Erie County Medical Society

Fireworks Safety

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:01:00 -0400

The summer season is upon us and fireworks may be part of the festivities. But fireworks have a dark side.

Even a seemingly innocuous sparkler burns at over 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, which is enough to ignite wood, melt glass, and produce fourth-degree burns.
12% of patients seen in Emergency Rooms for fireworks injuries require hospital admission.
Children under age 15 comprise over 50% of fireworks–injured patients.
In one study 76% of fireworks injuries involved the most crucial parts of the body: 32% hands and fingers, 28% eyes, and 16% head or face.

But the Erie County Medical Society has these suggestions to help you enjoy safe summer festivities.

Only adults should use fireworks.
Purchase only legal fireworks from reliable dealers.
Never use homemade or altered fireworks.
Adults using fireworks should read and follow directions. Absence of directions may indicate that the fireworks are not legal or reliable.
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
Use fireworks outdoors only.
Don’t use fireworks near areas of dry grass or buildings.
Separate fireworks being used from unlit fireworks by a safe distance.
Fireworks usage and alcohol do not mix.
Wear eye protection when using fireworks.
Define a perimeter within which only ONE person is designated to enter for the ignition of fireworks.
Have a hose, a bucket of water, and wet towels handy when using fireworks. Make sure that the hose is long enough to extend 10 feet beyond the firework ignition point.

So, now you’re ready to light your fireworks … not quite. Remember:

Never ignite multiple fireworks simultaneously.
Don’t ignite fireworks in a metal or glass container.
Never throw fireworks at people or animals.
Ignite fireworks only while they are stabilized or on a surface, NOT while they are held in your or someone else’s hand.
Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks. Wait one minute and douse them with water before retrieving.
Be sure that the area is clear of fireworks debris before reopening it to children or pets.
Immediately cool fireworks burns with water and transport them to the Emergency Room.

“Surely,” you say, “there is an easier way.” There is!

Leave fireworks to the professionals. Fireworks are more impressive when seen from a distance at the large, super-illuminated, professionally planned, community displays. It is safer and you’ll have more fun!

When viewing professionally planned fireworks displays, all you need to keep in mind is:

Respect safety barriers designed to protect you from the firing site.
Leave your own fireworks, including sparklers, at home.
Do not approach unexploded fireworks that fall to the ground; notify the authorities.
Leave pets at home.
Have fun!

The Erie County Medical Society hopes that by following these tips you will enjoy a safe and festive summer holiday season.

Thomas Falasca, DO

Seasonal Allergies

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 19:05:12 -0400

Seasonal Allergies

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 14:18:00 -0400

American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

Seasonal Allergies

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:07:00 -0400

INCIDENCE

Every springtime 35-40 million Americans struggle with the problem of seasonal allergies. Allergies are one of the most common reasons that people miss or underperform at work or school. They are thought to be responsible for 10,000 school absences daily.

The incidence of allergy is 10% in children below 10 years of age, but doubles in the child’s next 10 years. So it may be wishful thinking to hope that the child will outgrow the problem. But, on a brighter note, studies show that allergic kids who are treated do better at school than those who are not.

POLLEN

Seasonal allergies are typically triggered by pollen, tree pollen in early spring, with grass pollen causing problems in late May or June. Here, in Erie, there is little problem with mold until later in the season. Finally, ragweed becomes the offender in August and September.

When a sensitized allergic individual comes in contact with pollen, an immunologic reaction occurs that releases mediators, which, in turn, cause symptoms.

SYMPTOMS

The most common allergic symptoms are nasal stuffiness, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and nose, and dark under-eye circles. These symptoms interfere with restful sleep producing next-day tiredness and difficulty in thinking. Additionally, asthma patients who have allergies may experience an increase in their asthma symptoms during the allergy season

Allergic tendency runs in families. But specific symptoms and triggering allergens can vary among the family members depending on each individual’s exposure and other factors currently under investigation.

The three ways to address allergy are avoidance, medication, and immunotherapy (“allergy shots”).

AVOIDANCE

Most importantly, don’t let the pollen get to you!

