Flip Flopped
See why all sandals are NOT created equal, courtesy of Women's Health Magazine.
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/style/wearing-flip-flops?cid=socST_20140716_27948266
Wanna know what to look for when finding the right sandals? Check out these tips!
Putting your best FEET forward,
SH
5 Areas You Don’t Want to Forget to Apply Sunscreen
So you think you’ve slathered on your sunscreen and are ready for a day of fun in the sun…but have you considered these areas? You better!
From HEAD…
Scalp: 
Whether you’re bald or have long luscious locks, an exposed scalp should not be taken lightly for sun protection. Even the smallest part in your (hair)do can reveal enough skin for the sun to do damage. Studies show that melanoma on the scalp can result in a faster rate of death than any other part of the body.
Ears: 
Arms, legs, and face…CHECK! But did you get your ears? They are the 3rd most common site for skin cancer from the sun and should NEVER go untouched. If sunscreen for your ears doesn’t tickle your fancy, try a nice hat with a wide brim to shield you from the sun.
Lips: 
Did you miss a spot with your sunscreen, but can’t figure out where? It could be right under your nose- literally! That’s right the thinner skin and lack of melanin in your lips make them especially vulnerable to the damage from harmful sun rays. It’s best to use lip balm with SPF to keep your kisser in good condition!
Hands: 
They assist you in applying sunscreen to every other part of your body but it’s easy to forget they need a little help being protected from the sun. The palms may be slathered with sunscreen, but don’t forget the back of your hands.
To TOE…
Feet: 
Going barefoot or wearing sandals means your feet are largely uncovered. That makes your feet very susceptible to sun’s harmful rays. Take care to apply sunscreen to the tops & soles of the feet. Don’t forget between the toes! It is a common hideout spot for melanoma of the feet that should NEVER go unnoticed! Don’t forget the nails!
Putting your best FEET forward,
SH
Sandal Season Survival Series TIP #3: What Lies Beneath
No sandal season is officially underway without finding and sporting the perfect shade of nail polish. But as you polish those lil’ piggies, you may be surprised to know that it's highly recommended that you routinely inspect your nails WITHOUT polish for any lurking signs of skin cancer. We know this may sound like awful news for your summer-ready-pedi but skin cancer can rear its ugly head right under your pretty polished nails. What should you look for? The most notable change can be indicative of malignant melanoma, where a linear mark of increased pigmentation- Hutchinson’s sign- forms on the nail bed (skin underneath the nail). It is also a good idea to examine your cuticles for warts or lesions and the nail itself for any deformities. Every 1-3 months is a suggested time to give your nails a look-see (or sooner depending on your level of sun exposure or prior history of skin cancer). There are brands of nail polish that make the claim of providing UV protection against skin cancer, but it is still recommended that you remove your nail polish periodically to inspect your nails for any possible changes. You cannot check your nails enough and always remember: EARLY DETECTION IS KEY!!
Putting your best FEET forward,
SH
Sandal Season Survival Series TIP #2: Pssst! Your Epidermis Is Showing
Wanna REALLY get sandal season into full swing?...Then sunscreen is an absolute must-have to keep in your arsenal to survive the summer safely. The face, back, arms and legs are all the craze when it comes to applying sunscreen, but it’s also a very good idea to slather the tootsies to protect them from the harmful sun rays. To protect your feet from the sun:
• Apply sunscreen with a minimum Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30. You want to lookout for sunscreens that are labeled “water-resistant” and “broad spectrum” that hold up against water exposure and protect you from both UVB (contributes to melanoma) and UVA (causes skin damage) rays.
• Sunscreen should be applied at least 30 minutes prior to going outdoors. It takes approximately 15 minutes for your skin to fully absorb the sunscreen you apply. If you wait until you are outside to apply, you run the harmful risk of your skin becoming scorched by the sun.
