So I went to my regular 6 month checkup by my dermatologist today and it got me wondering. Some background info: I'm in the high risk group of getting skin cancer; fair skin, light hair, moles (lots of moles), sunburned at young age many times, grew up on the beach, outdoor sports, burn after 15 minutes, etc. etc. I've had several "pre-cancerous" spots taken off, one last year that required 12 stitches. Then to top it off a family friend died last year around the same time from skin cancer that went systemic.
So I'm kinda keen on not getting it in any way, shape or form.
I do what I can, wearing sunscreen, hats, long-sleeve shirts when working outside, pants. "PLEASE tell me you don't go out in the sun without a shirt on.", he asked today (I don't). The beach has been out for a while, and that is rough having grown up a surfer. But I'm down to the lycra shorts and polyester shirt when riding, and I ride at least 4 of 5 days to/from work, and run 2 or 3 days in the afternoons. In the mornings it's before the sun is up, so that's ok. But in the afternoon around 3:30 the sun in Mississippi is pretty strong and I already have a strong tan on my arms and face even though I wear a Rx'd sunscreen. As much as I thought I knew, my dermatologist told me today that it's the tanning rays that cause skin cancer, not the rays that cause sunBurns. And an SPF 30 sunscreen is really only at most a 4 or 6 SPF on tanning rays. So what to do?
Is riding wearing long sleeve shirts in the summer an option? They'd seem hard to find now, and probably hot!? My doc gave me a catalog of SPF50 clothing, but it's mostly for women, and the ONE shirt in it for a man is $80! It's just everyday wear, not cycling clothing anyway. On top of all this I had a strange insight tonight wondering if all the short moments walking to/from house to get the mail/bike/etc. with no sunscreen on arms & hands were worse than long periods with sunscreen & clothes. Yes I worry too much. Guinness & Harp help though (heh heh).
Do you worry or deal with this? I don't want to give up riding or running. Having to quit mowing the grass would be ok.
On Mon, 25 Apr 2005 21:13:32 -0500, "Dukester" <dontspamdukes909@meyahoo.com> wrote:
So I went to my regular 6 month checkup by my dermatologist today and it got >me wondering. Some background info: I'm in the high risk group of getting >skin cancer; fair skin, light hair, moles (lots of moles), sunburned at >young age many times, grew up on the beach, outdoor sports, burn after 15 >minutes, etc. etc. I've had several "pre-cancerous" spots taken off, one >last year that required 12 stitches. Then to top it off a family friend >died last year around the same time from skin cancer that went systemic.>
So I'm kinda keen on not getting it in any way, shape or form.>
I do what I can, wearing sunscreen, hats, long-sleeve shirts when working >outside, pants. "PLEASE tell me you don't go out in the sun without a shirt >on.", he asked today (I don't). The beach has been out for a while, and that >is rough having grown up a surfer. But I'm down to the lycra shorts and >polyester shirt when riding, and I ride at least 4 of 5 days to/from work, >and run 2 or 3 days in the afternoons. In the mornings it's before the sun >is up, so that's ok. But in the afternoon around 3:30 the sun in >Mississippi is pretty strong and I already have a strong tan on my arms and >face even though I wear a Rx'd sunscreen. As much as I thought I knew, my >dermatologist told me today that it's the tanning rays that cause skin >cancer, not the rays that cause sunBurns. And an SPF 30 sunscreen is really >only at most a 4 or 6 SPF on tanning rays. So what to do?>
Is riding wearing long sleeve shirts in the summer an option? They'd seem >hard to find now, and probably hot!? My doc gave me a catalog of SPF50 >clothing, but it's mostly for women, and the ONE shirt in it for a man is >$80! It's just everyday wear, not cycling clothing anyway. On top of all >this I had a strange insight tonight wondering if all the short moments >walking to/from house to get the mail/bike/etc. with no sunscreen on arms & >hands were worse than long periods with sunscreen & clothes. Yes I worry >too much. Guinness & Harp help though (heh heh).>
Do you worry or deal with this? I don't want to give up riding or running. >Having to quit mowing the grass would be ok.>
Comments/suggestions?>--Cheers!>Duke >
A little late to be asking this here when you've already got a strong tan on your arms, no?
If really afraid why not spend a mere 80 bucks for a special jersey?
The only complete blocker is probably zinc/titanium oxide and there's some worry about absorption of titanium.
