Exposure to ultraviolet light, UVA or UVB, from sunlight accounts from 90% of the symptoms of skin aging such as wrinkles and skin cancers. The most important product available to prevent this is sunscreen.

Picking Proper Sunscreen

SPF only measures the amount of UVB absorption. The only way to determine if a sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB is to check the ingredients. A good broad-spectrum sunscreen should have an SPF of at least 15 and contain avobenzone, titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

Proper Application

Sunscreen should be applied liberally to all sun-exposed areas so that it forms a film. Apply it 20-30 minutes before going out. Sunscreen should also be the last product applied, especially on the face, since some products can break down in the presence of water contained in water-based foundations and moisturizers.

Reapplication

Reapplying sunscreen every 20 to 30 minutes is more effective than the two to four hours usually stated on most labels.

Daily Use

The daily use of a low-SPF sunscreen (15) has been shown to be more effective in preventing skin damage than the intermittent use of a high SPF sunscreen.

Try to avoid the sun's most intense rays by staying out of sunlight during the middle of the day. Even on overcast days, most of the sun's harmful rays will get through the clouds.

If you can, make effective use of clothing, hats and other physical barriers to protect the skin.

RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY FULLY COVERED AFTER MASTECTOMY

Millions of Americans, whether they're HMO members or not, mistakenly believe that HMO's never cover procedures often referred to as "plastic surgery." That is simply incorrect.

Some procedures are, of course, classified as cosmetic and, therefore, not covered.

But the women who undergo a mastectomy are entitled to reconstructive surgery as part of your HMO's comprehensive benefits package.

The Women's Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998 has further clarified the policy, which often varied from carrier to carrier.

In the case of a participant or beneficiary who is receiving benefits under the plan in connection with a mastectomy and elects reconstruction, federal law requires coverage in a manner determined in consultation with the attending physician and the patient, for:

• Reconstruction of the breast on which the mastectomy was performed.
• Surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to produce a symmetrical appearance.
• Prostheses and treatment of physical complications at all stages of the mastectomy, including lymphedemas.

This coverage is subject to the plan's annual deductible and coinsurance provisions.