« Previous page | Main
 

Entry bubble Time for a Physical

By: Jim | July 07, 2008 | Category: Health

Doctor and Patient

Why is it so many us take better care of our cars than our own bodies? My birthday is  coming up, which got me thinking that I'm long overdue for a physical, at least according to the NIH's guidelines. I realize that part of the reason I've been putting off a visit to the doctor is because I'm convinced he's going to tell me to make some lifestyle changes. Another part of it is my denial about my cancer risk. Considering my family history, I can't continue to ignore my risk any longer.

Determined to face my fear of Dr. Goldfinger and the dreaded DRE, I've started researching men's health-related information on USA.gov to get ready for my visit. A search of "men's health" came up with quite a bit of information, some a little surprising. For example, a quarter of men older than 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis. I also found an easy to use checklist that outlines some of the screening tests folks should get when they get a physical.

As the owner of a bathroom scale that gets used once in a blue moon, a not so surprising fact surfaced when I used the body mass indicator on the CDC's website. It revealed that I'm nearing the obese range. Obesity is another risk factor for cancer and contributes to other health issues.

I realize that I can't necessarily control whatever potential genetic predisposition I may have for getting cancer. However, I can do something about my weight and my diet. As a guy who can be labeled borderline lazy, does anybody out there have any tips on how I can work some physical activity into my routine, without having to sign up for a gym membership which I probably wouldn't use?

| View Comments [4] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: cancer   health   jim   obesity   physical  

 

Entry bubble Summer Prep!

By: Colleen | April 16, 2008 | Category: Health

sunThe days are getting longer, temps higher, baseball is in full swing—Summer is just around the corner - I can feel it! Cue Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff!

Summer is my favorite time of year: Phillies games, weekends down the shore, dining alfresco, outdoor concerts, sunshine and swimming—what's not to love?

While having fun in the sun is a priority of mine, there are dangers that cannot be dismissed when preparing for summertime. That big ol' ball of gas in the sky can really do some damage.

Speaking from personal experience, when I was a kid I spent endless summer days at the pool, playing softball, or running amok around the neighborhood with my pals. At the ripe old age of 12, I had my first surgery to remove a questionable mole on my back. With a long Irish lineage, my mom was always adamant about her girls using sunscreen. Even so, I found myself with 10 stitches and a noticeable scar while only in the 6th grade.

In college, while lounging outside on a sunny afternoon, a friend pointed out a dark, oddly shaped mark on the back of my left arm. An area I couldn't see myself, this was the first time it was ever brought to my attention. A biopsy revealed the patch contained pre-cancerous cells and had to be removed immediately. This was before I even hit 21.

Now I see my dermatologist every 6 months for a check-up, and am "that girl" who constantly gives her friends a hard time about their trips to tanning salons and lack of SPF while trying for that perfect tan.

Of course, skin protection is not a summer-only issue. But, here are some tips to get you ready for the most outdoorsy time of the year.

  • Sunscreen has a shelf-life of only about 6 months. So, your leftovers from last year? Chuck them. Exposure to oxygen and light cause the chemicals to oxidize and are less effective in protecting you.
  • Be sure to slick on the 'screen everywhere. Two of the most common areas to find skin cancer are on the lips and tops of feet, which are often overlooked.
  • Wear sunglasses that are 100% UVA and UVB protective—prevents crow's feet down the road!
  • The bulk of skin damage comes from everyday exposure—running out to your car, walking to the mailbox, etc. Wear moisturizer with SPF every day for added protection.
  • Check your skin regularly. Make note of any changes in color or shape of moles and report them to your doctor. Make a yearly appointment for a mole check inspection of areas you can't see yourself.
  • Wear SPF of at least 15 or higher, and re-apply regularly (every 2 hours or so).

Any other tips to safely enjoy the sunshine?

| View Comments [2] | envelope E-mail This Entry | Tags: cancer   colleen   skin   spf   summer   sun   sunscreen  

« Previous page | Main