• Make sure ALL exposed skin is protected. Wearing sandals means your feet are largely uncovered. That makes your feet very susceptible to sun’s harmful rays. Take care to apply sunscreen to the tops & soles of the feet. Don’t forget between the toes! It is a common hideout spot for melanoma of the feet that should NEVER go unnoticed! With creams you always want to be careful when applying between the toes however. Do not place too much cream in between the toes to prevent any macerations (breakdown) of the skin.
• Reapply! Just because you applied sunscreen before going outdoors does not mean you’re fully protected. You should always reapply sunscreen every 1-2 hours while frolicking in the sun. Certain factors such as water exposure, excessive sweating, and individuals with reduced skin pigmentation may require more frequent reapplications.
No matter if it’s the summertime or any other time of the year, ALWAYS inspect your skin for any potential changes, paying very close attention to any moles or lesions that may be present. If you suspect any changes in your skin, report to your physician immediately!
Tip #3 on the way…
Putting your best FEET forward,
SH
Sandal Season Survival Series TIP #1: You Gotta Have Sole
When getting to the bottom of finding the right sandals for summer, you always want to pay very close attention to the soles. A sole-ful sandal is a safer sandal that provides you with the proper cushioning, comfort, and support. Sandals that have a thicker sole (atleast ½ inch thick) are ideal. That means: Flip Flops BEWARE. Sure, they may be oh-so-convenient to slide on your feet and go on with your day, but no arch support and a flimsy sole can often make them a not-so-wise option. If you are ever unsure if you sandals are suitable for wearing, you should perform a flexion test and torsion test. Ladies, if height is what you crave, wedged sandals are best rather than heels. A wider base gives you greater support, balance, and comfort. Rubber or even cork are suitable sole materials that provide support. Cork is highly recommended as it can conform to the shape of your feet. So here's to fun- AND comfort- in the sun this summer!
Stay tuned for TIP #2!
Putting your best FEET forward,
SH
Pamper Scamper
Looking for the right salon to get those tootsies touched up for sandal season? Here are 9 rules we found that we think you should know....courtesy of elle.com!
Putting your best FEET forward,
SH
Not So Fun In The Sun
According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common cancer found in the United States, with melanoma being the most dangerous form. But in your pursuit of having fun in the sun this summer, do you know what changes to spot to make sure your skin remains safe from head to toe? Check out these common signs of melanoma from A to Z....err E!
Asymmetry: Moles that are uniform in shape should give little cause for concern. However, a mole where one half is different from the other half could indicate melanoma.
Borders: Moles should have borders that are smooth and consistent. A lesion may be cancerous if you notice its borders being jagged and irregular.
Color: Always look for moles to be one solid color (typically brown or tan). Moles that are multi-colored or speckled are likely melanoma.
Diameter: Moles that are less than 6mm (1/4in)- the width of a pencil eraser- are usually harmless. However if they exceed 6mm, then you should suspect melanoma.
Elevation: Inspect if a lesion is flat or elevated. Lesions that are raised above the surface of the skin often appear in the occurrence of melanoma.
What the FOOT!?!: Have you heard of Hutchinson’s Sign? It is a linear mark of increased pigmentation indicating melanoma under the nail. It begins at the base of the nail and extends towards the tip of the nail. It is always a good to remove nail polish and examine nails to note any potential changes under your nails.
Other places to note melanoma of the foot: top of the foot, sole, and in between the toes.
If you suspect any changes in moles or lesions to your skin, report to your physician immediately! And remember, early detection is ALWAYS key, with any form of cancer. The sooner it can be diagnosed, the far better chance you have of recovery.
Putting your best FEET forward,
SH
Nail Salons? You Better Think Twice!
We here at Southern Hospitality recommend that you take a personal natural approach to show your puppies some love. Check out this video from ABC’s 20/20 and see why putting your feet in the wrong hands can spell danger for your dogs! Well, guess what they say is true.......if you want something done right, you just may have to do it yourself!
Putting you best FEET forward,
SH
