Skin cancer Archives

With the spring season underway, we’re sure many of us are itching to get outside and enjoy the long-awaited bright, sunny days. And there are plenty of ways for you to enjoy the outdoors this spring – walking in the park or around the neighborhood, playing golf, visiting the local zoo. But there’s another springtime activity that you can do right in your own backyard: gardening! Tending to Your Garden AND Your Health
Calling All Green Thumbs!
Did you know that just 30 to 45 minutes of gardening activity, such as mowing the lawn, weeding and planting flowers, burns up to 200 calories? As an added bonus, gardening can also improve your strength, mobility and endurance. Even though gardening is a great way to tend to your health, it’s important to be aware of the following garden safety tips for seniors so you can stay safe and benefit your health.
Safety First!
When it comes to staying safe in your garden, it’s important to go back to the basics. Before you even begin gardening, take a look at any safety hazards that may be hiding in your yard, such as broken steps, roots, etc. To prevent trips and falls, wear properly-fitted clothing that isn’t too long or baggy along with gloves and sturdy shoes with good traction. And don’t forget about insect repellant to keep those pesky bugs away!
Inspect Your Gardening Tools
Along with checking your lawn and garden for any safety hazards, inspecting your gardening tools is another thing you should do before you start gardening. Make sure all of your tools and equipment is working properly, and if needed, carefully sharpen tools before use. To avoid other accidents, use lightweight tools that are easy to handle.
Fun in the Sun
Gardening is certainly a fun way to get some exercise, but while you’re having fun in the sun, it’s important to remember some sun safety tips. To prevent sunburn and skin cancer, wear long sleeves, long pants, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat. Remember to reapply sunscreen (with SPF 15 or higher) and drink plenty of water if you’re in the sun for long periods of time.
Keep your Medical Alert Device with You
It can be easy to forget that accidents can happen anywhere – even in your own backyard. All of Medical Guardian’s medical alert systems provide guaranteed, round-the-clock protection both inside and around your home, so you know that you can still get help should you fall or experience another emergency in your garden.
Make it Fun!
Gardening may be a form of exercise, but that certainly doesn’t mean you can’t have fun doing it! Be sure to vary your daily gardening activities to keep it fun and to get the most health benefits. Enlist the help of family, friends or even neighbors to add a social component to gardening – this is also a great way to pass on your gardening wisdom to the next generation!
Above all, listen to your body. Know your limitations, and do what is reasonable and safe for you. Just keep these garden safety tips for seniors in mind, and both your garden and your health will bloom in no time!
-Meghan Orner
Medical Guardian
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Links:
http://www.cdc.gov/family/gardening/
https://www.medicalguardian.com/medical-alert-blog/health-wellness/summer-sun-protection-checking-for-skin-cancer-

Listen To Your Skin!

If your skin could talk, it would tell you a lot. Remember that really bad, blistering sunburn? Ouch! And what about all those trips to the tanning salon? Ouch again! If you’ve been spending too much time in the sun (or in a tanning bed) without taking care of your skin, now is the time to start listening.

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer, accounting for one-third of all cancers in the United States. That translates to more than one million skin cancers diagnosed each year – more than cancers of the prostate, breast, lung, colon, uterus, ovaries, and pancreas combined.
Sun exposure adds up day after day, not just when you go to the pool or beach. Fortunately, you can take steps to minimize the harmful effects of the sun and help prevent skin cancer or catch it early before it spreads.
Limit your outside time between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are most intense. Don’t forget that UV rays can pass through clouds or water, and reflect off sand or snow, increasing the amount of UV intensity.
Wear clothes to cover up as much skin as possible. Dark colors and dry, tightly woven fabrics usually provide more protection against harmful rays.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat that protects your neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp.
Apply sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher to dry skin at least 30 minutes before going outside. Use at least an ounce for adequate coverage and reapply every two hours. Don’t forget sunscreen lip balm.
Wear sunglasses to block UV rays. Look for labels that say “UV absorption up to 400 nm” or “Meets ANSI UV Requirements.” These glasses block 100 percent and 99 percent of UV rays, respectively.
Steer clear of tanning beds and sunlamps.
Your skin is feeling better already. But while you are doing your part to pamper the largest organ in your body, you may still be at risk for developing skin cancer. Approximately 10 percent of people who develop melanoma (a potentially deadly form of skin cancer) inherit genes that cause the disease. Other inherited traits that can contribute to developing skin cancer include having fair skin and light hair and/or eyes.
If you notice a suspicious mole or spot, keep in mind the ABCDs of melanoma detection.
“A” is for asymmetry. One half of the mole does not match the other half.
“B” is for border. The edge of the spot may be irregular or blurred.
“C” is for color. The mole may not be the same color all over.
“D” is for diameter. The spot is approximately 6 millimeters across (about the size of a pencil eraser).
Anyone can develop skin cancer. That’s why it is so important to examine your skin for suspicious moles or other spots. Even if you have spent a lifetime in the sun or even developed skin cancer, it’s never too late to start protecting your skin. Hear something? It’s your skin saying “thank you.”
Article provided to the La Quinta Chamber of Commerce – GEM Publication August 2007 page 17.
http://www.lqchamber.com/pdf/gem-aug07.pdf