Using common sense and sunscreen regularly can win the battle

Regardless of your skin color, tanning ability or age, it’s recommended that everyone wear a sunscreen. Sunlight consists of two types of harmful rays - ultraviolet A (UVA) rays and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVA rays (which pass through glass windows) penetrate deeper into the dermis, the thickest layer of the skin. UVA rays can cause suppression of the immune system, which interferes with the immune system’s ability to protect you against the development and spread of cancer. The UVB rays are the sun’s burning rays and are the primary cause of sunburn. The American Cancer Society says that more than 1 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year. And, many studies have found an association between sunburns and enhanced risk for melanoma, the deadliest from of skin cancer.

The sign of constant, consistent and abiding love - the love we must learn, no matter how difficult, to give to our mothers

It’s gettin’ hot in here

Most gringos flee Mazatlán before the weather becomes what some would call oppressive. The rest of us face the coming summer with a determinedly casual mixture of anticipation and trepidation. The anticipation comes from the thought of not having to wear so damn many clothes, the ocean being a comfortable temperature for swimming, and finally being able to contrive a rational excuse for lots of palapa-time. The trepidation is from wondering just how hot it will actually get this year.