February 21 – February 28, 2016

I recently bought a book called Keep Calm and Pedal On. It has some great quotes in it: Some of the early attitudes to cyclists: “Velocipidists are imbeciles on wheels” – Le Gaulois, 1869.

I might add a new quote on each new post, if I remember.

At my first visit with my new Doctor in January I mentioned to her that Ralf was concerned about a couple of moles, I had on my neck and leg. Last week, after getting back from the UK I had two biopsies performed. I was very brave and didn’t cry, I didn’t get a lollipop or a sticker. Good news both of them came back negative, but this is a timely reminder to do as the Aussies tell you: Slip, Slop and Slap, they have also added Seek and Slide to the original recommendations.

• Slip on sun protective clothing that covers as much of your body as possible.
• Slop on SPF 30 or higher broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen, at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every two hours when outdoors or more often if perspiring or swimming.
• Slap on a broad-brimmed hat that shades your face, neck and ears.
• Seek
• Slide on sunglasses

This link is for an ad that was promoted by the Victoria Cancer Council: http://www.sunsmart.com.au/tools/videos/current-tv-campaigns/slip-slop-slap-seek-slide-sid-seagull.html

When we were in Australia we were reminded of this Slip, Slop, Slap all the time. At almost every campsite there was a big bottle of sunscreen/sunblock on the counter at reception and we were always asked if we had put sunscreen/sunblock on and had enough in our bags. I had always been really careful about not burning and nagged Ralf about putting cream on before we left in the mornings. We didn’t burn once while we were away.

More and more people will be diagnosed with skin cancer in the coming years. Because, let’s face it when people of my generation were younger we never thought about putting sunscreen on – heck olive oil was good – we just wanted a tan. Some nationalities still haven’t got the message – you can always spot a Brit on a beach – they are the ones bright red with sunburns. SPF 8 does not cut it in Cuba, Greece or Spain or anywhere else in the world. Stay safe and Slip, Slop Slap. J

Ralf this week got his A-Z license renewed. It gives him better opportunities to find work, although I do not want him to drive tractor-trailer again, he could do shunt driving.