Angela Bishop, beauty blogger

In recognition of Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, check out these helpful tips for your teens from our guest blogger, Angela Bishop. This make-up connoisseur and mommy of two, usually shares her beauty tips and tricks on her blogs, Beauty Store Dropout and Nine More Months.

With summer around the corner, many people are getting their skin “ready” for the season. It doesn’t hurt to spend small amounts of time in the sun, however more than 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure can be very bad. The number one danger of too much sun exposure is increased risk for melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer. Many people believe that a tanning bed is safer than going out in the sun, but the truth is that it can actually be worse. 

Luckily, there are safer alternatives:

• Spray tanning – Gives you almost immediate results, though only temporary. There are many different shades to choose from, so this works well for everyone. Read reviews and ask around to find the best tanning salon in your area.
• Tanning lotion – Easy at-home way to get color, but can be tricky to apply. Most lotions are one shade only, so test a small spot on your skin before trying. For the best possible results, always exfoliate beforehand, and be sure to wash your hands well after applying.
• Gradual tanner – Takes a few days to show, but as long as you regularly apply it you’ll continue to have a tan. Choose one with an SPF protection in it, and make it part of your daily routine.
• Mineral bronzing powder – Instant gratification, can be adjusted to desired shade, and easily removable. One with shimmer will reflect light to give you a nice glow. Just like putting on makeup, make sure to highlight areas that are naturally touched by the sun, such as the top of your arms, shoulders, legs, and chest.
• Tinted moisturizer – You may be familiar with this as a face product, but check your favorite beauty store and you may be surprised to find a tinted body lotion. Many of these are available with a shimmer as well, which will give you similar results to bronzing powder with the added benefit of moisturizing your skin.
• Pale and pastel-colored clothing, such as light pinks, blues, or yellows. Try on different things to see what looks best with your skin tone. White is a good option as well, but if you have very fair skin, it can have the opposite effect, so be careful.

Whatever you choose, it’s important to always wear sunscreen if you plan on being outside for more than 15 minutes. Don’t forget about your scalp, either! A big floppy sun hat is a fashionable way to protect your head when you’re out.

May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. Check out this video with Dr. Christina Schwindt, Allergist, explaining what parents can do around the house to help prevent allergy symptoms for their families.

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. To avoid pain and injury while participating in athletic activities, check out the following guidelines to ensure that you and your family are wearing the proper shoes for your body and foot type, as recommended by the experts at the CHOC Children’s Orthopaedic Institute. 

The alignment of your feet while standing, walking or running may be described as “neutral” (or “normal”), “flat” or “rigid.”

Neutral means the border of your foot curves slightly off the floor when standing, creating a visible arch.

Flat means that the border of your foot nearly or completely touches the floor when standing.

Rigid means that your weight is on the outside border of your foot when standing or walking.

Choosing the proper shoes for your foot type will help keep your foot and body better supported when walking and playing. Specialty athletic/running shoe stores will be best equipped to help you find the right shoes for your foot type. However, if you know what you are looking for, you should be able to find the right shoe anywhere.

If you have Flat/Overpronated feet, look for shoes that have:
1. A straight last. This means the bottom of the shoes is relatively straight.
2. A rigid sole. When you twist the shoe holding the toe and the heel, it does not move much.
3. Medial posting. The inside border of the shoe has extra firm plastic to prevent the inside border of your foot from collapsing; it is also called “arch support.”
4. A firm heel counter. When you squeeze the heel of the shoe near the sole, it should feel firm.

You can also improve the arch support of your current shoes by removing the insoles and putting in over-the-counter orthotics. These are sold at athletic shoe stores and in the CHOC outpatient pharmacy.

If you have Rigid/Supinated feet, look for shoes that have:
1. A curved last. This means the bottom of the shoes is relatively curved. Turn the shoe upside down and look to make sure the border is curved.
2. A flexible sole. When you twist the shoe holding the toe and the heel, it moves well. Shoe companies may call this “torsion” or “shock absorption.”

Be sure to make an appointment with your child’s physician should you have any questions or concerns, or if your child is experiencing pain tied to his or her feet, ankles, knees, hips, or spine. Your child’s physician will be able to advise on the proper treatment and ensure that your little one’s feet are getting the best care possible!