Jaltemba Sol Page 2

La Penita Market Day Photographs by Adam Caddell

Melanoma: The Dark Side of “Fun in the Sun”
Jody Cross - HealthNews
go to original

If you suspect you have skin cancer, don't put off seeing your doctor. Early detection is important, and may save your life.

American culture could take a lesson from the cultures of Europe, Japan, and other Asian nations of old, where hundreds of years ago white skin was considered to be a status symbol; a symbol of wealth. White skin implied affluence; that such a woman did not have to toil in the sun all day. Wealthy men desired to marry women with the whitest of skin. Tanned skin, on the other hand, implied not only a lower station in life but also was considered to be somewhat "dirty."

American culture seems to have flip-flopped this theory, equating tanned skin with an affluent, healthy lifestyle; an easy life, one centered on relaxing afternoons lounging around the backyard pool, or in the sun at the beach. But America's obsession with tanned skin is taking its toll on our youth.

U. S. government cancer statistics report that from 1980 to 2004, melanoma rates among young adult Caucasian women rose 50 percent. This year, in the United States, about 62,000 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed, and the American Cancer Society estimates that more than 8,400 people will die from this lethal form of skin cancer in 2008.

Melanoma strikes people of all races and skin tones although people with fair skin are the most at risk. C. William Hanke, president of the American Academy of Dermatology cautions that outdoor unprotected ultraviolet radiation is a carcinogen and says, "If you bathe your skin in ultraviolet light long enough, skin cancer is going to develop." Ultraviolet radiation from the sun proves to be the biggest risk factor for developing melanoma.

As reported in the July 10th edition of the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, a group of researchers lead by Mark Purdue, of the National Cancer Institute, analyzed more than 20,000 cases of melanoma in young adults between the ages of 15 and 39, covering the years 1973 to 2004. In 1980 the rate of melanoma incidence among young women was 9.4 per 100,000; by 2004 that rate had climbed to 13.9 per 100,000. Researchers also found an increasing trend for thicker and later-stage melanomas which implies that they will be seeing increasing rates of melanoma among older women in the years to come.

Melanoma rates were not found to be increasing in younger men. From 1973 to 1980 they had increased from 4.7 per 100,000 to 7.7 per 100,000, but from 1980 until 2004 the incidence rate remained at 7.7. This, the researchers feel, is an optimistic sign for the possible reduction in melanoma among older men in the future.

Increased awareness and diagnosis can account for some of the rate increases in this cancer among young women, but are unlikely to account for all of the rate increase because data also suggests that the cancers are being found at a later stage. Researchers suspect that the increased use of tanning beds and lamps is one cause of the increase. Researchers have suggested the UV rays from tanning beds and lamps can be just as damaging as the sun's rays, although the tanning studios deny it.

It was also noted that more people in the U.S. are getting sunburned than they did in 1998; and that 16 to 18 year olds have reported that they spend more time at the beach than they did in 1998.

Women are more likely than young men to use sunscreens, and because they do, they tend to feel more protected from the sun's rays, and stay in the sun longer. Doctors caution that applying sunscreen once in the morning and then spending the day in the sun is not adequate protection. They urge people to apply a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher; one that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, lotion 20 to 30 minutes before going out into the sun, and reapply it every hour or two.

Also they caution to avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the hottest part of the day, and wear protective clothing including a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when going out into the sun.

If you suspect you have skin cancer, don't put off seeing your doctor. Early detection is important, and may save your life.

Sports

Darts champs

Lorena Ochoa: Part Tiger Woods, part Mother Teresa

In a country of about 108 million people, fewer than 20,000 of whom play golf, Mexico somehow produced a 5-foot-6 wisp of a woman who is part Tiger Woods, part Mother Teresa, part Dora the Explorer and every bit the best female golfer on the planet. ¶ She is Lorena Ochoa, a lovable 26-year-old with a 271-yard driving average, 20 victories in the past 27 months, a spot reserved in the LPGA Tour Hall of Fame, and the kind of compassion and generosity worthy of a place on Time magazine's list of the world's 100 most influential people. …..More

