April 2004
BE SUN SAFE!

Looking our best is important for all of us.  When we look good we feel
good.  Unfortunately, many of us believe we look better with a suntan.  The
bad news is that this way thinking may cause one in five of us to develop
skin cancer at some point in our life.  The good news is that the vast
majority [of skin cancer types] is entirely preventable.
Most people are not aware that not only can overexposure to the sun result
in painful sunburn, but also can lead to serious health problems, including
melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, here are some facts you
should know:
• Skin cancer is more common that all other types of cancer combined.
• One or two blistering sunburns during childhood may double the risk
of melanoma later in life.
• Overexposure to the sun may lead to skin cancer, cataracts, immune
system suppression, and premature aging of the skin.

Leon County Schools Health & Nursing Services suggests the following
precautions to prevent sun-related problems now and later in life.  Started
early and followed consistently, each of these will become an easy,
accepted habit, no more bothersome than fastening seatbelts every time you
get in a car.
• Wear sunglasses that block 99-100% of UV radiation.  Sunglasses
that provide 99-100% UVA and UVB protection will greatly reduce sun
exposure that can lead to cataracts and other eye damage.
• Wear a hat with a wide brim.  A hat with a wide brim offers good
sun protection over eyes, ears, face, and the back of the neck.
• Protect other areas with clothing during prolonged periods in the
sun.  Tightly woven, loose-fitting clothes are best, but any clothing is
better than none at all.
• Always use sunscreen with an SFP (Sun Protection Factor) of 15 or
higher.  A sunscreen with SPF of at least 15 blocks most of the harmful UV
rays.  Apply sunscreen liberally and often while outdoors.
• Limit time in the sun during the midday hours.  The sun’s UV rays
are strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM.  Seek shade when possible during
these hours.

Acute overexposure to the sun can cause a serious burn.  Unfortunately,
skin damage from the time spent in the sun accumulates and may not show its
effects for decades.  Three severe burns (painful burns that peel or cause
water blisters) anytime in our life increases our risk of developing
melanoma by as much as eight times.
Visit these web sites for more information:
• www.aad.org/skincnrUpdates.html
• www.maui.net/~southsky/introto.html
FOOD LABEL INFORMATION

Have you ever wondered what those definitions on food labels mean?  Here is
a brief review.

Calorie free - fewer than 5 calories per serving
Reduced calories - at least 25% fewer calories reference food
Fat free - less than 0.5 g fat per serving
Low fat - 3 g or less per serving; 2% milk can no longer be labeled low-
fat, as it exceeds 3 g per serving.
Reduced fat will be term used instead.
Reduced or less fat - at least 25% less fat per serving than reference food
Fat free does not mean calories free!
High fiber - 5 grams fiber or more per serving.  Foods making high-fiber
claims must also meet the definition for low fat, or the level of total fat
must appear next to the high fiber claim.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is also in the process of developing
standards for low carbohydrate foods.  For more information on this and to
find out other things going on related to food safety and nutrition, please
check out the following websites:
• www.fda.gov
• www.cfsan.fda.gov
• www.cdc.gov
• www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/educators
• www.dole5aday

The above information was provided to Leon County Schools by:
Delores Truesdell MS RD LD/N
President, Tallahassee Dietetic Association