Just remember just because you are wearing sunblock or l/s jersey, you should still try to stay out of the sun and not go in the sun more thinking you're protected. There's always a part of the skin that will get fried on high UV days, after all - (nose, top of head, etc.) <g>
I am the same type you are, though I have yet to need anything removed. For the last several years I usually wear long sleeve T-shirts when outdoors, ALWAYs cover my face neck and ears with sunscreen, wear a hat/sunglasses whenever posssible.
I know, long sleeve Tees aren't 100%, but they are a lot better than nothing, they are comfortable and they don't cost much.
Dukester wrote:> I'm in the high risk group of getting > skin cancer; fair skin, light hair, moles (lots of moles), sunburned at > young age many times, grew up on the beach, outdoor sports, burn after 15 > minutes, etc. etc. > And an SPF 30 sunscreen is really > only at most a 4 or 6 SPF on tanning rays. So what to do?
I'm not sure about the SPF 30 being only 4 or 6, but I do know you can get SPF 40 (I do). Every little bit helps....
You can ride at off peak times for the sun, like early in the morning or late in the evening. Wear sun screen. Wear a doo rag under your helmet. Get regular checkups.
:: Do you worry or deal with this? I don't want to give up riding or :: running. Having to quit mowing the grass would be ok.
Definitely quit mowing the grass so you can ride and run! (guilty as charged, here!). Also, I'd think any lightweight shirt would work for you. It may be hotter, but it still might help.
catzz66 wrote: :: You can ride at off peak times for the sun, like early in the :: morning or late in the evening. Wear sun screen. Wear a doo rag :: under your helmet. Get regular checkups.
One would think that living in MS would automatically induce one to ride in off peak times! Good suggestion, though...
Is riding wearing long sleeve shirts in the summer an option?
Yes indeed. There are some very light sun-blocking long-sleeve jerseys out there. My wife often wears one riding in the Phoenix, Arizona sun (and that's a lot of sun!). They're no doubt a little warmer than no sleeves, but if they keep the sun off your skin you might really be MORE comfortable on some sunny days.
Dukester wrote:> I do what I can, wearing sunscreen, hats, long-sleeve shirts when working > outside, pants. "PLEASE tell me you don't go out in the sun without a shirt > on.", he asked today (I don't). The beach has been out for a while, and that > is rough having grown up a surfer. But I'm down to the lycra shorts and > polyester shirt when riding, and I ride at least 4 of 5 days to/from work, > and run 2 or 3 days in the afternoons. In the mornings it's before the sun > is up, so that's ok. But in the afternoon around 3:30 the sun in > Mississippi is pretty strong and I already have a strong tan on my arms and > face even though I wear a Rx'd sunscreen. As much as I thought I knew, my > dermatologist told me today that it's the tanning rays that cause skin > cancer, not the rays that cause sunBurns. And an SPF 30 sunscreen is really > only at most a 4 or 6 SPF on tanning rays. So what to do?>
Is riding wearing long sleeve shirts in the summer an option? They'd seem > hard to find now, and probably hot!?
I've got a handful of long jerseys, and they vary in weight. Two, a Cannondale and a Performance waffled high-vis yellow-green, are noticeably lighter than the others. I've ridden in them a couple of times when it's rather warm, usually when it was cool on the morning commute and warmed up later.
Up to 70, they're OK. Up to 80, they can be tolerated for a half-hour commute home. Over 80, in the Alabama humidity, they get hot. Plan on pouring water over yourself every 15 minutes, and drinking about as much, so you need to double the water you carry. Did I mention long sleeve jerseys are really hot over about 80?
I know we had a long discussion about SPF factors a while back, but I've never gotten sunburned (or even decently tanned!) under a cycling jersey.
Personally, I'd wear a short jersey and wouldn't worry about sun exposure after 3:30. Even though you may be a couple hundred miles west of me, that's still what I'd recommend. But you can probably still find long jerseys, likely on sale, at many mail order bike suppliers (MOBS?).
I have similar problems. There are high tech poly shirts, mine are made by Brooks, that have a weave that allows air to go through so you don't get hot. They are meant to be an under layer, but work well in the sun on their own. Lots of my tennis ladies wear them. (And they are fairly inexpensive, I got them at Sports Express...)
I am allergic to all sunscreen I've found over 30SPF, but I've seen up to 60 SPF out there. If your skin can take it, go for it.
Put a visor on your helmet if you don't already have one.
