I don’t think there’s an uglier time of year than February and March for the human body when you live in a northern climate.

Look around us. Imagine what people’s legs look like under their pants right now; all stark-white and hairy. Imagine what thighs, bellies and backs look like, those big expanses of lumpy skin that haven’t seen the sun in six months.

Now in the fourth month of winter, outdoor activity in subzero temperatures at our house in a wide-open subdivision that could’ve aptly been named Windy Acres has certainly lost its appeal. My skin is flaking at the mere thought of it, and I don’t think the twins’ delicate little faces could take much more dermatologically-damaging air, either.

But back to what our collective legs and stomachs look like.

They could use a little help, frankly. And I’m not talking about the kids.

My friend Lisa feels the same way (not about me, she claims), and so we’ve challenged each other to a Biggest Loser-type of weight loss contest. We’re going to see who can lose the biggest percentage of body weight by May 1.

The loser has to post a picture of herself in a bathing suit on her Facebook page for an entire day, and cook the winning household a healthful dinner for two nights.

I’m sure Lisa will look great in her two-piece. 

Turning to a serious subject

While we are all pretty pale this time of year, I know many families are getting ready to head out on to Spring Break for sun-and-fun.

Recently, local dermatologist Dr. Sherri Vazales, with Bay View Dermatology, suggested a story topic about the dangers of melanoma. She was in the midst of a heart-breaking case with a local woman losing her battle with skin cancer.

I had to admit, I didn’t realize skin cancer was so terribly deadly. I thought mostly that if you developed a spot or a tumor, the doctor would cut it out and it’d be gone.

Not so with melanoma, which accounts for about 4 percent of diagnosed skin cancers and is the most deadly because it rapidly spreads to the lymph system and internal organs.

In the U.S. alone, approximately one person dies from melanoma every hour, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

With early detection and prevention, the cure rate can be as high as 95 percent. Once it spreads, however, the prognosis is poor. Melanoma most often develops in a pre-existing mole or looks like a new mole, which is why it is critical to keep an eye on your own moles.

The message hit home for this sun-worshipper. Now at age 35, the concern about deepening wrinkles has caused me to actually wear sunscreen outside in the summer months (for those who make it out in the winter, use it then, too). And now, I have even more motivation to cover up.

Knowledge is power, so stay safe on trips to warmer climes and wear SPF 15 or more, all the time.
 
Beth Anne Piehl is the Petoskey News-Review’s special sections writer. Reach her at bharris@petoskeynews.com.