Keep doors and windows closed to reduce indoor pollen.
Keep car windows closed and set the ventilator to “recirculate” to minimize the vehicle’s pollen intake.
Avoid hanging clothes outside to dry; this gives pollen a “free ride” into your home.
Especially avoid mowing lawns and raking leaves, activities that only stir up pollen and molds.
Minimize outdoor work on heavy pollen days, and wear a mask.
When returning home from outdoors on heavy pollen days, shower, wash hair, and change clothing to avoid transferring the sticky pollen into your home.

In general, pollen counts are highest on dry windy days and lowest on rainy days. Fortunately, you can learn the specific pollen count by listening to the local weather forecast or by consulting the website of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology at www.aaaai.org. This website even has an “app” that you can download to your smart phone!

MEDICATION

For mild cases of seasonal allergy, you may find it helpful to try nonsedating over-the-counter, known as “OTC,” antihistamines. But it is better to avoid those antihistamines that can cause drowsiness as well as oral decongestants that can cause tremors or aggravate hypertension and glaucoma. Be aware also that decongestant nasal sprays can cause rebound swelling of the nasal passages, especially if used improperly or for more than seven days. Of course, if symptoms persist, you should see your primary care doctor who can treat you with prescription nasal sprays and/or eye drops.

IMMUNOTHERAPY

If even prescription medications fail to control symptoms or if these medications must be taken for an extended period of time, it may be time to consult a specialist physician called an allergist. If the allergist thinks that immunotherapy is appropriate, he or she can initiate skin and/or blood tests to identify the specific problematic allergen or allergens and begin the appropriate injections to help create immunization against them.

With the treatments now available people should enjoy the spring comfortably. So don’t suffer in silence. You can reduce the problem of seasonal allergies.

The Erie County Medical Society wishes you a pleasant welcome to the nicer weather and a springtime free of seasonal allergies.

Thomas Falasca, DO Philip Gallagher, MD

For further information please see

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America at http://aafa.org

Allergy and Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics at http://www.aanma.org

Chuck Joy, MD on WJET-TV Addressing Toy Safety

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 12:47:00 -0500

Chuck Joy, MD on WJET-TV Addressing Toy Safety

Snow Shoveling Safety

Sun, 23 Dec 2012 20:23:00 -0500

The Erie County Medical Society wants you to enjoy winter without falling victim to snow shoveling perils.So here are some helpful tips.

First and foremost

Check with your doctor. Shoveling stresses the heart because of both exertion and cold. Consider hiring someone for the task.
Do not shovel after eating or smoking as these activities reduce blood flow to the heart.
Stop if you feel chest pain, or get excessively tired or have shortness of breath. You may need immediate professional care.
Dress in layers with water-repellant clothing outermost. Remember hats, gloves, and warm socks because substantial body heat is lost from these areas.

Choose an appropriate snow shovel.

A curved-handled shovel helps keep your back straighter when shoveling.
Choose a shovel with an appropriate length handle. The length is appropriate when, at the beginning of the shoveling stroke, it allows you to slightly bend your knees and bend your back less than 10 degrees while still holding the handle comfortably.
A plastic shovel blade adds less weight to the lift than a metal blade.
A smaller shovel blade may add to the time of the task; but, by picking up less snow, it reduces the risk of a heavy shovel load.

Be mindful of your shoveling actions.The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends

If you must lift snow, squat with legs apart, knees bent, and back straight.
Lift with the legs instead of bending at the waist; this reduces strain on the back.
Scoop small amounts of snow with the shovel and walk to the dumping area.
Outstretched arms exaggerate strain on the back.
Remove deep snow in layers of an inch or two in thickness.
Move feet instead of twisting.

In addition, remember that

Pushing the snow instead of lifting it reduces strain on the back.
Gripping the snow shovel with your hands at least 12 inches apart increases leverage and decreases body strain.
Throwing snow over your shoulder is dangerous. It twists the back and predisposes to injury.
Warming up muscles before shoveling reduces the risk of strains and sprains.
Frequent breaks to gently stretch back, arms, and legs reduce stress to these areas and distributes over time exertion on the heart.
Wet snow is especially heavy and one shovelful can weigh 25 pounds.
Clearing snow early and often to avoid dealing with a large amount of heavy, packed snow.

