Health
Detecting and preventing skin cancer
Dr. Melinda HartOf all types of cancer, skin cancer is the most common, and more than one million cases are diagnosed each year in the United States. That is more than prostate, breast, lung, colon, uterine, ovarian and pancreatic cancer combined. People can be proactive in protecting themselves and their families from skin cancer.
Two types of skin cancers exist — melanomas and non-melanomas. Knowing the differences is very important in identifying the cancers in their earliest stages, when they are most easily cured. Once a month, you should examine your skin in a well-lit room in front of a full-length mirror.
Non-melanomas are the most common forms of skin cancer and are unlikely to be fatal because they rarely spread. One should look for growths, spots, bumps, rough patches or sores that don’t heal after a few months.
Melanoma is significantly less common than non-melanomas, but much more serious. Seventy-seven percent of skin cancer deaths are caused by melanoma. Melanoma is also more likely to spread to other parts of the body. The ABCD rule is a guide for the typical signs of melanoma.
‰ A is for asymmetry, when one half of a mole does not match the other half.
‰ B is for border, when the edges are blurred, irregular, ragged, notched or blurred.
‰ C is for color, which may be inconsistent and include shades of brown or black, as well as patches of red, white or blue.
‰ D is for diameter, when the spot is as big as or larger than a pencil eraser.
Skin cancers are primarily caused by UV rays from the sun, though some may be caused from artificial sources, such as tanning beds. People can take precautions to prevent skin cancer by following a few tips:
‰Limit midday sun exposure: From 10 a.m.to 4 p.m., ultraviolet rays are most intense and should be avoided.
‰ Cover up: When in the sun, cover as much skin as possible. Wear long sleeve shirts, pants or skirts to protect skin. Dark colors also offer more protection. Wearing a hat with at least a two to three inch brim all the way around is best because it protects areas that often are damaged by the sun.
‰ Use sunscreen: Apply a sunscreen with at least a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Remember that sunscreen does not give total protection. For example, after applying a SPF correctly, the user gets one minute of burning time for every 15 minutes spent in the sun.
‰ Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps: Tanning beds give off UVA and UVB rays, which contribute to skin cancer growth.
To prevent skin cancer, be proactive, take care of your skin and have your physician routinely check your skin. If you have any questions about skin care, please call Dr. Melinda Hart at 735-0030.
- Health
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Health dept. preparing for flu season
By Karen Williamson
KARENW@CULLMANTIMES.COM
While mandatory reporting for flu cases is not required at the moment, the Cullman County Health Department is gearing up to offer vaccines to lessen a potential outbreak.
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Detecting and preventing skin cancer
Of all types of cancer, skin cancer is the most common, and more than one million cases are diagnosed each year in the United States. That is more than prostate, breast, lung, colon, uterine, ovarian and pancreatic cancer combined. People can be proactive in protecting themselves and their families from skin cancer.
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New advanced CT scanner helping Woodland patients
Woodland Medical Center announced that they have added a state-of-the-art multi-slice Computed Tomography (CT) scanner to their facility. The new Brilliance CT scanner from Philips Medical Systems features advanced technology that produces split-second high quality images, permitting doctors to see more anatomical detail in a fraction of the time needed for other tests. With this new CT scanner, Woodland Medical Center’s doctors will be able to more effectively detect and treat a range of life threatening illnesses, including heart disease, cancer, stroke, and lung disease.
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Spring allergies are nothing to sneeze at
Spring is in the air and pollen along with it. If the first warm days also mean the first runny nose and the first blooming buds mean the first red eyes, you may be one of the 36 million Americans who suffer with allergies.
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Organ transplant gives husband, wife unique bond
Often spouses ask one another, “How much do you love me?” Sounds like a ridiculous question, but when local businessman Robert Luckhard, owner of The Doghouse, was posed this question he answered undeniably, “with everything I have.”
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Recognize obesity in your children
Pediatricians and parents are concerned about the rising rates of obesity among children and are now recognizing the need for action. Over the past three decades, the number of children who are overweight or obese has doubled from 15 percent in the 1970s to nearly 30 percent today. Nationally, there are 25 million children and adolescents who are categorized as overweight or obese.
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The gift of life — and it stays close to home
Thanks to a partnership between LifeSouth and Cullman Regional Medical Center, it is easier than ever for individuals to make blood donations. The LifeSouth bloodmobile travels throughout our community to schools, businesses and churches for blood drive events. There is also a donation station located in the professional office building No. 2 at CRMC that is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Is it a cold, or is it the flu?
It’s normal to mistake the flu for another ailment such as a cold or just “feeling under the weather,” but it’s important to know the difference — because if it’s the flu, the sooner you can get help from your doctor, the better.
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Smoking– It’s time to quit
You’ve heard this before – it’s time to quit smoking. It’s a nasty habit that increases the risk for a variety of conditions including several types of cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure, lung and gum disease and ulcers. It causes stained teeth, bad breath and wrinkled skin. Your secondhand smoke can be damaging to family and friends. Although it only costs a few bucks for a pack, it can add up to hundreds of dollars during spent during a year.
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Eating Well, Aging Well
With each passing year, as people get older, they should be aware of their bodies' changing needs. Many people don't realize that healthy aging demands closer attention to diet. Here are a few tips from Janet Benefield, RD, dietician at Cullman Regional Medical Center.
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Health dept. preparing for flu season
