| July Missouri Regional Newsletter p5 |
| ACS News |
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ABCD rule is a convenient guide to help identify signs of melanoma. Be on the lookout for and notify your physician about any changes in the following: � A is for ASYMMETRY: Half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other. � B is for BORDER: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred. � C is for COLOR The color is not the same all over, but may have differing shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of red, white, or blue. � D is for DIAMETER: The area is larger than 6 millimeters (about � inch�the size of a pencil eraser) or is growing larger. The most important warning sign for skin cancer is a spot on the skin that is changing in size, shape, or color over a period of one month to one or two years. Four Ways to Protect Your Skin "Slip! Slop! Slap! . . . and Wrap" is a catchphrase for kids ABCD Rule to Check Moles and Birthmarks The that works well for adults too. It reminds people to use four key methods to protect themselves. Slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, and wrap on sunglasses to protect the eyes and sensitive skin around them from ultraviolet light. Tips for Correct Use of Sunscreen For maximum effectiveness, apply a sunscreen that blocks both UVB and UVA light 20 to 30 minutes before going outside. Be generous in the amount you use and use a product with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. About one ounce of sunscreen should be used to cover the arms, legs, neck, and face of the average adult. Less is needed for a child. For best results, most sunscreens need to be reapplied every two hours and immediately after swimming or sweating heavily. Remember that sunscreen usually rubs off when you towel yourself dry. The UV Index (Sunny Day Forecast) The UV index, on a scale of 0 to10+, measures the amount of ultraviolet radiation reaching the ground during an hour around 12:00 noon. There's a daily UV forecast for 58 cities, based on local conditions, which many newspapers and TV stations report. And now a ZIP code search gives the forecast for even more communities. The higher the number, the greater the exposure to UV radiation. On a typical sunny spring day, the UV index will rise to high (7,8,9) or very high (10+). For a fair-skinned person, sun damage can begin in 15 minutes without protection. Beyond Sunscreen Seeking shade, wearing tightly woven clothing, and avoiding the intense sun from 10:00 a.m.�4:00 p.m. are important ways to protect yourself from sunlight and skin cancer. Some people think about sun protection only when they spend a full day at the beach or pool. But sun exposure adds up day after day. It happens whenever you are in the sun�gardening, fishing, hiking, riding a bike, going to the zoo, attending a baseball game, or going to and from your car. For more information go to: How to do a Skin Check |
| FYI HEALTH SERIES |
| Stress
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR STRESS MANAGEMENT 1) Hide duplicate keys (keys to the car, house, etc) in secure areas. 2) If you want to decrease your telephone solicitations, upon receiving a call state �Please take me off your calling list.� This should immediately end the conversation. If not ask to speak wit h a supervisor. 3) Prepare yourself for work the night before (e.g., choose your clothes, pack your briefcase). 4) Drink more water. (Americans tend to be dehydrated which an impact our physical and mental performance) and decrease caffeine. |