=HEALTH=Cancer Hazards: 12 Skin Cancer Mistakes to Avoid..

12 Things that Put You at Risk for Skin Cancer! About 20% of all Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they hit 70, says the Skin Cancer Foundation. Skin cancer may form as a non-melanoma (bad) or melanoma (very bad) type of disease. Whatever it may be, one thing is certain - you definitely don't want it. Worse, you may be inadvertently doing things to increase your risk. For starters, sitting out in the sun unprotected is instantly going to increase your odds of being diagnosed with a case of skin cancer. But, some less obvious reasons could lead you down a dangerous path. Here are 12 essential tips to bear in mind: 1. Getting your nails done   While you may not worry too much about getting your nails done at the salon, using UV rays emitted from the LED lamps at your nail salon for a short period of time could result in a life-threatening skin cancer diagnosis. This is what happened to a 20-year-old woman from Illinois, who was diagnosed with skin cancer. Her doctor said it was most likely caused by the regular gel manicures.   2. You aren't eating enough veggies Eating plenty of veggies isn't just good for your health. It can help protect against cancer too. According to the National Cancer Institute, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale are broken down into indoles and isothiocyanates - two key elements that have been shown to prevent cancer from developing. Veggies also keep your immune system healthy. This comes in handy when your body is fighting off illnesses and diseases. 3. You smoke   Most smokers likely assume that they are putting themselves at risk for lung cancer. However, skin cancer is a possibility too. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, inhaling toxins can increase your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma on your lips by 52%. Since it affects 700,000 people in the U.S. each year, it is incredibly common.  4. You use a tanning bed A vast amount of research has been conducted surrounding the dangers of tanning beds. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, people continue to use them at an alarming rate. Just one session increases your risk of melanoma by 20%, basal cell carcinoma by 29% and squamous cell carcinoma by 67%. 5. You don't wear sunglasses   Sunglasses do more than keep the sun out of your eyes. They help protect your delicate eye area - including the very thin-skinned eyelids from skin cancer. Sunglasses should be worn all year round and anytime you are enjoying the sunshine. Opt for a pair that blocks 99 to 100% of those harmful rays.  6. You don't wear enough SPF If you think that SPF 35+ is going to be enough at the beach, you are mistaken. In a new study published in the Journal of the American of Academy of Dermatology, researchers found SPF 100+ is more protective against sunburns than SPF 50+. It is also essential that you reapply often. Bear in mind that the higher the strength doesn't mean that it has a longer staying power.  7. You're not protecting your skin from pollution   It's not just the sun that can harm your complexion. Pollution is just as bad for you, as it is for the environment. Pollution can cause uneven skin tone, accelerated aging and skin cancer. To make sure it doesn't affect you, wash off your skin and wear sunscreen every day. Put it on immediately in the morning and be sure to spring for one that contains antioxidants.  8. You always sit by sunny windows Whether you are in the car or not, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, sitting in front of a sunny window doesn't just lead to wrinkles, it could also lead to skin cancer down the line. 9. You don't wear sunscreen on flights   People tend to feel safe from the sun in a plane, despite traveling six miles closer to it. However, according to one expert, that can really do some damage.. Dermatologist Doris Day says “The fact is, flying at 30,000 feet [for 60 minutes] can be as dangerous as 20 minutes in a tanning bed.” So, if you're not wearing any sunscreen, pull down the shade.  10. You rely on the SPF in your makeup for protection It's nice that your face makeup has the added bonus of SPF. But don't solely depend on that to protect your skin. Many products only have an SPF of 15 and since the American Academy of Dermatology recommends at least 30 SPF on a daily basis, you might need to apply extra before getting ready for the day.  11. You're not careful with your spray tan   Getting a spray tan is a better option than getting a real tan. However, after your appointment be extra cautious. You have a higher risk of free radical damage from those UV rays for up to 24 hours after bronzing yourself. After a day, you'll be fine to apply sunscreen as usual.  12. You're wearing shiny lipsticks You may want to rethink the high-shine, glossy lipsticks. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, they basically do the same thing as putting baby oil on your body does - you become a magnet for UV rays that can burn and damage your skin. Opaque lipstick with SPF 15+ is a better option. Follow the above mentioned tips to lead a healthy and a happy life. ALWAYS LISTEN TO YOUR FAMILY DOCTOR

Mahashivaratri Festival

Mahashivaratri Festival or the 'The Night of Shiva' is celebrated with devotion and religious fervor in honor of Lord Shiva, one of the deities of Hindu Trinity. Shivaratri falls on the moonless 14th night of the new moon in the Hindu month of Phalgun, which corresponds to the month of February - March in English Calendar. Celebrating the festival of Shivaratri devotees observe day and night fast and perform ritual worship of Shiva Lingam to appease Lord Shiva.

