Summer will be here before we know it . I got to thinking about the sun and it's effects on our body especially our skin. It's important to take safe measures when going out in the sun. Time of day and sunscreen blockers all have an effect. Be sure when choosing a sun block you read the information carefully.
Although the sun is a good supplier of Vitamin D which is essential to bone growth it also can harm you if you have excessive UV exposure. It increases your risk of skin cancer.
Please refer back to my article on Melanoma to find out valuable information.
Women, like me, who have a family history of breast cancer worry more about breast cancer according to a new study. One of the best things that I did was to get tested for the BRCA 1 & 2 genes, which helped me have more information and less fear. Having information and then talking about it with my surgeon, breast specialist and gynecologist helped me feel more empowered.
I found out that because my mom tested positive for the BRCA gene, meant that my brothers should consider being tested so that they could understand their risk for pancreatic and prostate cancer, since they're related cancers.
I remember how difficult it was to ask my mother to be tested for the breast cancer gene. She had been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer by that time and knew that her time was limited. She had breast cancer at age 32, one of her maternal aunts had died of breast cancer and she thought that her maternal grandmother died of ovarian cancer. I knew from my work in women's health that if she carried the BRCA genetic mutation that I had a 50/50 chance of also carrying it.
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers in older adults, and knowing someone's risk is important because early detection is crucial to successful treatment. Age is the biggest risk factor for colorectal cancer; more than 90 percent of people diagnosed with it are over the age of 50. Make a list of the risks that apply to you or the person in your care, then use it to discuss colorectal cancer screening with the doctor.
Today's Article is by Staywell Custom Communications, as Featured on Caring.com
FRIDAY, July 8 (HealthDay News) -- Young women say they flock to tanning salons to gain a healthy glow that adds to their natural beauty, protects them from the sun's rays and fills them with self-confidence.
Except none of it is true or lasting.
A deep tan may help project beauty and confidence for a while, but health experts stress that it will eventually give way to permanent skin damage caused by the ultraviolet rays emitted by a tanning bed -- damage up to and including potentially deadly skin cancer.
"We're seeing more young women with melanoma," said Dr. Len Lichtenfeld, deputy chief medical officer for the American Cancer Society. "Based on recent research, we believe it is linked to use of tanning beds."
I saw a woman, Joann * the other day who had a double mastectomy and who was recovering from her reconstructive surgery. We were talking about how she's coping with her diagnosis. Her oncologist is not recommending chemo and says that her prognosis is excellent. She has a 90% or better chance of being around for the next 5-10 years.
Our Guest Writer Today is Arlene Karidis, Freelance Writer and Cancer Survivor. This is the third part of a 3 Part Series of how beneficial the affordable Health Care Act is for real americans with real health issues.
I was interviewed for this article on the Health Reform Act. I am seeing many more patients who can now access care. There are still many more who skip medications and don't see their providers because they still can't afford it.
I was just at the American Academy of Nurse Practitioner conference in Las Vegas and listened to Kathleen Sebelius address our members about health care. I was very impressed with her commitment to improve the health of our nation and her recognition of the vital role that nurse practitioner have in caring for about 2 million people every day; that's 600 million each year.
Our Guest Writer Today is Arlene Karidis, Freelance Writer and Cancer Survivor. This is Part 2 of a 3 Part Series of how beneficial the affordable Health Care Act is for real americans with real health issues.
Mental Health Advocates See Health Reform Law as Victory
Jennifer, a 33-year-old college student, struggles with mental illness. It’s been an ongoing battle for Jennifer, who’s founder of a nonprofit organization for cancer survivors. Fortunately, health reform has enabled her to breathe some relief.
According to recent research, drinking coffee can lower the risk of Prostate Cancer in men! Who knew? Researchers found that men who drank 6 or more cups/day had a 60% reduced risk of developing the most lethal type. If it sounds like you might float away with that much coffee, don't give up the espresso just yet, because men who drank 3 cups/day had a 30% decrease. Amazing? What's the connection?
