Wear Sunscreen--Avoid Scars!!
Wear Sunscreen--Avoid Scars!!KWTX Blog Listing
Wear Sunscreen--Avoid Scars!!
Topic Author: Rusty Garrett
Posted: 10:37 PM Aug 6, 2008
Replies Posted: 6 comments
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As a kid, the last thing I wanted to do - was spread on a layer of that "gooey" sun screen.  It was called suntan lotion when I was growing up and there was no SPF on the bottle or tube to indicate strength of protection.  Not that it mattered to most of us back then. 

I sure wish I had invested the time to put it on - because as an adult - I am now paying the price.  With fair skin, I had a greater risk of developing skin cancer and in my 40's, it started showing up.   I now sport another scar, this time a two inch one right in the middle of my forehead from recent surgery to remove another set of skin cancer cells.   I am sorry it looks bad while I face the TV camera to do the weather.  My surgeon says it will become less noticeable with time, but until then, let it serve as a reminder to all of you who elect to avoid using sun block.  

Don't go through the discomfort of skin cancer surgery needlessly.   Avoid this growing delima by coating you and your kids when exposed to the sun...particularly for extended periods of time!
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  • by Charlie Location: Cameron.TX. on Dec 18, 2008 at 12:58 PM
    As a country boy growing up in southeastern Milam we never really worried tooo much about sunburns and the such but I got a bad burn on the gulf coast and now carry a GOOD sunblock whenever I go back or am going to be out for a very long time.Thanks Rusty for your honesty and input.
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  • by Krista Location: Whitney on Dec 3, 2008 at 01:23 PM
    I was wondering what happened to your forehead! Thanks for telling! I'll say a prayer for you that God grants you more health in days to come. You definitely deserve it!
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  • by George Location: Texas on Aug 8, 2008 at 01:13 PM
    You can not stress enough the importance of wearing sun screen. We knew nothing about protection from the sun as we grew up and are now paying a price. I have had over 1000 precancerous leisons removed and have had sking cancer 3 times. I have many many scars which are not beautiful but beat the alternative. Wear suncreen, it will save your life.
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  • by judith ann morriss Location: woodway,texaas on Aug 8, 2008 at 12:20 PM
    Dear Rusty, Thank you for your returned e-mail, i have now read your blog and I an one of the millions that choose to bask in the Texas sun with no sunscreen, but now through your experience & concern I will have sunscreen on from now on..You are a great weather forecaster..& the scar just adds more character to your fantastc personality!!
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  • by Nell Location: Centerville on Aug 8, 2008 at 08:46 AM
    Thank you Rusty for expressing your concerns and sharing your experience with skin cancer. My dad and cousin are both battling melanoma right now, the deadliest form of skin cancer, and it appalls me how many people still don't wear sunscreen and don't put it on their children. You definitely pay the price later! Please keep reminding people of the dangers of sun exposure and something as simple as putting on sunscreen will help prevent skin cancer later in life. Believe me, my dad wishes he had sunscreen available to him when he was a child. Going to MD Anderson every few months is not something you want to experience during your retirement when you are supposed to be really enjoying life! Thank you, again, Rusty and keep on being a skin cancer prevention advocate!
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  • by Jo Location: Cove on Aug 7, 2008 at 07:17 PM
    Thanks, Rusty! I agree with you. I tell my kids all the time to make sure they put sunscreen on when they are at summer camp. I, too, was stubborn and luckily I haven't had any of my "moles" considered cancerous. I get them checked though, because the older I get the more "moles" appear. I have had biopsies done too, quick and painless, fortunately I am still free from cancer.
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