Health
FDA Introduces New Label Rules For Suncare Products
July 26, 2012 | 
Author We still have many more weeks of summer and intense heat to enjoy. Don’t forget to keep lathering on that sunscreen.
The FDA recently changed the rules for Suncare product manufacturers. While some companies, such as Coppertone, already conform to the new rules, others have until December, 2012 to comply.
Suncare products must include labels that clearly state the length of time they stay water-resistant and can no longer claim they are waterproof. They must also state if they protect against UVA rays, UVB rays or both (Broad Spectrum).
When purchasing sunscreen, it’s best to look for those labeled Broad Spectrum, which means the product protects against both UVA and UVB rays. A standard test to determine which of these a product protests against has now been developed so all products are being tested equally.
According to the FDA, the following guidelines must be followed:
- Water resistance claims on the product’s front label must tell how much time a user can expect to get the declared SPF level of protection while swimming or sweating, based on standard testing. Two times will be permitted on labels: 40 minutes or 80 minutes.
- Manufacturers cannot make claims that sunscreens are “waterproof” or “sweatproof” or identify their products as “sunblocks.” Also, sunscreens cannot claim protection immediately on application (for example, “instant protection”) or protection for more than two hours without reapplication, unless they submit data and get approval from FDA.
Stay safe and keep enjoying the summer.
Disclaimer: All information provided here was provided by the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and Coppertone. Any opinions expressed are mine alone.
Posted in Health, Random - Life In General | 
Tags: coppertone, FDA guidelines, skin cancer, sun safety | 
3 Comments »
Say Goodbye to Mom Jeans
I don’t have to put my big girl panties on and you can’t make me – ha!
No, really. Yesterday was the first day I fit into pre-pregnancy, non-elastic waisted jeans. Yippee! Can you tell I’m a little excited?
I immediately shared the news with Fusspot and Bruce. Bruce said “Who cares?” Fusspot just looked at me with her usual smile- she got it, I know she did.
It reminded me of the Progreso soup commercials where lady calls and tells the man chef that her jeans fit and looks dumbfounded at the can. She then asks if there is a woman there she can talk to.
That was kinda how my news traveled. Word spread around Facebook and my office and women were cheering for me while the men asked “Is this some sort of trick that is going to get me in trouble?” or “I don’t think there is a response to that that doesn’t get me slapped upside the head.”
It’s funny how just being able to zip my jeans up without turning colors and passing out could make you feel great. To celebrate I packed up whatever maternity clothes I had left and delivered them to a pregnant girl I knew. No turning back now – I still have about 8 more pounds to go and I’ll never be a size 6 again- or an 8 – again, but that’s ok.
Sun Safety Tips
When you have darker skin that doesn’t really burn it’s easy to forget to apply sunscreen regularly. I’m even guilty of forgetting to apply it to Bruce. At 8-years-old he is hardly the typical skin cancer target that you would think of. Living in Florida, we are always in the sun. And the sun here is so much more intense than when we lived up North – no matter what time of year it is.
The misconception is that “We don’t burn so we don’t need to block the sun from our skin.” However, sunburn is just one result of sun damage. There’s wrinkles, dried out leathery skin, dehydrated skin, sun spots and of course, skin cancer.
With Fusspot being so young and so vulnerable to the intense rays of the sun, I am working on getting better at protecting my whole family from the sun.
Coppertone is helping me out! They sent me a great package of products to keep for myself and share with others (I was so excited to open mine I didn’t even take a picture so thank you to my fellow Coppertone Water Mom, Crumbs In The Couch - I borrowed hers).
I’ve been handing out sunscreen bottles to Bruce’s classmates, neighbors and friends. I am loving this opportunity as a Coppertone Water Mom to help spread the word about sun safety and meet up with parents from all over the country to share our “sunderstandings” of sun protection.
If you’re headed outside, even when it’s cloudy, remember these tips:
- Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before you are exposed to the sun.
- Don’t skimp on sunscreen.
- Use it liberally and apply it evenly over all exposed skin to ensure complete coverage.
- Reapply at least every 2 hours- and be sure to reapply after swimming, sweating, vigorous activity or toweling off.
- Don’t forget the ears, neck, and shoulders.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Follow the numbers. SPF tells you the level of protection a sunscreen provides from sunburn. Use sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF 15 or higher whenever you’ll be outdoors.
- Use water-resistant sunscreens with broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher, and look for products that are quick and easy to apply to squirmy kids.
For more sun care tips, please visit Coppertone.
Disclosure: As a Coppertone Water Mom, I receive product samples, promotional items and newsletter information to use and share as I see fit. No monetary compensation was received. All opinions are mine and reflect my personal experiences.
My Ultimate Sites Of Miami
I’ve loved to travel since I was a kid. Didn’t matter where I was going, I got giddy just being in an airport. Growing up I spent a lot of time in Florida since I had family here and was not born to live in the cold weather. Every year my dad I visited his time share in Miami. So, I have loved Miami for a long time. There is a relaxed vibe there but not hillbilly or redneck like so many other parts of Florida. It’s a totally modern lifestyle with a fun nightlife and a peaceful daylife.