On Tue, 26 Apr 2005 09:19:59 -0500, Pat Lamb <pdl678NOSPAM@comcast.net> wrote:
Dukester wrote:>> I do what I can, wearing sunscreen, hats, long-sleeve shirts when working >> outside, pants. "PLEASE tell me you don't go out in the sun without a shirt >> on.", he asked today (I don't). The beach has been out for a while, and that >> is rough having grown up a surfer. But I'm down to the lycra shorts and >> polyester shirt when riding, and I ride at least 4 of 5 days to/from work, >> and run 2 or 3 days in the afternoons. In the mornings it's before the sun >> is up, so that's ok. But in the afternoon around 3:30 the sun in >> Mississippi is pretty strong and I already have a strong tan on my arms and >> face even though I wear a Rx'd sunscreen. As much as I thought I knew, my >> dermatologist told me today that it's the tanning rays that cause skin >> cancer, not the rays that cause sunBurns. And an SPF 30 sunscreen is really >> only at most a 4 or 6 SPF on tanning rays. So what to do?>>
Is riding wearing long sleeve shirts in the summer an option? They'd seem >> hard to find now, and probably hot!? >
I've got a handful of long jerseys, and they vary in weight. Two, a >Cannondale and a Performance waffled high-vis yellow-green, are >noticeably lighter than the others. I've ridden in them a couple of >times when it's rather warm, usually when it was cool on the morning >commute and warmed up later.>
Up to 70, they're OK. Up to 80, they can be tolerated for a half-hour >commute home. Over 80, in the Alabama humidity, they get hot. Plan on >pouring water over yourself every 15 minutes, and drinking about as >much, so you need to double the water you carry. Did I mention long >sleeve jerseys are really hot over about 80?
Not to argue with you, but I have -never- found it hot riding the bike. If it is above 92-3 degrees, I sometimes am concerned as I leave the house, but I'm always surprised how cool it is once I'm riding. The heat might make me sweat, but even if it's a calm day, as you know, the bike makes its own wind. I'll agree that some people seem to adapt better to heat or cold than others.
In fact sometimes, I'll wear extra clothing and get in a good sweat even on hot days. The only thing that I've had to be concerned about in the summer is getting a sunburn on my knees.
I know we had a long discussion about SPF factors a while back, but I've >never gotten sunburned (or even decently tanned!) under a cycling jersey.
Yes, but remember, some people are concerned that the dangerous rays are the long-wave light, not the short-wave, UV, tanning rays. Perhaps it would be prudent for those with histories of melanoma to also wear sun-screen under their long-sleeve jersey (though it's more effective on UV than the other kind), and to ride in the early am, or early evening when the sun is low.
Personally, I'd wear a short jersey and wouldn't worry about sun >exposure after 3:30. Even though you may be a couple hundred miles west
For sensitive or at-risk individuals, I'd make it 5:30. Sometimes one can still get quite a burn from 3 to 5 (remember EDT).
jj
of me, that's still what I'd recommend. But you can probably still find >long jerseys, likely on sale, at many mail order bike suppliers (MOBS?).>
Dukester <dontspamdukes909@meyahoo.com> wrote in message newsmhbe.131053$UW6.45701@bignews5.bellsouth.net...>
Is riding wearing long sleeve shirts in the summer an option?
They'd seem> hard to find now, and probably hot!?
They are not cycling specific, but my favorite shirt for outdoor activities here in the high desert Southwest (USA) is the Eco-mesh shirt from www.railriders.com. A cheaper but less comfortable alternative is a loose long-sleeve cotton t-shirt soaked with water before your ride/run.
Mark Hickey wrote:> "Dukester" <dontspamdukes909@meyahoo.com> wrote:>
Is riding wearing long sleeve shirts in the summer an option? >
Yes indeed. There are some very light sun-blocking long-sleeve> jerseys out there. My wife often wears one riding in the Phoenix,> Arizona sun (and that's a lot of sun!). They're no doubt a little> warmer than no sleeves, but if they keep the sun off your skin you> might really be MORE comfortable on some sunny days.
Note the location, Mark. Mississippi is closer to Florida's humidity than Arizona's. (You do remember humidity, don't you?
