Have you ever been having a really fabulous day and something happens to… mess it up? I know you have. Occasionally we all do. Well, it happened to me not too long ago. While the circumstances are not important, what I want you to understand is that because of the circumstances, I was beyond livid!  If I could think of a really nasty word for livid, it would’ve described me.  I was so mad that I had no appetite and still wanted to eat everything on Aisle 7…while cussin’ (yes, cussin’). I think you get the point.

After making it home without red lights and sirens following me, I did what any assault-contemplating woman would do. I phoned a friend.  She talked me off the proverbial ledge and we settled into a normal conversation where she told me about a phone call she’d received from her sassy, yet genteel, mom.  Her mom is a lady whose voice is at once soft, delicate and very southern. The kind you’d never expect to utter curse words or say anything that wasn’t ladylike. She would never get hangry like mere mortals. (You know, hungry plus angry?) She’s just too refined.

“So, they’re killing people at the cathouse now?” she questioned. After being asked to explain, she shared a news story with my friend about an unfortunate soul who had reportedly been murdered at an area motel (the type rented by the hour).

As awful as the subject of the story was, I got stuck on one word: cathouse. Not bordello or brothel or even whorehouse. Cathouse? When was that word last in vogue? I have no idea, but I almost cracked a rib laughing at the thought of her using it. I laughed like elementary school kids laugh in health class when the teacher uses words like ‘breast’ or ‘buttocks.’

The benefits of laughter and humor are well documented. From reducing stress and high blood pressure to boosting the immune system and burning calories, it is one life’s special treasures.  It costs us nothing but pays massive dividends. On rare occasions, we may laugh at something we shouldn’t, but if we’re honest, that feels good too.  Even memories of a good belly laugh can inspire more laughter.

I don’t know why this was so funny to me, but I laughed for a very long time. In fact, every time I thought about it, the hilarity began anew.  Later on, as my chuckle-fest subsided, I briefly remembered the anger that had so completely consumed me earlier in the day. I remembered it but didn’t feel it. Now I understand why laughter is the best medicine.

Are you? Regularly? It’s important and we all know it.  We protect things like our cars, homes, and computers but we don’t consistently protect ourselves to prevent potentially devastating consequences.  I’m talking about sun protection. Gotcha!

Spring has sprung and summer is on the way! With the mercury rising, we’re showing more skin, hanging out at the beach, and regularly participating in outdoor activities. Sunscreen and other forms of sun protection are an absolute must at this time of the year. While the consistent use of sun protection is necessary and beneficial to our health no matter the season, it is during the warmer months when we’re strutting our stuff, that it’s even more important.

To my melanin poppin’ cousins: Yes, black will crack (if it isn’t protected). Though there are higher amounts of melanin in darker skin and melanin provides a certain level of sun protection, it is still susceptible to sun damage and will burn. The immediate effects are more difficult to see on darker skin, so people of color are often diagnosed with later-stage melanoma and tend to have lower survival rates. Keep it poppin’ with protection!

A good combination of chemical (sunscreen) protection and physical protection (clothing) offers the best results. Sunscreen, in particular, protects us from the harmful radiation of the sun (UV rays). This radiation can trigger skin disorders, cause premature aging, sunburn, and increase the risk of skin cancer. There’s a ton of information available about the use of sunscreen and its benefits, so I won’t get into all of them but it is important to know a couple of key things. Don’t use expired sunscreen! It’s about as good for you as drinking spoiled milk. Follow product instructions for use and reapplication.  Typically, we should re-apply every two to three hours during sun exposure.

Sun protection doesn’t begin and end with sunscreen. We have other tools in the arsenal to keep us from harm.  Your fashionable sunglasses are more than just fashion and serve to protect the eyes and the skin around them. Unprotected eyes are susceptible to cataracts as a result of UV damage. I first learned about this as a young adult. Until then, I thought cataracts were just a result of aging. I was wrong.

Hats and clothing are also important. Full-brimmed hats and long-sleeved shirts provide excellent additional coverage and help to create the ultimate sun protection kit.

The sun is magnificent. We bask in its warmth and play in its rays.  Play hard. Have fun. Use sun protection.

(The cup pictured here was left in the car on a hot sunny, day. Just imagine what the sun does to unprotected skin?)