Fun in the Sun, the Sun Smart Way

It’s time for another sun safety reminder! Yes, I’ve become that annoying friend who always says, “Don’t forget sunscreen”, “Let’s find a shady spot”, and “You should ask your GP about a skin check”. But this reminder a much more exciting. I’ve teamed up with my life long friend, who’s also an amazing photographer, Kieran Darcy, to share the sun safety message. Kieran was especially supportive and surprisingly inspired during my melanoma diagnosis. So when she asked to collaborate on a sun safety themed photo shoot, I couldn’t help but say, “OF COURSE!” And now that we can share the finished product, I can’t help but give Kieran a big THANK YOU!

The photo shoot took place at my favourite spot in the whole world, Georgian Bay, in Lake Huron, Canada. It’s a place where we’ve both spent many days of our youth under the summer sun. Every summer before this, since I was a baby, I would have either played or lounged in the sun, for the most part without any sun protection. I now honestly regret my audacity for the sun.

What also made this photo shoot special was Kieran not only captured great photos of their own, but the subtly that sun safety can be. You would be surprised how easily sun safety can transition into your everyday life. For example, we still enjoyed some fun in the sun, but under the shade of a tree and during sunset, when the sun is least strong. Additionally, instead of prancing around in my itsy bitsy bikini, I kept covered with my favourite go-to sarong and sunhat. But what you can’t see in these photos is that my body and face are slathered in SPF 50 sunscreen, even under my makeup.

I hope you keep this in mind during the upcoming summer. Though melanoma is scary, sun safety doesn’t have to be. We all have the capacity to form a healthier relationship with the sun. Not only am I an example of this, but my friends and family are as well, who delightfully informed me during my recent trip home that they decided to be more sun smart after hearing my melanoma story. How heart warming is that?! Look below for all the amazing photos from Kieran and check out @kierandarcyphoto for more inspiring photos.Photos by Kieran Darcy.

My Sun Safety Dream Team

I know this might be a few months too early for my northern hemisphere readers, but think of it as a little escape from the cold or something to look forward to. Summer is finally winding down here though (it’s been one of the hottest summers on record) and I thought I would share what’s helped me get through. With my recent diagnosis, I couldn’t help but make adjustments to my sun protection. I was recently reminded again, with the removal of a precancerous mole, of how important it is to do what you can to guard yourself from the damaging rays of the sun. Here is my sun safety dream team!

Sunglasses
Vogue was right, my dermatologist told me, “The bigger, the better”. Unbeknown to most people, our eyes are susceptible to melanoma as well, so invest in a good pair of BIG sunglasses.

Aruba Aloe Very Water Resistant SPF 30 Sunscreen
First of all, SPF 30 is a minimum, along with waterproof protection. I’ve tried expensive and cheap sunscreens, but this gem from the small island of Aruba is my all time favourite. It spreads evenly, smells great, and doesn’t react with my sensitive skin. I know it’s hard to come by with shipping only to Canada and USA, but if you know anyone vacationing in Aruba, ask them to do you a favour and pick some up for you!

Dermalogica Sheer Tint SPF 20 Moisturizer
This is another all time favourite product of mine. It moisturizes perfectly for the day, along with evening out skin tone with a bit of tint. Perfect for underneath SPF makeup.

Zinke Stick
Zinc sticks remind me of sunny days on ski hills as a kid, where we would paint each other’s faces with neon colours. But I’ve since learnt that zinc sticks have come a long way from those days, sold in tan and clear, it’s a necessity for parts susceptible to burn, like your nose.

Dermalogica Total Eye Care SPF 15
We often forget about the sensitive skin around our eyes, but remember melanoma doesn’t discriminate. Along with sun protection, this product depuffs and brightens for those tough mornings.

Aruba Aloe Lip Balm with SPF 15
We also forget about our sensitive lips. We must remember that lip-gloss and lipstick don’t usually have SPF in them. So slather a bit of SPF underneath.

Wide Brim Hat
Not only does a wide brim hat keep the sun off your face and shoulders, but it keeps you cool as well.

Extra Notes

• Cover up. Gone are the days of spaghetti strap tank tops. I find myself wearing mostly T-shirts and long sleeves, and when swimming, at the pool, beach, where ever, I wear an SPF 50 sun shirt for added protection.
• Stay hydrated. When I first moved to Brisbane during the beginning of summer, I would get light headed from the sun. My boyfriend told me to take a bottle of water with me where ever I go, as my body wasn’t accustomed to the heat. I still don’t think I’m accustomed to THIS heat, so I still bring a water bottle with me everywhere I go.
• Be aware. Know the strength of the sun throughout the day. Do outdoor activities first thing in the morning or in the evening when the sun is least strong. Walk on the shady side of the road, even if it’s out of your way. I go so far as to find slivers of shade when waiting to cross the road and never sit at the tables in the sun at restaurants during the day.

