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Show Volume XV Issue XIV The Ogden Valley news Page 19 July 1, 2008 Teaming Up to Prevent Skin Cancer (NAPS) With more than 1 million cases of skin cancer diagnosed each year, people could be doing more to protect themselves. In addition to applying sunscreen, there are a few quick, easy steps everyone can take to prevent the incidence of this disease. One important precautionary step is performing monthly self-examinations. “Self-examination is an extremely simple and effective tool, yet highly neglected by most Americans,” said Dr. Darrel S. Rigel, Clinical Professor of Dermatology at New York University Medical Center. Coupled with an annual visit to your dermatologist for a full-body skin cancer screening, monthly self-examinations are the best way to help prevent and detect skin cancer. When performing a self-examination, do so in front of the mirror, paying close attention to the areas of your body directly exposed to the sun, including your face, arms and legs as well as your hands and trunk, which are also susceptible to harmful sun exposure that can lead to skin cancer. Dermatologists recommend keeping track of your moles, freckles, and birthmarks, noting any changes in shape, size or color, and the appearance of any other visible irregularities. According to dermatologists, performing a self-examination is simple when keeping the ABCD rule in mind: A is for ASYMMETRY: One 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 and may include shades of brown or black, or sometimes with patches of red, white, or blue. D is for DIAMETER: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across (about ¼ inch—the size of a pencil eraser) or is growing larger. In the event that you do notice any changes, you should consult your dermatologist right away. In addition to avoiding the sun, an important first line of defense against skin cancer is sun protection. Choosing the right product and applying it on a daily basis continues to be a must. Also, consumers should opt for products that contain a stabilizing technology like Helioplex offering superior protection against UVA rays, as well as high SPF’s that protect against UVB rays, such as Neutrogena’s New Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 85 with Helioplex. By practicing sun-safe habits and by visiting your dermatologist once a year, you can reduce your risk of skin cancer. For more information, visit <www. NeutrogenaSkinHealth.com> Shining a Light on Sunscreen Despite the flood of sun-protection information that is released each summer, many consumers still don’t know as much as they should when it comes to choosing a sunscreen. While sunscreen may already be a beach bag necessity, certain sunscreen technologies and ingredients will provide superior protection from the sun’s harmful rays, so it’s important to know what to look for when reading the label. Sunlight contains the visible light we can see and ultraviolet (UV) rays that we cannot. UVB rays are responsible for sunburns as well as certain kinds of skin cancers, while UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and are associated with wrinkling, leathering, sagging and the development of dark spots. UVA can enhance the carcinogenic effects of UVB rays—the light penetrates windows and clouds and leaves no visible signature on your skin. Most consumers don’t know that the SPF rating on the sunscreen bottle only pertains to UVB. That’s why dermatologists say to look for a sunscreen label that specifically includes UVA protection. The FDA, however, is now working on new packaging regulations intended to help make labeling clearer. Also, according to the FDA, sunscreens are neither perspiration-proof or waterproof. Sunscreens can be washed or worn off as a consequence of swimming or sweating, so consumers are advised to look for products that are water resistant or sweat resistant-FDA approved terms. Another common misconception is that you can apply sunscreen once and be protected all day. “Ordinary UVA sunscreen chemicals break down as soon as they are exposed to light and become practically ineffective in about one hour,” says Boston dermatologist Dr. Jeffrey Dover. “It’s not just full-spectrum coverage we need to be concerned with; the key is finding a product with UVB and UVA protection, but also one that lasts longer.” Recently, new technologies including Dermaplex™ have been created to help keep the key sunprotection ingredients stable so they won’t break down for hours and therefore don’t need to be reapplied as often. Sunscreens like the new Continuous Spray SPF 45 from Skin Effects™ by Dr. Jeffrey Dover use Dermaplex technology so it won’t break down after sun exposure for up to five hours, allowing for full-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Plus, it holds up against sweat and water, is hypoallergenic, sprays on easily and is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. Most important, sunscreens have an expiration date. Dermatologists recommend buying a new bottle every six months. Skin Effects by Dr. Jeffrey Dover is available at all CVS/pharmacy locations. Sunlight contains ultraviolet (UV) rays that we cannot see. It is these UV rays— both UVA and UVB—that can do the most damage to the skin. Stroke and Osteoporosis Screening Coming to Ogden and Syracuse July 7, 8, and 11 Residents living in and around the Ogden and Syracuse, Utah communities can be screened to reduce their risk of having a stroke. The complete screening package now includes a new Heart Rhythm screening which checks for irregular heartbeat, a major risk factor for stroke. Life Line Screening will be at the following locations: • Washington Heights Baptist Church on July 7. The site is located at 1770 E. 6200 S. in Ogden. Appointments will begin at 9:00 a.m. • Crossroads Christian Fellowship on July 8. The Christian fellowship is located at 6545 Combe Road in Ogden. Appointments begin at 9:00 a.m. • Syracuse Community Center on July 11. The community center is located at 1912 S. 1900 W. in Syracuse. Appointments begin at 9:00 a.m. For more information regarding the screenings or to schedule an appointment, call 1-800-697-9721 or visit our website at <www.lifelinescreening.com> Pre-registration is required. A stroke, also known as a “brain attack,” is ranked as the third leading killer in the world. Screenings are fast, painless, and affordable. They help identify potential health problems such as blocked arteries and irregular heart rhythm, abdominal aortic aneurysms, and hardening of the arteries in the legs, which is a strong predictor of heart disease. A bone density screening to assess osteoporosis risk is also offered and is appropriate for both men and women. Register for a Wellness Package with Heart Rhythm. All five screenings take 60-90 minutes to complete. Life Line Screening was established in 1993, and has since become the nation’s leading provider of preventive screenings. Please click on this link to download illustrations and photos: <http://www.lifelinescreening.com/ Press/multimedia/Pages/index.aspx> Racing for the Finish in Eden Ogdne Valley boy scouts display their cars in the Pinewood Derby. Subscriptions available for out of area residents at $18.00 annually. Send payment with mailing address to: The Ogden Valley news P O BOX 130, EDEN UT 84310 Located in The Old Cannery Huntsville Independence Day Run 4th of July, 2008 1 Mile Fun Run ~ 5 K Race ~ 10 K Race in North Ogden, Place: Race begins at Huntsville Park Pre-Registration Time 6:15 a.m. Race will begin at 7:00 a.m. Just “over the pass.” 2005 No Washington Blvd. For more information call Colleen Burton @ 644-1002 Custom built one at a time. One table the whole family will gather around. 4-6 weeks from start to finish. 2008 Independence Day Fun Run Registration Form Priced from $3,500 Pre-Register $20 for Adults $15 Under 16 years of age $25 Adults $18 Under 16 after June 27th Call (801) 737-4515 or (801) 603-0131 |