Maybe the OP could try something like an old long-sleeve dress shirt that would flap in the breeze better, er, provide better ventilation, than a jersey.
jj wrote:> On Tue, 26 Apr 2005 09:19:59 -0500, Pat Lamb <pdl678NOSPAM@comcast.net>> wrote:>
I've got a handful of long jerseys, and they vary in weight. Two, a >>Cannondale and a Performance waffled high-vis yellow-green, are >>noticeably lighter than the others. I've ridden in them a couple of >>times when it's rather warm, usually when it was cool on the morning >>commute and warmed up later.>>
Up to 70, they're OK. Up to 80, they can be tolerated for a half-hour >>commute home. Over 80, in the Alabama humidity, they get hot. Plan on >>pouring water over yourself every 15 minutes, and drinking about as >>much, so you need to double the water you carry. Did I mention long >>sleeve jerseys are really hot over about 80?>
Not to argue with you, but I have -never- found it hot riding the bike. If> it is above 92-3 degrees, I sometimes am concerned as I leave the house,> but I'm always surprised how cool it is once I'm riding. The heat might> make me sweat, but even if it's a calm day, as you know, the bike makes its> own wind. I'll agree that some people seem to adapt better to heat> or cold than others.>
In fact sometimes, I'll wear extra clothing and get in a good sweat even on> hot days. The only thing that I've had to be concerned about in the summer> is getting a sunburn on my knees.
YMMV. I've never been too cool on a bike when the temperature was over 65. I have been too hot.
I know we had a long discussion about SPF factors a while back, but I've >>never gotten sunburned (or even decently tanned!) under a cycling jersey.>
Yes, but remember, some people are concerned that the dangerous rays are> the long-wave light, not the short-wave, UV, tanning rays. Perhaps it would> be prudent for those with histories of melanoma to also wear sun-screen> under their long-sleeve jersey (though it's more effective on UV than the> other kind), and to ride in the early am, or early evening when the sun is> low.>
I thought the OP's dermatologist was making a distinction between burning and tanning rays, with the tanning rays being the longer UV wavelengths.>
Personally, I'd wear a short jersey and wouldn't worry about sun >>exposure after 3:30. Even though you may be a couple hundred miles west >
For sensitive or at-risk individuals, I'd make it 5:30. Sometimes one can> still get quite a burn from 3 to 5 (remember EDT).
Pat Lamb wrote: :: Mark Hickey wrote: ::: "Dukester" <dontspamdukes909@meyahoo.com> wrote: ::: ::: :::: Is riding wearing long sleeve shirts in the summer an option? ::: ::: ::: Yes indeed. There are some very light sun-blocking long-sleeve ::: jerseys out there. My wife often wears one riding in the Phoenix, ::: Arizona sun (and that's a lot of sun!). They're no doubt a little ::: warmer than no sleeves, but if they keep the sun off your skin you ::: might really be MORE comfortable on some sunny days. :: :: Note the location, Mark. Mississippi is closer to Florida's humidity :: than Arizona's. (You do remember humidity, don't you? :: :: Maybe the OP could try something like an old long-sleeve dress shirt :: that would flap in the breeze better, er, provide better ventilation, :: than a jersey. :: :: Pat
What about an oversized, therefore loose fitting jersey? Dress shirts might catch and hold moisture...
On Tue, 26 Apr 2005 09:55:15 -0500, Pat Lamb <pdl678NOSPAM@comcast.net> wrote:
Yes, but remember, some people are concerned that the dangerous rays are>> the long-wave light, not the short-wave, UV, tanning rays. Perhaps it would>> be prudent for those with histories of melanoma to also wear sun-screen>> under their long-sleeve jersey (though it's more effective on UV than the>> other kind), and to ride in the early am, or early evening when the sun is>> low.>>
I thought the OP's dermatologist was making a distinction between >burning and tanning rays, with the tanning rays being the longer UV >wavelengths.
Yeah, I was kind of wincing when I typed that, lol.
I'm not sure what he means by "burning" versus "tanning" rays. As you know infra-red light is the 'heat' and ultra-violet light (UVA-B) are the tanning rays. Maybe there's some kind of UV light breakdown that categorizes as burning vs tanning, but is still short-wave.
On Tue, 26 Apr 2005 08:46:34 -0600, "Matthew" <matthewvenhaus@hotmail.com> wrote:
Dukester <dontspamdukes909@meyahoo.com> wrote in message>newsmhbe.131053$UW6.45701@bignews5.bellsouth.net...>>
Is riding wearing long sleeve shirts in the summer an option?>They'd seem>> hard to find now, and probably hot!?>
They are not cycling specific, but my favorite shirt for outdoor>activities here in the high desert Southwest (USA) is the Eco-mesh>shirt from www.railriders.com. A cheaper but less comfortable>alternative is a loose long-sleeve cotton t-shirt soaked with water>before your ride/run.>
Matthew
You know, that's a great idea, and I've used that many times. In fact some days I'll wear a very, very lightweight balaclava just to deal with the wind noise, but I'll soak it and wring it out lightly first. Easy to dump more water on it as it dries.