So follow these tips and avoid becoming a snow-shoveling casualty.

Thomas Falasca, DO

For more information, consult

· Colorado Spine Institute http://www.coloradospineinstitute.com

· AMERICAN ACADEMY OF ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONS http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00060

· National Safety Council www.nsc.org

· Toronto Emergency Medical Services http://www.torontoems.ca/main-site/careers/safety-tips/show-shovelling.html

US Consumer Product Safety Commission

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 12:39:12 -0500

US Consumer Product Safety Commission

Stay Informed of Toy Recalls

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 12:34:33 -0500

Stay Informed of Toy Recalls

Toy Safety Tips

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 11:07:00 -0500

Since the season is upon us when children receive an increased number of toys, the Erie County Medical Society wants to keep you up to date on the following toy safety tips.

GENERAL

Read and heed all warning labels regarding safe toy assembly and use.
Promptly discard all toy packaging such as plastic wrap, foam, staples and twist ties that can case a child to suffocate or choke.

CHOKING HAZARDS

Avoid small toys or toys with small parts for children under age 3. Toys or parts that can pass through a toilet paper tube, are unsafe for any child who still puts things in his/her mouth.
Never give young children small balls or balloons as they can completely block a child’s airway. Balls for children under 6 years old must be more than 1.75 inches in diameter.
Inspect squeeze toys to determine that the small squeakers or reeds are not removable.
Check that toy cars and trucks do not have wheels, tires or other small parts that are loose or removable.
Ascertain that stuffed toys do not have eyes, nose and other small parts that can be pulled off.

LATEX BALLOONS

A balloon can be inhaled and can block a child’s airway
Keep uninflated latex balloons, out of the reach of children and immediately discard broken balloon pieces.

STRANGULATION HAZARDS

Keep mobiles out of the reach of children in cribs and remove them before the baby is five months old or can push him/herself up.
Remove knobs and beads from cords longer than one foot to prevent the cords from tangling into a dangerous loop.
Stretchy or sticky cords are a particular strangulation hazard.
Clothing with drawstrings on the hood can tangle on fixed objects and pose a strangulation hazard.

MAGNETS

Magnetic items are hazardous if the item or the magnet itself, is small enough to be swallowed. If a child swallows more than one magnet, the magnets can attract one another in the stomach and intestines causing life-threatening complications.
If a child swallows, or is suspected to have swallowed, even one magnet, seek immediate medical attention.

BATTERIES

Keep batteries, especially “disc” batteries away from children. If swallowed, the battery acid can cause fatal internal injuries.
Only adults should install batteries. Improper installation or mixing different battery types can cause battery leakage or overheating, which can result in injury.
Make certain that young children cannot open a toy’s battery compartment.

NOISE

If a toy seems too loud for your ears, it is probably too loud for a child. Take the batteries out of loud toys or cover the speakers with tape.

LEAD AND OTHER TOXICS

While lead and phthalates are generally absent from newer toys, older toys may still contain them.
Toys made of PVC plastic could contain toxic phthalates posing developmental hazards; unpainted wooden toys are a better option.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has found high levels of lead paint on toys, in vinyl lunch boxes, and in children’s costume jewelry. Remove all lead from a child’s environment. Testing items for lead is easy and economical with a home lead tester available at hardware stores and online.
Avoid products with xylene, toluene, or dibutyl phthalate.

TOY STORAGE

Store toys and games for older children separately from those for younger children.
Use a toy box with no lid, or one with a lightweight lid that will not fall on or trap a child.

RIDE-ON TOYS

Make sure that the ride-on toy will not tip when weight is placed on any riding point.

BABY WALKERS

A walker increases the propensity for accident by increasing the child’s mobility and reach. They are illegal in some countries.
Avoid falls down stairs by making sure that doors or gates at the top of stairs are closed.
Avoid tip-overs by ascertaining that the area of use is smooth and clear of carpet edges, door thresholds and other impediments that can cause a walker to tip over.
Always keep a child in a walker away from swimming pools and other areas of water.