Ochoa/Hills Golf Design Firm Formed for Mexican Projects

Alejandro Ochoa and the partners at Arthur Hills/Steve Forrest and Associates have formed a collaborative course architecture firm, Ochoa/Hills Golf Design, which will design golf projects primarily in Mexico beginning immediately. …..More

Barcelona vs. Chivas de Guadalajara Match on August 3

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fox Soccer Channel will bring fans exclusive English-language coverage of the highly anticipated FC Barcelona vs. Chivas de Guadalajara match on Sunday, August 3 at Soldier Field in Chicago. The action starts at 6:30 p.m. ET with a live pre-game show, followed by kick-off at 7:00 p.m. ET. …..More

Flower photograph by Dylan and Bill Bell taken at the San Pancho community Gardens.

Learn Spanish Today - Learn Spanish on-line for free, using interactive audio/visual lessons

Is Your Dream Home In Mexico?

NAPSI
go to original

An increasing number of Americans are not only vacationing in Mexico but are now choosing to invest their real estate dollars in their favorite destinations throughout the country.

Millions of Americans, who spend their vacation dollars in such enticing Mexican destinations as Cancun, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas, are now choosing to invest in real estate south of the border.

The appeal can be magnetic- picturesque beach communities, the slower pace of life in Latin America and the lower cost of living. So, more and more American citizens are deciding to purchase second homes and even take up permanent residence in Mexico.

Today, the U.S. State Department estimates that close to a million Americans reside in Mexico. Nearly 9 percent of Social Security recipients are spending their benefit dollars on retirement homes in Mexico.

Due to recent revisions of Mexican law, it’s much easier for foreigners to purchase real estate. Even properties in the once “Restricted Zone,” within 62 miles of the Mexican borders and 31 miles of any coastline, are now open to foreign investment through the use of a “fideocomiso,” or bank trust.

The first step to buying property in Mexico is to be sure it’s what you really want. Living in a quaint Mexican village may have a romantic appeal, but investors should be realistic about investing in property south of the border.

“No one should make a real estate purchase without doing their research,” says Martina Silvia Gonzalez, co-owner of RE/MAX Costa Bella in Barra de Navidad on the Pacific coast. “Just as you would in the United States, you should learn as much as you can about the process and the community where you want to buy a property.”

The second step is to enlist the support of a local professional, who can guide you through the entire process. Interview a few real estate agents who are bilingual and very familiar with Mexican transaction procedures. Select someone you are comfortable working with and who has experience in selling real estate internationally.

You may want to use an agent who is a member of the trade organization AMPI, which is now affiliated with the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in the United States. The association’s agents adhere to the same code of ethics that NAR members do.

Marketing companies can show you different resort developments. Dealing with such organizations can place you in a high-pressure situation, but respected organizations are learning that a comfortable sales environment works just as well.

Obtaining a loan in Mexico is getting easier, too. The process is similar to that in the United States. An increasing number of U.S.-based mortgage companies are providing loans for purchases in Mexico. In some cases, you can even attend the closing on a Mexican property in your hometown. On average, Mexican mortgage rates run about two points above those in the U.S., but as more mortgage companies move into the market, rates may come down.

The secret to successful investing in Mexico is doing your research. “You may want to talk directly with friends or acquaintances who have already made the move,” suggests John C. Williams, Gonzalez’s partner. “The Internet has a great deal of information about life in Mexico, the culture and specific communities. Hundreds of qualified agents working in Mexico can be found at www.remax.com.”

For many, the secret to finding that dream retirement, vacation or permanent home is investing in real estate south of the border. It’s a good idea to do your research first. Talk to a real estate agent familiar with the market before you invest any money.

REAL ESTATE FEATURE

Jaltemba Sol Realty Phone: 327-274-3356

Properties are moving very quickly in the Jaltemba Bay Area. If you wish to be on a list that receives new listing and changes as they occur rather than wait for the Jaltemba Sol to publish, write us co editor@jaltembasol.com Please include Sol Realty Update in the subject line.

Hotel California Condos

hotel california Affordable Condos in La Penita