When we moved to Florida 6 years ago we started exploring the state with our son. We visited Miami several times and it is still one of his favorite places to visit every year.
We always start off the day with breakfast at one of the many beachfront restaurants in Miami Beach. There is no better way to start the day than enjoying some fresh squeezed orange juice while sitting outside and watching the waves gently wash the sand away.
I’m not a beach person but Miami beaches are beautiful. They are clean and not overly crowded. The water is crystal clear and the sand is powdery soft. Whenever we go to Miami we spend a lot of time on the beach. It’s so relaxing. People are very respectful of each other. The kids play in the sand and the adults can be found relaxing on a lounge chair and reading.
We usually go each year when Monster Jam is in town. We have been to Monster
Jam at the Sun Life Stadium (home of the Miami Dolphins) and the BankAtlantic Center(home of the Florida Panthers who are currently hosting the NJ Devils in the NHL playoffs – GO DEVILS!!!). Both great venues. I like the Sun Life Stadium because for a football stadium it is small and you can get very close to the action. It doesn’t hurt that it is across the street from a HUGE outlet mall that I could spend hours in.
Our favorite Miami spot to visit is the Miami zoo. We always include that in our trips. Bruce loves the colorful birds and the exotic animals.
Miami sunsets are second to none. I believe everyone should enjoy at least one sunset while sitting on a beach with a drink in hand at last once in their life.
We’ve enjoyed so many beautiful sights in Miami. I try to capture as many moments as I can from our trips in pictures. I like to look back at those pictures and remember the fun times, especially now that Bruce is getting older.
I can’t wait to include Fusspot in our trips. She loves to observe the world around her right now and she is so alert. I wonder what is going through her mind when she watches and sees all that is around her. I wonder what her thoughts will include when she sees a flamingo at the zoo or her feet in the crystal blue waters.
Both watching and photographing all the beauty that Miami has to offer makes me grateful for a lot of things. My perfect vision is one of them. Many people don’t have the benefit of seeing colors or the distant sites so clearly. Maintaining your vision is as important as maintaining the rest of your health. Ever wonder how different life would be if you didn’t have healthy eye sight? It amazes me how well those who were born with vision problems can make up for it by enhancing their other senses. I once met a well-known longtime baseball reporter who is blind- Ed Lucas. He can call a game and know exactly where the ball went by the sound it makes when it hits the bat. Amazing! I don’t know if I could do as well if I didn’t have healthy eye sight. I rely on my eyesight too much.
Transitions Lenses and Sears optical are offering free vision screenings and the Ultimate Sightseeing Experience in Miami this weekend at the Great Taste of the Grove Food and Wine Festival. I wish we could be there but Bruce is in a soccer tournament all weekend.
Studies show that nearly 50 percent of vision loss can be prevented with an eye exam. Transitions wants to encourage you to make good eye health a part of your health and wellness routine. Pledge to do this by signing the “Eye” Promise pledge. With each new promise submitted, Transitions will donate a brand new book to mobile literacy initiative, Bess the Book Bus, reinforcing the important
connection between healthy, quality vision and the ability to read and learn.
Transitions is also hosting a great photo contest where you can win a trip to the Galapagos Islands or Hawaii to see the sights. All you have to do is submit a photo of your favorite everyday sites. For more information or to enter, click here.
Like Transitions lenses on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/transitionsslenses
Follow @transitions on Twitter
Disclaimer: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Transitions lenses blogging program, to earn My SocialMoms Rewards Points. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own. To read more posts on this topic, click here.
Posted in Families, Health, Travel | Tags: miami, see more sights, social moms, Transitions Lenses | No Comments »
I’m A Coppertone Water Mom
I’m so excited to share a new opportunity I just received with you. I’ve been selected as a Coppertone® Water MOM, kind of an ambassador if you will for summer fun and safety. I’ll be sharing lots of information over the next few months about Coopertone’s products, how to stay safe in the sun, protect your skin from the ageing effects of the sun and still enjoy a great summer outdoors.
Now that it is getting VERY hot here in Florida, I’m totally in a summer mood. I was just complaining this weekend that our pool is still too cold to go in but it is so hot out that I can’t wait to jump in. Our pool water is only 74 degrees. Sounds warm to some of you, I’m sure, but at least 82 degrees is required to put these tootsies in that water.
So, let’s get summer started with a coupon for Coppertone Suncare products.
You can connect with Coppertone® Water BABIES®- by “liking” them on Facebook .
Disclaimer: As a member of the Coppertone® Water MOMS group, I will receive product samples and promotional items to share and use as I see fit. No monetary compensation has taken place and any opinions expressed by me are honest and reflect my actual experience.
Posted in Beauty, Couponing, Health, kids | Tags: coppertone, couponing, coupons, summer beauty tips, sunblock, sunscreen, tanning | 2 Comments »
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