What are your favourite sun safety products and tips?

Travel First Aid Essentials

I’m starting the year off with one nerdy post! I get called nerdy every time the people I travel with get a blister, cold, headache, whatever ailment it might be, and I pull out my trusty first aid kit to the rescue. Funny how I use my first aid kit the least, as it usually ends up helping someone else. Who’s the nerd now?! Putting crude comments aside, a well-stocked first aid kit should be packed in every traveller’s luggage. My first aid kit has come a long way since I started travelling, from a few pain relief pills in my toiletry bag to what it is today, a work of art. Some of these comments might be aimed at my boyfriend, a seasoned traveller as well, who insists his first aid kit is better than mine… There’s someone out there for everyone.

But seriously, the following will explain a few tricks of the trade and what to stock in your first aid kit while on the road.

1. Your Local Pharmacy
   Stock up on supplies from you local pharmacy’s shelves. You can get by without prescriptions for most ailments. Most importantly, stick to what you are accustomed to, to avoid unexpected reactions.
2. Space Saving
   You’ll notice that I removed everything from its original packaging and put it in little baggies with the labels. I bought the baggies at my local craft store and I carefully removed labels from their bottles or cut labels from their boxes. Not only does it save on space, but by keeping the medication with their labels, I know expiry dates and ingredients, as well as avoiding critical mix-ups.
3. Personalise
   My first aid kit is stocked with what cures common ailments for myself as well as the basics, from antibiotics for those not so pleasant, common infections (ahem, ladies) to medications to ease my common tummy pains. If you take regular medication at home (including birth control) stock up on that as well.
4. Talk to your Travel Doctor
   Before visiting developing countries, talk to your travel doctor about what health risks you might encounter while abroad and some medications you might need. Along with crucial vaccines, your doctor will prescribe at least one strong antibiotic for emergencies. Fill this prescription before you leave and keep it safe in your first aid kit, it might be life saving.
5. Paperwork
   Some borders are tricky, so it’s important to be prepared if questioned. Ensure you have copies of all of your prescriptions either with your first aid kit or with your passport.

What to Stock
Pain

• Ibuprofen (Advil)
• Paracetamol (Tylenol)
• Strong pain reliever (Aleve)

Cold and Flu

• Cold-FX Extra/Echinacea/Any immune boosting formula
• Cold and flu medication
• Throat lozenges

Digestion

• Gravol (nausea relief)
• Senna (constipation relief)
• Immodium (diarrhoea relief)
• Gastrolyte (dehydration relief)

Allergies

• Benadryl
• Hydrocortisone cream/Calamine lotion
• Eye drops

Cuts, Scrapes, Burns

• Antiseptic
• Adhesive bandages of varying sizes
• Gauze
• Tape
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Gentle healing cream

Additional

• Antibiotic
• Sleep aid
• Saline solution
• Heat rub
• Gloves
• Condoms

Emergency Money

Money pouch from the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

I am speaking from experience when I say this, carry emergency money on you when travelling, especially to developing countries. While in Egypt I happened to spend my last Egyptian Pound just after I parted ways with a travel buddy of mine in Dahab. Walking back to the hostel to eventually catch my bus to Cairo, I thought I would get my last bit of money for the trip from the ATM. Right as I stepped up to the ATM, the screen went blank. I walked into the convenience store beside the ATM to ask if they knew anything about it, where they informed me there was a power outage, a daily occurrence for this town. The panic began, I was in a developing country without access to money or friends to help me. Luckily, the power came back on just before my bus departed and I was able to get more than enough money from the ATM for the rest of my trip.

After this, I decided I did not want to be put in this situation again, which seemed far too easy in developing countries when travelling alone. My solution is to carry between $100 and $500 US or Euros, depending on where you are travelling and your budget. In and around Europe, Euros are the way to go, but everywhere else US dollars makes more sense, as it is easily converted in most countries.

It is important to avoid spending this money, unless it is a real emergency. I usually put the money in an envelope or pouch and hide it in various compartments of my luggage (oops, my secret is out). If you keep your luggage secure, there should not be an issue of theft. But for me, out of sight, out of mind, unless it is absolutely needed (hopefully it does not come to that). And if you do not need to spend the emergency money, there is an added bonus upon your return, forced savings!