I am the same type you are, though I have yet to need anything> removed. For the last several years I usually wear long sleeve> T-shirts when outdoors, ALWAYs cover my face neck and ears with> sunscreen, wear a hat/sunglasses whenever posssible.>
I know, long sleeve Tees aren't 100%, but they are a lot better than> nothing, they are comfortable and they don't cost much.>
You are not alone!
Performance, Nashbar, etc., sell lightweight summer jerseys especially for sun protection. I don't know what you should do about keeping your legs covered, but skin cancer on the legs is rare.
Also, there's sun protection clothing available for runners which is very lightweight and breathable. I don't know where to get it, but perhaps you could check some running/triathlon/extreme sports sites.
Finally, consider moving to somewhere less sunny, like Washington or British Columbia.
Is riding wearing long sleeve shirts in the summer an option?>
Yes indeed. There are some very light sun-blocking long-sleeve> jerseys out there. My wife often wears one riding in the Phoenix,> Arizona sun (and that's a lot of sun!). They're no doubt a little> warmer than no sleeves, but if they keep the sun off your skin you> might really be MORE comfortable on some sunny days.
I agree with this. In strong sun I'm generally more comfortable covered than bare skinned.
Harold A. Davison 27 April 2005 00:46:38 [ permanent link ]
For what its worth!
You could try this site, I have nothing to do (financially) with them but DO use their gear and it does work. www.sunprecautions.com
"Pat Lamb" <pdl678NOSPAM@comcast.net> wrote in message news:3d72laF6oqk0dU1@individual.net...> Mark Hickey wrote:>> "Dukester" <dontspamdukes909@meyahoo.com> wrote:>>
Is riding wearing long sleeve shirts in the summer an option?>>
Yes indeed. There are some very light sun-blocking long-sleeve>> jerseys out there. My wife often wears one riding in the Phoenix,>> Arizona sun (and that's a lot of sun!). They're no doubt a little>> warmer than no sleeves, but if they keep the sun off your skin you>> might really be MORE comfortable on some sunny days.>
Note the location, Mark. Mississippi is closer to Florida's humidity than > Arizona's. (You do remember humidity, don't you? >
Maybe the OP could try something like an old long-sleeve dress shirt that > would flap in the breeze better, er, provide better ventilation, than a > jersey.>
Not to argue with you, but I have -never- found it hot riding the bike. If>it is above 92-3 degrees, I sometimes am concerned as I leave the house,>but I'm always surprised how cool it is once I'm riding.
Heh... around here, you get so used to REAL heat that you'd get goosebumps at 92 degrees. Seriously, I do a lot of rides in the summer in the 105-110F (40.5-43C) range. The trick is to start slow (to build a sweat before you're generating too much internal heat). If you "red line" your body's thermostat, it's really hard to cool off again.
And water. Take LOTS of water. I drain a 100 ounce Camelbak in 45 minutes and finish the ride kinda thirsty. I can't imagine I'm really pushing out that much sweat, but it's all going somewhere.
But all in all, I still think it's cooler than jumping in a car, for at least the first five minutes (when the interiors will be WAY over the ambient temperature, and you're sitting on a seat that's warmed to the same degree). One of the adjustments I made to my "urban bike" was composite brake levers. It's kind of funny how HOT the aluminum versions feel when they're 15 degrees hotter than your fingers.
"Dukester" <dontspamdukes909@meyahoo.com> wrote in message newsmhbe.131053$UW6.45701@bignews5.bellsouth.net...> So I went to my regular 6 month checkup by my dermatologist today and it > got me wondering. Some background info: I'm in the high risk group of > getting skin cancer; fair skin, light hair, moles (lots of moles), > sunburned at young age many times, grew up on the beach, outdoor sports, > burn after 15 minutes, etc. etc. I've had several "pre-cancerous" spots > taken off, one last year that required 12 stitches. Then to top it off a > family friend died last year around the same time from skin cancer that > went systemic.>
So I'm kinda keen on not getting it in any way, shape or form.>
What type of lesions did you have and where on your body? I am just coming to the end of surgery for eight lesions, all on my torso. They were of the basel or squamous carsonoma type which thankfully are les likely to masticise(sp?) than melanoma. I almost certainly picked up this whilst living in South Africa twenty years ago. However, my plastic surgeon seems to think that in my case sunblock (at least 30) on exposed areas should be effective protection. I assume that your "pre cancerous spots" were of the melanoma type, otherwise you may be being a little overcautious. I have never been to a tanning salon. Is that really the critical factor in your case?
