a quick swim. Buy it Here

 

 

 

 

Coolibar Coastline Cover Up Dress

 

Coastline Cover Up Dress: Terrific for moms who are likely to go near the water. Or to the mall. Or out to dinner. It’s breezy and casual and fun, no matter where. Buy it Here

 

 

 

 

Coolibar Beach Cover Up

 

Beach Cover Up: The ultimate in casual. It packs up light and unpacks with ease, and always maintains a flowing style that’s easy to wear day or evening. Buy it Here

 

 

 

Coolibar Skirted Swim Shorts

 

Skirted Swim Shorts: Fashion meets function. She’ll love the modest yet modern style. Buy it Here

 

 

 

 Cotz Sunscreen - Coolibar

Cotz Natural Skin Tone Sunscreen: Chemical-free with no complicated oils or fragrances, plus powerful SPF 40 protection!     Buy it Here

 

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Educate Others Events SunAWARE

Let’s Help Spread the Word About Melanoma!

Coolibar - Melanoma Awareness Prevention Month

May is officially Melanoma/Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and Coolibar kicks it off with another boost for awareness, detection and prevention of melanoma – the deadliest of skin cancers. Together, melanoma, squamous cell skin cancer and basal cell skin cancer make skin cancer the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in the U.S.

At the same time, according to the Melanoma International Foundation (MIF), efforts to prevent melanoma/skin cancer are the most underfunded of all cancer types. The foundation says melanoma is the least screened cancer, and melanoma detection is not a training requirement for most medical disciplines.Coolibar - Poolside Sun Hat

What Can We Do?

The MIF says:

  • Seek shade and avoid direct sun during the peak hours of 10-4
  • Cover up with protective clothing and use sunscreen lotion
  • Protect your children and role-model sun safe behavior
  • Examine your skin and that of your loved ones each season for any changes that should be checked by a dermatologist
  • Avoid tanning salons: 15 minutes is equal to a whole day’s exposure at the beach!

What Else Can We Do?

Let’s stay aware! Most people don’t realize how a melanoma diagnosis changes someone’s life. Do you?

Coolibar has some special posts ready for you this month. Each week you can meet a melanoma survivor with a story that will amaze you. If you don’t know much about melanoma, these personal stories will help you learn about it quickly. They should also give you a nice dose of motivation. One thing we’re sure of: by the time you finish hearing from these people, you’ll have a different outlook on life.

Key Dates

Our first featured melanoma survivor will be introduced next week, following Melanoma Monday® on May 5. The American Academy of National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention Dont Fry DayDermatology (AAD) has designated the first Monday of each May to raise awareness of melanoma and other types of skin cancer and to encourage early detection through self-exams.

Also, the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention declares the Friday before Memorial Day as Don’t Fry Day to encourage sun safety awareness. This year, Don’t Fry Day is on Friday, May 23.

Stay up to date with Coolibar activities on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Another great way to stay aware during Melanoma/Skin Cancer Awareness Month is to sign up for our weekly emails at Coolibar.com. You’ll get links to all of our stories, plus some extra savings on Coolibar merchandise!

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Apply Sunscreen Educate Others Expert Rx Routinely Check Skin Sun Protection Clothing Wear Sun Protection

What History Tells Us About Skin Cancer and African Americans

February is African American History Month. Among much else, it can serve as a fitting reminder about a myth that has persisted for too long: African Americans (and those with darker skin tones) can’t get skin cancer. In fact, among the African American population, melanoma – the most serious kind of skin cancer – is much more deadly than among Caucasians.

You may have heard that naturally dark-skinned people have less chance of getting skin cancer, and that is true.  Darker skin naturally has more melanin, the dark pigment that protects against the sun’s UV rays. But the simple fact is, no one is immune to skin cancer.

The Skin Cancer Foundation shares these facts:

  • The overall 5-year melanoma survival rate for African Americans is only 77 percent, versus 91 percent  for Caucasians.
  • 52 percent of non-Hispanic black patients receive an initial diagnosis of advanced stage melanoma, versus 16 percent of non-Hispanic white patients.
  • Melanomas in African Americans (and other nationalities, including Asians, Filipinos and Indonesians) most often occur on non-exposed skin with less pigment. Up to 75 percent of tumors arise on the palms, soles, mucous membranes and nail regions.
  • Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common skin cancer among African Americans. It tends to be more aggressive and carry a 20-40 percent risk of metastasis (spreading).
  • Skin cancer comprises one to two percent of all cancers in African Americans.  

Why is this? One reason is that the familiar story about how darker skin has a higher SPF than lighter skin (which it does) has for too long translated into “My dark skin prevents me from getting skin cancer” (which it doesn’t). It’s important to keep skin cancer top of mind; early diagnosis is often critical in successfully treating melanoma and other skin cancers.

Another big reason, according to Dr. Charles E. Crutchfield III, is within the medical community. Crutchfield is a board-certified dermatologist in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area with specialized experience treating ethic skin. He says that the relatively higher incidences of skin cancers among Caucasians – and therefore the related training for physicians – makes it more difficult for professionals to diagnose skin cancer among African Americans and other ethnic groups. The lesions, moles and other symptoms that commonly help with a skin cancer diagnosis do not always appear as readily on someone with darker skin.

Skin cancer in African Americans is also more apt to develop in harder-to-find areas such as under fingernails or toenails.

So education is one of our most effective tools to combat skin cancer. As African American History Month continues, keep in mind how you can avoid skin cancer.

Be SunAWARE and be safe!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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