Here is your medical warning to start 2013 - I noticed a dry spot on the top of my ear and let it go for about a year before having it looked at. After a few visits and tests, turns out it was Basal Cell Carcinoma (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001827/) a slow growing skin cancer. It is the most common skin cancer in the United States and since mountain bikers are outside in the sun, something you need to be reminded of. Most basal cell cancers occur on skin that is regularly exposed to sunlight or other ultraviolet radiation. This includes the top of your head, or scalp. Turns out mom was right and we do need to put and keep our sun screen on. Nine days before my 53 birthday I went through 4.5 hours of Mohs (the best way) surgery and came out with 23 stitches and a clean bill of health (plus yearly doctor visits for skin exams). Put your sun screen on, watch for changes in your skin and get them checked early. Now go ride!
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| Keeping my skills sharp |
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| But will I hear any better? |
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| What everyone wants to wear to work |