Mark Hickey wrote:>> One of the adjustments I made to my "urban bike">> was composite brake levers. It's kind of funny how HOT the aluminum>> versions feel when they're 15 degrees hotter than your fingers. >
And of course, the composite levers transmit less vibration to your>fingers. You know - firm, yet compliant.
Funny thing is, when I painted them silver, I couldn't tell the difference.
In article <1114576124.720905.138700@l41g2000cwc.googlegroups.com>, frkrygow@yahoo.com wrote:
Mark Hickey wrote:> > One of the adjustments I made to my "urban bike"> > was composite brake levers. It's kind of funny how HOT the aluminum> > versions feel when they're 15 degrees hotter than your fingers. >
And of course, the composite levers transmit less vibration to your> fingers. You know - firm, yet compliant. >
araby wrote:> "Dukester" <dontspamdukes909@meyahoo.com> wrote in message > newsmhbe.131053$UW6.45701@bignews5.bellsouth.net...>
So I went to my regular 6 month checkup by my dermatologist today and it >>got me wondering. Some background info: I'm in the high risk group of >>getting skin cancer; fair skin, light hair, moles (lots of moles), >>sunburned at young age many times, grew up on the beach, outdoor sports, >>burn after 15 minutes, etc. etc. I've had several "pre-cancerous" spots >>taken off, one last year that required 12 stitches. Then to top it off a >>family friend died last year around the same time from skin cancer that >>went systemic.>>
So I'm kinda keen on not getting it in any way, shape or form.>>
What type of lesions did you have and where on your body? I am just coming > to the end of surgery for eight lesions, all on my torso. They were of the > basel or squamous carsonoma type which thankfully are les likely to > masticise(sp?) than melanoma. I almost certainly picked up this whilst > living in South Africa twenty years ago. However, my plastic surgeon seems > to think that in my case sunblock (at least 30) on exposed areas should be > effective protection.> I assume that your "pre cancerous spots" were of the melanoma type, > otherwise you may be being a little overcautious.> I have never been to a tanning salon. Is that really the critical factor in > your case?>
Good luck anyway,>
REGARDS,>
rOY >
I spent 8 or 9 hours out in the sun on Monday (long ride) with short sleeves and no sun block. What I noticed when I got back home was not any sunburn, but a noticeable darkening of the skin on my arms with some pure white spots (like Albino white) and wondered what was up with that. Age could be a factor (56) but I felt like I was turning into Michael Jackson (no, not that way) and going artificially white. Usually I can get a good tan by mid May by riding topless and with shorts. No sun block for me as cancer does not exist in my family and I hate that stuff anyway. My sister is way more light skinned than me and does need the sun block, so it is not consistent even among siblings. My sympathies to those who have to lather up in chemicals to ride. Bill Baka
I can attest to the big drop in blood pressure after a hard hot ride and > not quite enough water, so that will be something to consider in the > coming summer months.> BP before = 125/90.> BP after = 80/50.> That has happened to me a number of times on hot rides.
Let me get this right. You don't use a cyclocomputer while riding, but DO have a blood pressure cuff to check your blood pressure before and after a ride?
"araby" <araby@rogers.com> wrote in message news:x62dnQ3ISPZBEfLfRVn-ig@rogers.com...>> What type of lesions did you have and where on your body? I am just >> coming> to the end of surgery for eight lesions, all on my torso. They were of the > basel or squamous carsonoma type which thankfully are les likely to > masticise(sp?) than melanoma. I almost certainly picked up this whilst > living in South Africa twenty years ago. However, my plastic surgeon seems > to think that in my case sunblock (at least 30) on exposed areas should be > effective protection.> I assume that your "pre cancerous spots" were of the melanoma type, > otherwise you may be being a little overcautious.> I have never been to a tanning salon. Is that really the critical factor > in your case?
Never been to a tanning salon. I think it was growing up on the beach, surfing all the time. The pre-cancerous spots (melanoma) were all on my back, some on the shoulders, one over the lower spine. I was also told that anything over 30, i.e. SPF 48, 60, are no better than 30.
