Eye Contact

A little off topic but well worth the read.

A couple weeks ago I went to CVS to pick up some items I needed. This shopping center can be a pain in my... side, sometimes with horrible parking and just not is a great neighborhood, but it's conveniently close to my place of business. I had to park on the street this time which is a good little walk to the doors for CVS, and of course I had to wear my killer heels and a cute little skirt and navy blue shirt combo that day.

While I was in the store checking out the bajillion different kinds of congestion relief, I noticed a male a little ways down my isle that was walking away from the store when I was walking in. Anyone else think that's odd? I kept shopping and decided to move to the "Feminine Hygiene" isle to see if he'd follow. He didn't follow but continued to glance in my direction discreetly.

I finished up and paid at the pharmacy since that stuff is regulated and blah, blah, blah. On my way to the front doors I kept an eye on this guy from one row over, who was looking at shampoo and conditioner... for his harry bald head... Yes! Noticing this when I got to the end of the isle to head to the door I looked back to notice he was heading for the front door now too! I quickly turned around and walked back to the other end of the isle and did what he was doing. I pretended to look at something on the shelves while glancing up he had turned around himself and had gone back to the shampoo, for his harry bald head...

At this point in time I should have gone to the cash register and asked for an escort out to my car since I had a little ways to in these killer heels. But I didn't. I decided to make a quick dash for the door. Right before I got to the door I turned around clutching my purse on my shoulder. I stopped, stared directly at this guy (who was once again walking towards to door along with me) until he glanced up and made eye contact with me. He quickly looked away and then casually looked back at me while I stood there still, staring at him from about 15 feet away. As he turned around to look at an end cap I made the quick dash for the door and towards the street to my car continuously looking back. A little over half way to my car the guy walked out of the store heading the same way I saw him when I first walked into the store. Away from it, towards the street.

Thinking back I should have asked for a store manager to escort me to my car. I should have called the police and reported his suspicious activity, but I didn't. I should have and will the next time something like this happens.

The message I want everyone to get out of this story is to always be aware of your surroundings, don't be afraid to make eye contact, and be smart when you notice something suspicious. This guy was following me, I have no doubt of that and no, it wasn't a paranoid or narcissistic notion. This guy had intentions for me, what? I don't know, but what if I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings and had my head buried in my phone, who knows how that would have turned out. 

Keep your heads up and safe!
American Cutie

Sun, Sunscreen, and Your Health

Is slathering on sunscreen every time you go out into the sun really good for you? For years, research has shown that putting on sunscreen before going out into the sun helps to lower your risk of sunburn, melanoma, sunspots, and prematurely aging skin. Although spending time in the sun has also been shown to help the human body produce Vitamin D and help with some other skin issues such as Psoriasis and Eczema. Specifically UVB rays are being used to treat some skin issues in doctors office and home use systems. More research is being done on the benefits of UVB rays.

Some researchers have made the argument that too much sunscreen can actually prevent your body from weeding out the mutated cancerous cells. (Unfortunately, for the life of me can't find the video to quote the researchers name on this one.) The sun is the best source for your body to create Vitamin D which in turn helps cell reproduction and calcium absorption and regulation. If you are constantly using a high SPF sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays you are for sure lowering your risk of skin cancer and premature aging, but what about other cancer causing cells? The sun can help your body create Vitamin D which helps cellular reproduction and helps to rid your body of mutated cells that can turn cancerous. Vitamin D when converted by the kidneys is turned into Calcitriol which acts as a hormone in your bloodstream to regulate calcium levels in your body to promote healthy bone growth too.

So your body ultimately needs some sun. Now I'm not suggesting you never wear sunscreen again, and far be it for me to think I am completely correct on all things sun. I have done some research and only speak of what this limited research has taught me and encourage you to do some research of your own. I understand the basics of needing at least 15 minutes of sun everyday to keep my body healthy. Not to mention being in the sunshine just lifts my spirits.

I wish I knew the pros and cons of sun exposure in my youth and I might not have so much sun damage and prematurely aging skin. Wear sunscreen if your going to be out in the sun for prolonged periods but wear a lower SPF so your body can slowly absorb at least some of those UV's to help your system do what it's supposed to do. Remember to apply every few hours so your body doesn't OD on UV's like getting a sun burn. Ouch! If your going to be out in the sun running errands or taking a short bike ride to the store don't worry about it, but ALWAYS wear sunscreen on your face! If you must wear sunscreen all the time choose a low SPF of 15 or 20.

These are just my opinions on the research I have done and the facts I find relevant for people to know. In no way am I a doctor or even recommend you follow my advise. Do what you feel is right for you, this is what is right for me.

So enjoy the sunshine this summer safely.
Your American Cutie