Legends of Mahashivratri

There are various interesting legends related to the festival of Maha Shivaratri.

 

According to one of the most popular legends, Shivaratri marks the wedding day of Lord Shiva and Parvati. Some believe that it was on the auspicious night of Shivaratri that Lord Shiva performed the 'Tandava', the dance of the primal creation, preservation and destruction. Another popular Shivratri legend stated in Linga Purana states that it was on Shivaratri that Lord Shiva manifested himself in the form of a Linga. Hence the day is considered to be extremely auspicious by Shiva devotees and they celebrate it as Mahashivaratri - the grand night of Shiva.

The Hunter Once upon a time, a hunter worshiped Lord Shiva unknowingly on Shivaratri. He did this by dropping bael leaves on a shiva linga at the base of a bael tree from its branches where he was hiding and fasting all night. For this he was forgiven of all his sins. This forms the basis behind the offerings of bael to the Lord on Shivaratri.

Traditions and Customs of Shivaratri
Various traditions and customs related to Shivaratri Festival are dutifully followed by the worshippers of Lord Shiva. Devotees observe strict fast in honor of Shiva, though many go on a diet of fruits and milk some do not consume even a drop of water. Devotees strongly believe that sincere worship of Lord Shiva on the auspicious day of Shivaratri, absolves a person of sins and liberates him from the cycle of birth and death. Shivaratri is considered especially auspicious for women. While married women pray for the well being of their husbands unmarried women pray for a husband like Lord Shiva, who is regarded as the ideal husband.

To mark the Shivratri festival, devotees wake up early and take a ritual bath, preferably in river Ganga. After wearing fresh new clothes devotees visit the nearest Shiva temple to give ritual bath to the Shiva Lingum with milk, honey, water etc.

On Shivaratri, worship of Lord Shiva continues all through the day and night. Every three hours priests perform ritual pooja of Shivalingam by bathing it with milk, yoghurt, honey, ghee, sugar and water amidst the chanting of "Om Namah Shivaya' and ringing of temple bells. Nightlong vigil or jaagran is also observed in Shiva temples where large number of devotees spend the night singing hymns and devotional songs in praise of Lord Shiva. It is only on the following morning that devotee break their fast by partaking prasad offered to the deity.

 

 

Shivarathri Pooja

 

Abhisheka of Shiva Linga with Six different dravyas -

 

• Milk is for the blessing of purity and piousness.
• Yogurt is for prosperity and progeny.
• Honey is for sweet speech.
• Ghee is for victory.
• Sugar is for happiness.
• Water is for purity.
  

 

After this, Bilwa leaves, which have to be a stalk with three leaves, is kept on top of the Shivalinga to cool the hot-tempered deity. Ber or jujube fruit is also offered to Lord Shiva, as it is symbolic of longevity and gratification of desires. Some devotees also offer the auspicious betel leaves to Lord Shiva marking satisfaction with worldly pleasures. Garlanding of Linga with flowers and garlands is also a part of the ritual Shivaratri Puja. Devotees also burn incense sticks as is said to yield wealth. Many also light lamps to symbolize attainment of knowledge. It is said that by offering water, hugging the Linga, lighting the diya and incense and ringing the temple bells, devotees call into focus all their senses, making them acutely aware of themselves and the universe to which they belong. 

This ritual worship of Lord Shiva continues through the day and night of Shivaratri. Devotees stay awake and spent the night in Shiva temples by chanting 'Om Namah Shivaya' and singing hymns and verses in praise of Lord Shankar. Devotees observing vrat on Shivaratri break it only the next morning by partaking prasad offered to Lord Shiva.

 

 

Fasting

 

Shivaratri Fast is considered to be the most important fast for the devotees of Lord Shiva. Shiva Purana goes on to say that if a devotee observes Shivaratri Vrata with sincerity, pure devotion and love he is blessed with the divine grace of Lord Shiva. Every year devotees observe Maha Shivaratri fast with devotion and sincerity. Though many go on a diet of fruits and milk, some do not consume even a drop of water all through the day and night of Shivaratri Festival.

 

It may be noted that unlike most other festivals, where after performing the Puja of the deity a feast follows, a Shivratri fast continues all through the day and night. Devotees observe an all night vigil while chanting the mantra, "Om Namah Shivaya" and singing devotional hymns and songs. Even during the night, Shiva Lings is given the holy bath every three hours. An offering of fruits is also made to the deity. There is also the tradition to listen to the recital of various legends and stories related to Shivaratri and Lord Shiva and to understand its deeper meanings. It is only in the following morning that a devotee breaks the fast by consuming the prasad offered to Lord Shankar.