The Erie County Medical Society hopes that you find these tips useful in insuring that the children in your life enjoy their new toys safely and happily.

Thomas Falasca, DO

Dr. Tom Falasca on WJET-TV Speaking on Seasonal Affective...

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 12:12:00 -0400

Dr. Tom Falasca on WJET-TV Speaking on Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal Affective Disorder and You

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 09:21:00 -0400

To many of us, winter brings thoughts of outdoor sports, indoor socializing, and holiday cheer. But to some it is a time of varying depression called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Incidence

SAD occurs more frequently in women and in areas farther from the equator, where seasonal daylight changes are more extreme.

Symptoms

Symptom onset is usually gradual and frequently includes weight gain, increased sleep, hopelessness, social withdrawal, and irritability along with a loss of energy, interest, and ability to concentrate. It is occasionally a precursor to long-term depression.

Tests

There is no specific test for SAD. However, tests are available to help rule out physical conditions that can cause depression.

Treatment

As with other forms of depression, medication and cognitive (talk) therapy can be most effective.

Light Therapy

Light therapy with a very bright light made especially for the purpose may be helpful. This should be begun in early winter or late fall and sessions are usually 30 minutes every morning to mimic sunrise. It usually requires sitting a few feet from the lamp and keeping one’s eyes open, but without looking directly into the lamp.

Of course, before beginning light therapy, always check with your eye doctor and your family physician, as medications such as antibiotics and antipsychotic which some patients may be taking may make them more sensitive to light.

What You Can Do

Get enough sleep.
Be alert to the early signs of the depression.
Participate regularly in a form of exercise that you really enjoy.
Seek group activities.
Avoid alcohol.
Develop a support system.
Get help immediately if you develop any thoughts of injuring yourself or anyone else.

Prognosis

Most cases respond well to treatment or are self-limiting with the change of seasons.

So, please keep this advice in mind if you are afflicted with Seasonal Affective Disorder or know someone who is.

Thomas Falasca, DO

Back to School Health Tips

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 12:22:00 -0400

School days are upon us and that brings new concerns for our children’s health, concerns regarding backpacks, lunches, starting school, homework/study habits, and hygiene.Here are some helpful tips on how you can promote a healthier, happier school year.

Backpacks

Backpacks should have wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.
The backpack should never weight more than 10-20% of the child’s weight.
Both shoulder straps should be used so as not to produce uneven strain on either side of the back.
Heavier items should be arranged close to the midline of the back.
Do not ignore back pain in a child.
If a child develops back pain that doesn’t improve, consider a second set of textbooks to keep at home.

Lunches

Consult school menus and consider packing a lunch on days when the menu includes items that your child doesn’t eat.
Remember that a typical 12-ounce soft drink contains 10 teaspoons of sugar and 150 calories. Drinking just one can daily increases your child’s risk of obesity by 60%.

For Children Starting School

Answer any questions about school before classes begin.
Introduce children to their school and, if possible, to their teacher, in advance.
If possible, introduce them to classmates before the school year begins.
Spend time talking with children about what happened in school.
Make morning preparation as stress-free as possible by laying out books and clothes the night before.
Let the child know that is normal to be a little anxious about starting school Assign a permanent workspace conducive to doing homework.

Homework and Study Habits

Schedule enough time for homework.
Consider prohibiting TV and similar distractions during homework time.
Supervise computer and internet use.
Be available for consultation during homework time but do not do the child’s homework.

Hygiene

Stress hand washing before eating and after using the toilet,blowing the nose, tying the shoes, or playing outside.
Handwashing should continue for as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday Song” twice.
Give the child an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to use whenever washing is unavailable and after using shared computers, pencil sharpeners, or other community objects.
Remind the child to keep hands away from eyes and out of mouth.
Stress the importance of not sharing food, water bottles, or other personal items.

So, with these tips in mind, the school year should bring peace of mind to the adults and new growth to the children.

