11/09/2007

IN THE LONG RUN

Nearly without exception, walkers and joggers derive significant health benefits from regular exercise. However, there is a potential downside. European researchers have found that marathoners, in particular, are at increased risk for developing skin cancer, including melanoma. In fact, the more intensely marathoners train, the more dysplastic nevi (atypical moles that can become malignant melanoma) and more liver spots they had on their skin. Not only does running outdoors without sun block, head wear, and a shirt expose the skin to excessive radiation, but endurance exercise may suppress the immune system. Anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors playing tennis, bicycling, or running should heed this finding. Try to avoid training between the sun’s peak hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Whether you run, play outdoor sports, or walk outdoors, you need to protect your skin from harmful UV rays that lead to skin cancer. At ELMHURST DERMATOLOGY, we encourage you to protect your skin by wearing sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 when outdoors. If you notice a change in a mole or have concerns about the appearance of your skin, please call us at 630-832-2111 to schedule a consultation. We address all diseases of the skin, hair and nails - from warts to skin cancer. Our practice is located at
242 N. York Road, Suite 101, Elmhurst. Most medical insurance, Visa, and MasterCard welcome.

P.S. A common T-shirt provides minimal protection for the sun, particularly when it is wet.