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Teri Festa Takes 5 with Steve Adubato
Talk to us about the Ray Festa Melanoma Foundation.
The foundation is committed to educating everyone on the importance of the prevention and early detection of melanoma. We advocate that everyone should have fun in the sun but should be responsible when doing so. We like to say we want everyone to play sunsmart. We formed the RFMF soon after my father, Ray, died as a result of melanoma in 1992, to fund cancer research and worthwhile projects. At first, we simply formed the organization to pay homage to him and to keep his spirit alive within the community. As an adult, Ray was the owner of Ray’s Luncheonette, a beloved lunch spot in Montclair for many local high-school students and all members of surrounding communities. Ray’s business embodied his values, which were family, civic duty, sports and the development of young people. About 18 months ago, after a self-imposed exile following 9/11, we decided to reorganize the foundation with a focus on melanoma.
Q. What are some of the misconceptions about melanoma?
Many incorrectly believe that people with darker skin and those who do not burn are not at risk. Although the incidence of melanoma is reduced in darker skinned individuals, they actually have a higher death rate be cause it goes undetected longer. Everyone of all ages, cultures and skin color needs to get periodic skin exams by a board-certified dermatologist.
Q. What are some of the best ways to protect our skin and our children’s skin year round?
Our mission is to change the behavior of everyone — especially young people — so that the application of sunscreen becomes a part of their normal daily routine. We want the use of sunscreen to be as common as putting on a seat belt when riding in a car. The best way to protect your children is to teach them to be sun-smart. There are five simple steps for the prevention of melanoma:
Use of sunscreen (at least 30 SPF) every day — summer and winter.
Apply sunscreen every six to eight hours and immediately after swimming or perspiring.
During summer months, avoid high sun (between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.), and wear a hat and other protective clothing.
Stay away from sun lamps and tanning beds.
Get a baseline exam from a board-certified dermatologist.
Q. There are so many sunscreen options out there. What should we look for on a label?
You want your sunscreen to have both UVA and UVB protection. We recommend an SPF of at least 30. What is even more important is that you apply the correct amount of sunscreen. You should apply at least one ounce, which is the size of a shot glass, per adult body. For sunscreen to be effective, you must use enough, apply it before going outdoors and reapply it often. And don’t forget your lips — use a lip balm with a minimum of SPF 15. The incidence of many common cancers is falling, but the incidence of melanoma continues to rise significantly, at a rate faster than that of any of the seven most common cancers, so it is very important to protect yourself from the sun.
Q. Are tanning beds a safer alternative to tanning outside?
Under no circumstances should anyone use a tanning bed. Tanning beds have been classified by the Food and Drug Administration as a carcinogen to humans, similar to tobacco and asbestos. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the risk of melanoma is 75 percent higher among people who used tanning beds in their teens and 20s. Melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer and most common form of cancer for young adults ages 25 to 29 and the second most common form of cancer for adolescents and young adults between 15 and 29. Nearly one in 150 people will be diagnosed with melanoma this year, and nearly 50,000 die from it annually.
Mike Scott IllustrationTeri Festa
Link to article Take 5 Article
Ray Festa Melanoma Foundation Challenges Rosie O'Donnell
Image: Courtesy of Project M A R C
"Exposure to the sun isn't dangerous"
Montclair, NJ, December 7, 2009 – Ray Festa Melanoma Foundation (www.rayfesta.org) has requested an explanation from Rosie O'Donnell. The actress-turned-talk show host was speaking on network TV earlier this month when she revealed she "lives to tan" and followed up with the controversial comment about the her opinion on the safety of sunbathing.
The Ray Festa Melanoma Foundation strongly believes that Ms.O'Donnell's views were not only ill-informed but irresponsible.
The Foundation has called on O'Donnell to record a public service announcement to retract the statements. Ms O'Donnell's comments and the response of The Foundation has been picked up by a variety of print and web media outlets.
Famed cartoonist Marisa Marchetto, who is a longtime supporter of The Foundation, was quoted on The New York Post's gossip column PageSix, "Going out into the sun without protection is as, or even more dangerous, than having unprotected sex."
A sampling of the mentions of The Ray Festa Melanoma Foundation and Rosie O'Donnell can be followed at:
blushstopsphere contactmusic popcrunch.com wikio.com ecorazzi zimbio.com
celebrifi.com huffingtonpost.com theplasticsurgerychannel.com eonline.com wonderwall.msn.com
amazon.imdb.com nymag.com comcast.net nypost.com nbcconnecticut.com abc4.com