Thomas Falasca, DO

American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

http://www.aacap.org/page.ww?name=Starting+School&section=Facts+for+Families

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons

http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00043

American Academy of Pediatrics: Back to School Tips http://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/news-features-and-safety-tips/pages/Back-to-School-Tips.aspx?nfstatus=401&nftoken=00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000&nfstatusdescription=ERROR%253a+No+local+token

American Psychiatric Association

http://www.healthyminds.org/More-Info-For/Children/ABCs-of-Starting-School.aspx

Mayo Clinic

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childrens-conditions/CC00059/NSECTIONGROUP=2

Health Fair in Perry Square -- You're Invited!

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 18:58:00 -0400

September 8 from 10 AM to 2 PM is the Third Annual Health Fair in Perry Square!

Can Sunscreen Sticks Be Your Answer?

Tue, 03 Jul 2012 09:47:00 -0400

For some of us, the use of sunscreens around the face can cause eye irritation. If this is your problem, one of the beeswax-based sunscreen sticks could be your solution.

The beeswax vehicle maintains the position on the facial skin of the sunscreen’s active ingredients so that they are less easily transferred to the eye by sweat or minimal contact.

Moreover, many of these products are actually quite easy to apply and comfortable to wear. They are most appropriate for small areas of application such as the face.

So if eye irritation from sunscreen is your problem, one of the beeswax-based sticks might be just right for you!

Thomas Falasca, DO

Dr. Ferdinando Mirarchi on WJET-TV Speaking on Heat Stroke

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 04:33:48 -0400

Dr. Ferdinando Mirarchi on WJET-TV Speaking on Heat Stroke

Heat Stroke and You

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 10:00:00 -0400

Korey Stringer Minnesota Vikings died heat stroke August 2001

Each year heat exposure claims more lives than hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined. It is the second most frequent cause of death among high school athletes after spinal cord injury. Those affected most by heat related illness are the very young, the very old, those with heart or lung disease, and those who are socially isolated. Men are more frequently affected than women, probably because of a greater likelihood of engaging in heavy labor out of doors.

The major precipitators of heat stroke are high environmental temperature and physical exertion. Moderate physical exercise can double the body’s heat production and strenuous exercise can increase it 10-fold.

Some common findings in heat stroke are rapid pulse, rapid breathing, and elevated body temperature. Nervous system changes may include delirium, confusion, delusions, convulsions, and coma.

The key to survival in heat stroke is early recognition and early treatment. When treatment is delayed, deaths may reach 80%. But with early recognition and immediate cooling, this can be reduced to 10%. Emergency treatment consists of removing restrictive clothing, applying water to the entire body, covering with ice water soaked sheets, and applying ice packs to armpits and groins. The victim should be transported immediately to the Emergency Room.

Of course, the best approach to a problem is to avoid it. Here are some useful prevention tips from the Centers for Disease Control:

Drink more fluids, regardless of activity level, without waiting to feel thirsty. Of course, you should consult your doctor in advance if your doctor has advised you to restrict fluid intake.

The liquids you drink should not contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar. Such liquids could cause you to lose additional body fluids.

Seek an air-conditioned environment. Even a few hours daily spent in air-conditioning helps.

Fans are of minimal help when the environment approaches body temperature. A cool shower is much more helpful.

Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

NEVER leave a person or animal in a closed, parked vehicle.

Visit adults living alone at least twice daily and observe them for signs of heat illness.

Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.

Rest often in shady areas.

Wear a lightweight, light-colored, wide-brimmed hat.

So have a safe summer and avoid heat illness.

Thomas Falasca, DO

Erie County Medical Society

For more information, see

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Heat Waves. http://www.cdc.gov/climatechange/effects/heat.htm

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety. Updated July 31, 2009. Available at http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide.asp

Korey Stringer Institute at University of Connecticut http://ksi.uconn.edu

Mayo Clinic: Heat Stroke First Aid http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-heatstroke/FA00019

WebMD: Heat Stroke Symptoms and Treatment http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/heat-stroke-symptoms-and-treatment

Dr. David Benjamin on WJET-TV Speaking on Sun Protection

Wed, 30 May 2012 06:22:00 -0400

Dr. David Benjamin on WJET-TV Speaking on Sun Protection

What You Need to Know about Sun Protection

Wed, 30 May 2012 05:47:00 -0400

What is the best protection from sun damage?

