Review the Facts:

• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than one million skin cancers are diagnosed annually.
• Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon.
• One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.
• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer; about one million of the cases diagnosed annually are BCCs. BCCs are rarely fatal, but can be highly disfiguring.
• Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. More than 250,000 cases are diagnosed each year, resulting in approximately 2,500 deaths.
• BCC and SCC are the two major forms of non-melanoma skin cancer. Between 40 and 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will have either skin cancer at least once.
• In 2004, the total direct cost associated with the treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers was more than $1 billion.
• About 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
• Up to 90 percent of the visible changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun.
• Contrary to popular belief, 80 percent of a person’s lifetime sun exposure is not acquired before age 18; only about 23 percent of lifetime exposure occurs by age 18.

Lifetime UV Exposure in the United States
Ages	Average Accumulated Exposure*
1-18	22.73 percent
19-40	46.53 percent
41-59	73.7 percent
60-78	100 percent

*Based on a 78 year lifespan

Source: Skin Cancer Foundation http://www.skincancer.org/

Links:

American Academy of Dermatology
Body Mole Map

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Five Keys to Weight Loss Success

Wishing you health and happiness in the New Year!

Lora

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Join us for a Mingle on Jan. 10 at 9 a.m.  Check the above link for details.

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Dec 11, 2008 | Davis County Clipper

DAVIS COUNTY — Patients typically have concerns about gaining weight when starting on a new medication, but pharmacists say weight gain is not typically an issue on newer medications.

According to representatives at Lakeview Hospital, studies have not been done nor documented to really prove or disprove large amounts of weight gain with any given medication. Individuals react differently and although a person can gain between five and 10 pounds on a long-term basis while taking certain medications, it does not mean everyone taking that same pill will gain weight.

“In some animal studies, they have found an increase of enzymes in the brain directly related to appetite,” said Lakeview Hospital pharmacist, Mike Shurtz.

He said that some people may be more susceptible to weight gain than others, but in general, people don’t need to worry about gaining too much weight on medication. Newer technology and research has also found ways around impacting weight, resulting in new drugs that don’t have a high risk of side effects.

“The newer anti-depressants and anti-psychotics don’t have as high a risk on weight gain as they used to,” said Shurtz.

However, Shurtz does agree that for some people, weight gain can still be a problem with medication. “You have to make priorities in that case,” he said. “Do I want to take the medication and risk gaining weight or feel the way I do all the time?’

He said diabetics tend to gain weight anyway, and the other two categories of highest risk are anti-depressants and anti-psychotics. A table is typically provided to doctors and pharmacists with details on just how high the risk of gaining weight — and other side effects — really is.

“I don’t think anyone would argue that it is not an issue,” said Shurtz. But, he said changing life-style and eating habits will always help a person to be more healthy.

“It’s just harder for some than others, and medication affects everyone differently.”

Shurtz did say that in trials that have been run, large groups of people taking these medications have been able to loose some weight simply by changing their eating habits. He said it is true that some people don’t realize medication doesn’t necessarily make a person gain weight, it simply increases a person’s appetite. “It just depends on the individual.” 

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I urge those people who enjoy exercising outside (yes, even in the winter) to wear reflective clothing, have a blinking light and carry ID. If you were hit and knocked unconscious how would anyone know who you are? A cell phone doesn’t provide the paramedics with any information on who you are. Nobody expects an “accident” so carrying ID could help them contact a loved one in time to say goodbye (let’s hope this never happens. ever!). It may help them learn that the person has a medical condition that would effect their treatment (ie. diabetes, heart condition). This list goes on and on.

I am sure many of you have seen the little red velcro ID badge I wear on my shoe. It is made by Road ID and stays on my shoe. I also have a pink one for my ankle when I am on my road bike (it is even more important to have ID on a bike!). You can choose your color and design it yourself. They cost about $20, but are well worth the peace of mind to me. They make a great gift and as an extra incentive you can save yourself a buck. Just click on the link below and use the coupon number: ThanksLora439398 (expires Jan. 8, 2009)

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www.ibcresearch.org

IBC hotline: 1-866-447-3467

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Meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month, except December at 7 p.m. at Lakeview Hospital, 630 East Medical Drive, Bountiful, Utah. Meet in the Community Room on the first floor. A lecture will be presented first, with a support group meeting after. All lecture topics will be diabetes related, given by professionals in the field.  If you have questions please call Mesha at 801-299-6868.

Click here for a the 2009 topic list. Downloadable Schedule

Support a local race to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation:

www.jb5K.org

On-line sign up is still available.

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I love this article because it emphasizes the importance of having a healthy body composition. It is important to keep our body fat in check and exercise to maintain muscle. Here’s the article

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