This article can be found at Quackwatch.com. It is important to me to get out information on what constitutes as alternative medicine and why it can be fraudulent. Consumers need to be aware. You will inevitably come across those that promote cures for cancer and other ailments.

In the article Steven Barrett, MD classifies Alternative medicine in three different ways:

1. Genuine -- these alternatives have met science based criteria for safety and effectiveness
2. Experimental -- these alternatives are unproven but have a plausible rationale and are undergoing responsible investigation.
3. Questionable -- these alternatives are groundless and lack a scientifically plausible rationale.

Another way Dr. Barrett describes the different alternatives methods are:

1. Those that work
2. Those that don't work
3. Those we are not sure about

Most of the alternatives fall into the --Those we are not sure about category.

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That's Fit blogger Jonathon Morgan wrote on May 25 about five sunscreen myths. In the spirit of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, it seems appropriate to mention this thought-provoking news here on this site.

I just heard a radio commercial about a certain sunscreen, claiming the product is so good consumers need only apply the lotion one time during an eight-hour time frame. It seems, according to the following list of myths, this is not exactly true.

Myth #1: Sunscreens protect all day.
Fact: Regardless of the SPF or what the label says, sunscreens must be reapplied every two hours because active ingredients in most products break down when exposed to the sun.

It would certainly be better to identify those who are at a higher risk for developing melanoma so that they can be thoroughly screened. This is exactly what might be possible says the Journal of Clinical Oncology.

A study was done that showed if patients were given a questionnaire and a brief examination they could identify who was at a higher risk for melanoma to develop. This information can lead to these individuals getting further interventions such as a complete skin evaluation and counseling to avoid sun exposure.

The researchers stress that this is not a way to identify current melanoma cases but to identify who should have a more thorough exam. Finding melanoma early can lead to 100 percent cure. If you see anything that is about the size of a pencil eraser, is not uniform in color and does not have rounded edges you should see a Dermatologist.

Dr. Fears of the National Cancer Institute in Maryland says "Such interventions in high risk individuals may lead to detection of early, curable disease or to a decrease in their risk of developing melanoma."