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Into the Outdoors: Exposure to Sunlight and Potential Damage it Can Cause

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This week, let’s take a look at exposure to sunlight, and some of the potential damage it can cause. Perhaps the most dangerous of all is skin cancer. Redheads and people with light complexions are most susceptible, but everyone needs to exercise caution. Recently, old friend and fellow ginger Dave Lewis sent me some info about gingers and the sun. Actually, gingers are not the only ones who have to be concerned about skin cancer. We are just more susceptible. Although there are those among the population, nicknamed “daywalkers,” who tan but don’t burn, they are few and far between. A good sunscreen and a nice big hat are among the best precautions you can take.

Of all the skin cancers, melanoma is the deadliest. If caught while still on the skin only, it is very treatable. Once it spreads through the bloodstream it is a different story. Several years ago, I lost a red-haired cousin to melanoma. By the time she knew she had it, it was too late for a cure. That did a lot to raise my awareness and concern about the issue. Now, I have a yearly head to toe skin check with a dermatologist. It is, I guess, a bit embarrassing, but it beats the alternative. Often, melanomas caught early, can be removed right there in the doctor’s office.

Eyes, too, are susceptible to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. This applies not just to gingers, but to everyone. The most common problem is cataracts. If you can possibly afford it, get a pair of good quality sunglasses, and wear them when you are out in the sun. I had some pretty big cataracts, which were surgically removed. Exposure to sun was very likely a causative factor.

On another front, it seems to be an exceptionally bad summer for ticks. Recently, a friend found out that she has lyme disease. It is imperative to be on the look out. If you are spending time outdoors, be sure to use sufficient cover and repellant. Check yourself frequently for ticks and tick bites. Seek medical attention when there is any doubt.

Here’s a little tidbit, based on years of experience. Poison ivy seems to be much worse in really hot weather. I think the reason is that sweat carries the oil to more areas of the body. The salty sweat also aggravates the rash.

Once the river settles down, there is some good eating in store. This is a good time of year for bass and catfish. In fact, some are being caught now, despite the less than ideal water condition.

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As far as I’m concerned, it is hard to find a better meal than fresh bass or catfish filets from the river. I should emphasize the word fresh, as something is lost in the freezing process. I know that this might go against the grain of some catch and release anglers, but I see nothing wrong with keeping legal fish if you are going to eat them. My favorite way of preparing them is to coat them with Zatarains Fish Fri and then deep fry them. You don’t have to bother with egg, flour or milk. Just coat the filets with Zatarains and fry ‘em up. You are in for a treat.

Here is another photo I came across on the Internet. Most of us get excited if we see a single eagle. Imagine coming across this scene in person. Wow!

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