Usually I can get a good tan by mid May by riding topless and with>>shorts.>
{SideshowBobShudder.wav}>
Back in the mountains, by myself. No beach in my neck of the woods. The way I ride cancer is the least of my worries, or should I say, my wife's worries? Bill (semi tan) Baka
My sympathies to those who have to lather up in chemicals to ride.>>Bill Baka>
Actually, dermatologists would tell you to wear some sort of protective> clothing or sun block no matter what your skin tone or family history.> This is another one of those things where even if the probability of a> bad outcome is low - it is still a very bad outcome. and since it's> easy to protect why not?> But it may go along with the health plan that includes drinking from> puddles and climibng hihg voltage towers.>
Yeah, well, you know what they say about if it don't kill ya it makes you stronger. I ain't dead and sure not a hypochondriac. I figure I made it past the double nickel and I don't have any kids under 18, why not just get out and not worry? Bill Baka
I can attest to the big drop in blood pressure after a hard hot ride >> and not quite enough water, so that will be something to consider in >> the coming summer months.>> BP before = 125/90.>> BP after = 80/50.>> That has happened to me a number of times on hot rides.>
Let me get this right. You don't use a cyclocomputer while riding, but > DO have a blood pressure cuff to check your blood pressure before and > after a ride?>
Rich
Yes. I did have borderline high blood pressure and was about 30 pounds heavier before I started riding a lot. My Cholesterol dropped from 225 to 180 too. I bought one of those silly digital blood pressure kits when it was running on the high side and now it is more of a toy than really needed. It does verify the effects of some activities on BP though. Eating a big meal pumps it up by about 20 points so now I nibble all day and don't eat a big dinner. The cyclocomputer would be a good tool IF I only did road riding, but the effort per mile is a whole lot different on gravel or sand. I don't need a computer to tell me that riding is a good thing. Bill Baka
gds wrote:> I'm talking about demographics and epidemiology more broadly.>
My problem with your reckless comments is not that you'll go out and> kill yourself but rather that someone will actually believe that you> know what you are talking about and get themselves into trouble> following your lead.>
So, go ahead and continue to be foolish- that is your right. For all I> know you'll live until 160. But if you are really doing even a fraction> of what you boast- then 60 may be more likely.>
I intended neither reckless comments nor did I give any advice to not wear sun block. It is not an issue that I am personally worried about, and to each his own, that is all.
As far as being foolish is concerned, not acting my age is actually far from foolish as it does keep me fit. I have a younger woman (51) living behind me who has had 7 heart attacks and acts her age, sitting in a wheelchair and smoking. A few years back I had a 42 year old technician working for me with gray hair and a ponytail, and that even I considered silly looking. For me, 60 is only 3.3 years away so I will probably make that easily, just not on a nice safe couch or covered in sun block.
I am not trying to live forever but rather to have fun while I am around and not worry about having to make an extra trip to buy sun block just so I can venture out. My skin is a little darker than some since I have native American in my ancestry, so maybe I have an edge on purely European heritage Americans. Maybe???, maybe not. Bill Baka
On Tue, 26 Apr 2005 20:26:09 -0700, Mark Hickey <mark@habcycles.com> wrote:
jj <jet@jetstream.com> wrote:>
Not to argue with you, but I have -never- found it hot riding the bike. If>>it is above 92-3 degrees, I sometimes am concerned as I leave the house,>>but I'm always surprised how cool it is once I'm riding. >
Heh... around here, you get so used to REAL heat that you'd get>goosebumps at 92 degrees. Seriously, I do a lot of rides in the>summer in the 105-110F (40.5-43C) range. The trick is to start slow>(to build a sweat before you're generating too much internal heat).>If you "red line" your body's thermostat, it's really hard to cool off>again.>
And water. Take LOTS of water. I drain a 100 ounce Camelbak in 45>minutes and finish the ride kinda thirsty. I can't imagine I'm really>pushing out that much sweat, but it's all going somewhere.>
But all in all, I still think it's cooler than jumping in a car, for>at least the first five minutes (when the interiors will be WAY over>the ambient temperature, and you're sitting on a seat that's warmed to>the same degree). One of the adjustments I made to my "urban bike">was composite brake levers. It's kind of funny how HOT the aluminum>versions feel when they're 15 degrees hotter than your fingers. >
I don't mean to be rude but may I sincerely ask, "What are the possible appeals of living in such a horrible place?"
I have been to Phoenix several times and it was awful, except in Winter. Even then, the air was frequently bad. I lived in Tucson for a while and it also was way too hot much of the time for humans, unless one likes living indoors part of the day/year with A/C. I can see living there if one is forced to, but otherwise, it is beyond my little mind why one would choose to.
