Summer Health Issues: Skin Cancer

Although skin cancer- the abnormal growth of skin cells- can be diagnosed at any time of the year, summer is the one season out of every year where the risk factors go up instantly. Lounging at the beach, reading a book by the pool, or hiking and biking along the trails are all great ways to spend some of the best days outdoors. However, if you leave the SPF off, you’re leaving yourself open to some very major risks. There are 3 types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. All three occur due to the ultraviolet radiation that hits the skin. While skin cancer is treatable, it should be treated with the same amount of concern as any other cancer would since it is still quite dangerous and does require extensive treatment.  If you want to avoid skin cancer and all of the treatments that go along with it, there are some keys to prevention that should be paid attention to:

     - Avoiding the sun in the middle of the day, when it’s the strongest
     - Continuing to wear SPF, year round
     - Wear clothing that can block the sun- hats and sunglasses are key here
     - Avoid tanning salons
     - Regularly check your skin for changes, use the ABCDs:

               A – Asymmetry – irregular shape, one side different from the other
               B – Border – edges are irregular or ragged
               C – Color – color changes within the same mole
               D – Dimension – larger than pencil’s eraser

Should I get that heart scan?
You’ve heard the ads on the radio and many of you are wondering, should I get that heart scan? The heart scan is an ultrafast CT which looks for calcium in the arteries to your heart.   This can be a sign that you have blockages and may be at risk for a heart attack.  According to the American Heart Association more than 50% of people have heart disease and don’t know it, this could be you.

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Risk factors for heart disease include:
High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Diabetes
Family history of heart attack or stroke
Smoking
Obesity

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The scan is recommended for men over 45 or those over 35 with one of the above risk factors, women over 55 or those over 45 with one of the above risk factors.  The test is not recommended if you are having trouble breathing or chest pains, for these symptoms you should see your doctor.  The test is quick and simple and costs only $99.  Why not recommend for a  loved one today?

Well, it’s Spring again (at least the calendar says it is).  It’s time to shut down the tv and get outside.  We’ve spent a long winter in the house, probably sitting around way too much, and now it’s time to get active.  Keeping physically active is extremely important and has been shown to have many health benefits.  Regular aerobic exercise will decrease your blood pressure and resting heart rate, improve your good cholesterol and even burn some calories to help you lose those pounds you gained at Christmas.

Regular exercise has also been shown to strengthen your bones, prevent falls, and even decrease your stress levels.  Your goal should be to be active at least 30 minutes most days of the week.  If you do nothing now, just try simple things like walking around the block or parking a little farther away at the grocery store.  Take your dog for a walk or bike ride with your family.  You may be surprised how good you can feel.

Diabetes is a common illness and effects the lives of many of our patients.  Please know that we at EMPCA want to help you control your diabetes and prevent the complications which can occur such as:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Kidney failure
• Blindness
• Foot ulcers leading to amputation
• Nerve damage

But how can you help us and help yourself?

• See your doctor at least every 3-6 months
• Take your medications regularly
• Stop smoking
• Limit the sweets and fats in your diet
• Get regular exercise every day
• Have regular tests including A1C, cholesterol and urine for protein
• Know your A1C – should be less than 7, as close to 6 as possible
• Know your LDL (the bad cholesterol) – should be less than 100
• See your eye doctor yearly for a complete exam
• Control your blood pressure to less 130/80

Check the bottom of your feet daily for sores, ulcers or redness.  Together we can keep your sugars well controlled and keep you happy and healthy for many years to come.  Please contact your physician or any member of our medical staff if you have any questions about how to best help yourself and your diabetes.

We’ve all heard the saying, “Life isn’t a spectator sport.”  Well the physicians at Elmhurst Memorial Primary Care Associates share this philosophy. In other words, when it comes your healthcare, we don’t want you to sit on the sidelines and be passive. Instead, we encourage you to get involved in your day-to-day care: to eat healthy, exercise and get enough sleep. We also encourage you to take an active role in your healthcare plan.

So when you come in, tell us what’s going on with you, what you’re feeling and what your expectations are.  The more we know, the more we can work together to develop a care plan that fits your lifestyle.  We’re here to be your coach and help you strategize the best course of action—but we rely on you to put it into action. Ultimately, the more we work together the more we can ensure your health doesn’t get sidelined.