May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

On this cold, cloudy day with damp rain and temperatures in the 50’s, it seems strange to be talking about sun exposure. But Memorial Weekend is here, and it’s certainly sunny somewhere!

Weather dependent, the beaches will be packed this holiday weekend, along with the risks of overexposure to the sun.  Be aware – use sun protection and sun safety practices!

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 3.3 million people are diagnosed annually. Fortunately, skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer.

Unfortunately, skin cancer is increasing in the United States and the American Cancer Society estimates that one American dies every hour from skin cancer.  The risk increases the more time we spend outdoors in the sun.

Fortunately, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer and highly treatable when detected early.

Take precautions when outside in the sun:

• Avoid burns.
• Seek the shade.
• Use a broad spectrum sunscreen (UVA/UVB) SPF 30 or higher.
• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every 2 hours or immediately after swimming or excess sweating.
• Avoid tanning and UV beds.
• Cover up with clothing; wear sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat and ….
• if you’re fair-skinned and sun sensitive like me, you might even cover up with long sleeves to avoid a sunburn.

Be aware of changes on your skin with growths and in moles.  See your doctor if you have any concerns.  

Examine Your Skin:

• Examine your skin every month, head-to-toe.
• Have your physician do a skin check as part of your annual exam.

Be aware. Be safe!

Education, Awareness, Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment Saves Lives! 

#DontFryDay 

Sources and More Information: 

http://skincancerprevention.org/programs/dont-fry-day

http://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/skin-cancer-awareness-month

NATIONAL HEAT AWARENESS DAY

Heat exhaustion and dehydration due to heat result in fatalities each year.

The following advisories may be issued from the National Weather Service:

• Excessive Heat Outlooks
• Excessive Heat Watches
• Excessive Heat Warning/Advisories

Precautions to take, especially when heat advisories are issued:

• stay hydrated (drink plenty of water),
• avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks and extra sugar,
• avoid over exertion,
• find a cool place to stay.
• check on elderly and ill family and neighbors.

 #HeatAwarenessDay 

Click Here For information on symptoms and treatment of heat exhaustion from Mayo Clinic.

Sources and More Information:

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/os/heat/index.shtml

http://www.weather.gov/safety

http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-heat-exhaustion/basics/art-20056651

Have a Safe, Healthy and Happy Memorial Weekend!   ~ Karen

Karen Pischke BSN, RN, CCRN Alumnus. Author. Speaker. Researcher. Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist. Reiki Teacher/Shihan. Tobacco Treatment Specialist. Owner/Founder of Dreamtime Wellness LLC. Your Bridge to Health. Promoting Optimal Wellness, Mind, Body and Spirit www.DreamtimeWellness.com. Find us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dreamtime-Wellness-/348619611849199 Disclaimer: This blog pro­vides gen­eral infor­ma­tion and dis­cus­sion about health and related sub­jects. The words and other con­tent pro­vided in this blog, and in any linked mate­ri­als, are not intended and should not be con­strued as med­ical advice. If the reader or any other per­son has a med­ical con­cern, he or she should con­sult with an appropriately licensed physi­cian or other health care worker. Never dis­re­gard pro­fes­sional med­ical advice or delay in seek­ing it because of some­thing you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a med­ical emer­gency, call your doc­tor or 911 immediately. The views expressed on this blog and web­site have no rela­tion to those of any academic, hospital, practice or other insti­tu­tion with which the authors are affiliated.