Speak Out

Did you know that one in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime? Surprisingly, melanoma is on the rise in our country, particularly among young people. Sadly, people don't always realize this disease can be life-threatening. In 2008, 62,480 Americans will be diagnosed with melanoma with 8,420 people dying from the disease.

There are three simple steps to reduce your risk for skin cancer.

First, start early. It is never too early to teach a child about sun protection, and to protect them from the harmful rays of the sun. If you are a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, you have the unique ability to instill healthy habits to protect them for life.

Secondly, never stop taking care of your skin.

It is important to protect yourself from harmful UV rays even as an adult. Dermatologist Dr. Daryl Rigel says "simple behavioral changes can make a big difference" in your risk for skin cancer, as sun exposure is linked to most cases. Also, be sure to have your skin checked by a dermatologist annually. Dr. Rigel suggests that your birthday should be a reminder to have your "birthday suit" checked!

Finally, know this: A family history of skin cancer raises the risk for skin cancer for all members of the family. Be sure to tell your health professional if someone in your family is diagnosed with cancer. He or she may recommend more frequent screenings.

Enjoy the warm weather the summertime brings, but don't forget to follow these tips and save your skin.

Mary Sessions
Spouse of Sen. Jeff Sessions,
R-Mobile

Editor's note: For more information, visit www.preventcancer.org.

Thanks to Sen. Preuitt

Many times a broad brush is used to paint everyone in the same light. Numerous references have been made about the failure of lawmakers to pass an education budget during the regular session.

However, voters in District 11 should be proud of the efforts of Sen. Jim Preuitt — a champion for all levels of education.

Preuitt proved to be a proponent of education in his introduction of SB 57 — a measure intended to consolidate the private school licensing program under one state agency.

His efforts were aimed at not only protecting residents in his district, but also in helping to curtail the onslaught of education scams throughout Alabama.

Currently, the process is divided between the Alabama Commission on Higher Education and the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education. Passage of the bill would have placed the licensing responsibility under the Commission on Higher Education.

This move would have provided tighter control and review of these postsecondary for-profit schools. If state review is not enforced, diploma mills will continue to circumvent the established review process by incorporating as a business in order to use their "state license" to attract students online.

Gregory G. Fitch
Executive Director
Alabama Commission on Higher Education