Postcard from Home
Easter Bunny Visits Faubourg St. John
Living Well on Easter
by Vivian Cahn
Reprinted from the April, 1994 edition of the Faubourg St. John Neighborhood Association newsletter.
Easter is this Sunday and with it the herald of spring. This marks the beginning of a mass exodus by Orleanians to the Gulf Coast or other spots for sun and fun.
What’s changed about this seasonal rite is a new awareness regarding the potential hazards of spending days in the sun. On the beach you will see lots of “crispy critters” who look as though they are completely oblivious to the dire warnings concerning skin cancer, but for the rest of us, who prefer a little caution, here is some information.
Virtually all of our wrinkles come from being out in the sun. Plus sun causes over 500,000 people to develop skin cancer each year. Almost all skin cancers occur on parts of the body most frequently exposed to the sun’s radiation — the face, neck, ears, forearms, and hands. Skin cancer is most often found in fair skinned individuals with excessive, long term sun exposure and is generally treated by a variety of surgical methods often on an outpatient basis.
To protect yourself, stay out of the sun between 10 am and 2 pm, especially during the months of April through September. Wear protective clothing when outside. Wear sunblock of SPF 15, even during the shortest exposures to the sun. Up to 15, sun protection factors (SPF’s) are fairly accurate. But the Food and Drug Administration say there are doubts whether SPF’s of 30 or more actually provide significant more protection.
The FDA also cautions that different sunscreens are needed for different skin types, that children six months to two years need and SPF of at least 4 and that it is simply best to keep children under six months out of the sun. Usually by the time you are 18, you have received one-half of your lifetime radiation.
Magical Mystery Tour – Be a New Orleanian
by Charlie London
Years ago, Laura went to an Anime Convention in Houston. For those of you who don’t know, it’s a get-together for those who love Japanese graphic novels and, generally all things Japanese.
Since it was the Saturday before Easter, Laura dressed as a white bunny and wore red contacts to complete the effect. She had a basket with plastic Easter eggs full of items to give out to the participants at the convention.
While walking to the convention in full bunny regalia, she encountered a 6 year old girl who was a bit apprehensive seeing a tall white bunny with red eyes.
The girl was with her parents and grandparents visiting downtown Houston. After mustering up her courage, the little girl asked Laura, “Are you the Easter bunny?”.
Not missing a beat, Laura replied, “Why yes I am, what is your name?” The little girl replied, “My name is Sarah”. Laura gave her one of her eggs from the basket and told Sarah, “Now you be good for your parents”
The parents were very grateful and when checking out of the hotel Laura overheard the grandmother retelling the story. She did not recognize Laura without the white bunny costume and red eyes.