On Sat, 30 Apr 2005 17:02:13 -0400, Roy Gardner <roygardner0@nospam.com> wrote:
On Tue, 26 Apr 2005 20:26:09 -0700, Mark Hickey <mark@habcycles.com>>wrote:>
jj <jet@jetstream.com> wrote:>>
Not to argue with you, but I have -never- found it hot riding the bike. If>>>it is above 92-3 degrees, I sometimes am concerned as I leave the house,>>>but I'm always surprised how cool it is once I'm riding. >>
Heh... around here, you get so used to REAL heat that you'd get>>goosebumps at 92 degrees. Seriously, I do a lot of rides in the>>summer in the 105-110F (40.5-43C) range. The trick is to start slow>>(to build a sweat before you're generating too much internal heat).>>If you "red line" your body's thermostat, it's really hard to cool off>>again.>>
And water. Take LOTS of water. I drain a 100 ounce Camelbak in 45>>minutes and finish the ride kinda thirsty. I can't imagine I'm really>>pushing out that much sweat, but it's all going somewhere.>>
But all in all, I still think it's cooler than jumping in a car, for>>at least the first five minutes (when the interiors will be WAY over>>the ambient temperature, and you're sitting on a seat that's warmed to>>the same degree). One of the adjustments I made to my "urban bike">>was composite brake levers. It's kind of funny how HOT the aluminum>>versions feel when they're 15 degrees hotter than your fingers. >>
I don't mean to be rude but may I sincerely ask, "What are the>possible appeals of living in such a horrible place?">
I have been to Phoenix several times and it was awful, except in>Winter. Even then, the air was frequently bad. I lived in Tucson for a>while and it also was way too hot much of the time for humans, unless>one likes living indoors part of the day/year with A/C. I can see>living there if one is forced to, but otherwise, it is beyond my>little mind why one would choose to.>
Wasn't Florida better?
Florida's better. Here in Tampa it never gets that blazing hot. True it gets ungodly blazing hot, but not quite that blazing hot.
This is the part of the country where most people have better tans in the winter than in the summer.
On Sat, 30 Apr 2005 17:02:13 -0400, Roy Gardner <roygardner0@nospam.com> wrote:>
On Tue, 26 Apr 2005 20:26:09 -0700, Mark Hickey <mark@habcycles.com>>>wrote:
But all in all, I still think it's cooler than jumping in a car, for>>>at least the first five minutes (when the interiors will be WAY over>>>the ambient temperature, and you're sitting on a seat that's warmed to>>>the same degree). One of the adjustments I made to my "urban bike">>>was composite brake levers. It's kind of funny how HOT the aluminum>>>versions feel when they're 15 degrees hotter than your fingers.
I don't mean to be rude but may I sincerely ask, "What are the>>possible appeals of living in such a horrible place?">>
I have been to Phoenix several times and it was awful, except in>>Winter. Even then, the air was frequently bad. I lived in Tucson for a>>while and it also was way too hot much of the time for humans, unless>>one likes living indoors part of the day/year with A/C. I can see>>living there if one is forced to, but otherwise, it is beyond my>>little mind why one would choose to.>>
Wasn't Florida better?>
Florida's better. Here in Tampa it never gets that blazing hot. True it gets>ungodly blazing hot, but not quite that blazing hot.>
This is the part of the country where most people have better tans in the winter>than in the summer.
Personally, I find the Pheonix, Arizona heat much less oppressive than that of Tampa (yes, I lived there for years too... people are gonna start thinking I'm 100 years old). Thing about AZ is that the weather is really, really nice about eight months a year, and for the most part is just too hot in the late afternoon the other four. Most evenings are still pleasant enough, and the mornings tend to be pretty nice (being a desert, the drop in temperature is a lot bigger than it is in Florida). I'll trade extra temperature for low humidity every time - when I used to ride in Florida, I'd finish rides looking like I just stepped out of the shower.
The other distinctive thing about this area is that you can drive a few hours north and escape the heat of summer. When I used to live in south Florida, you'd have to fly that distance to get away from the heat.
I don't mean to be rude but may I sincerely ask, "What are the> possible appeals of living in such a horrible place?">
I have been to Phoenix several times and it was awful, except in> Winter. Even then, the air was frequently bad. I lived in Tucson for a> while and it also was way too hot much of the time for humans, unless> one likes living indoors part of the day/year with A/C. I can see> living there if one is forced to, but otherwise, it is beyond my> little mind why one would choose to.>
Wasn't Florida better?>
Roy G.
Living in the Southwest is not for everybody. We generally have all four seasons, though. The median temp is just usually warmer than it would be in the Northeast. Growing up here it was easy to get used to the generally warm dry climate and mild winters. Most everyone I know who rides, rides his bike all year long.