Simply put, the best protection from sun damage is sun avoidance. Avoid the sun from 10 AM until 4 PM when the sun is most intense. Avoid sunlight during this time even if the sunlight is coming through a glass window. Seek shade. Wear protective clothing.

What is protective clothing?

Cover as much skin as possible. Long sleeves in summer are fine. Hats with a 4-inch brim all around protect the scalp, face, ears, and neck. The easier it is to see through clothing, the less effective it is as sun protection, so don’t be afraid to hold it up to the light before buying it. Clothing loses most of its sun protection when it becomes wet. Tightness of the weave is much more important than the thickness of the cloth. Dark colors protect better than light colors. Finally, some clothes actually have an SPF rating, and the FDA lists these as medical devices.

Are sunscreens helpful?

Besides offering some protection from simple sunburn, regular use of sunscreen reduces the occurrence of skin cancers, especially squamous cell carcinoma, as well as other ski disorders such as actinic keratoses and solar elastosis.

What do numbers such as SPF-30 mean on sunscreen?

An SPF-30 product supplies enough protection so that after 30 minutes of exposure to sunlight, the skin sustains only the amount of damage as it would after 1 minute of exposure without sunscreen. Similarly, SPF-15 confers 15 times the resistance of unprotected skin.

What does it mean when sunscreens bear the label “water resistant” and “very water resistant”?

“Water resistant” means that the screen maintains its SPF level after 40 minutes of water immersion. “Very water resistant” means that a product maintains its SPF level after 80 minutes of water immersion.

What do “full spectrum” or “broad spectrum” mean on the sunscreen label?

A full or broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against the longer wavelength ultraviolet A (UV-A) and the shorter wavelength ultraviolet B (UV-B). Sunscreens without this designation are usually effective primarily in the UV-B range.

Are there different types of sunscreen?

Sunscreens fall into two general groups.

Chemical absorbers absorb the energy of shorter wavelength UV light, converting it to safer longer wavelength UV light, which is far less damaging after it penetrates to the skin. The absorbed energy is used to drive chemical change in the components of the sunscreen. When avobenzone is a component of chemical absorbers, it extends their protection to the UV-A range.

Physical blockers don’t transmit light and so prevent contact of sunlight with the skin. Consequently they are effective in both UV-A and UV-B ranges. Physical blockers typically contain as ingredients either titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.

Isn’t zinc oxide the white stuff the lifeguards wore on their noses when I was a kid and my parents took me to the beach?

Yes, but today’s sunscreens contain these oxides as microparticles that are much more acceptable esthetically.

Don’t we need sunlight to produce vitamin D?

Sunscreens still permit the penetration of sufficient sunlight to sustain normal vitamin D levels. Older individuals can supplement this with 1000 International Units of vitamin D daily.

Is it true that you can get sunburned on a cloudy day?

Yes, even substantial cloud cover may block only 20% of ultraviolet rays.

Do I need to reapply sunscreen if I haven’t gone into the water?

Yes, reapply every few hours. Even if the sunscreen hasn’t washed away by water or perspiration, the active chemicals in the sunscreen have been dissipated by their conversion of more damaging shorter-wavelength UV rays into less damaging longer-wavelength UV rays.

So the Erie County Medical Society hopes that you will take precautions when you enjoy the outdoors. Taking these precautions will help you enjoy healthier and younger-looking skin in addition to reducing your risk of skin cancer.

For more information visit

Pennsylvania Academy of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery http://www.padermatology.org/PatientInfo.aspx

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

Thomas Falasca, DO

Dr. Scott Lim on WJET-TV Speaking on Skin Cancer

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:55:00 -0400

Dr. Scott Lim on WJET-TV Speaking on Skin Cancer

Protect Your Family from Skin Cancer

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 11:33:00 -0400

Protect Your Family from Skin Cancer

Each year over one million people in the US are diagnosed with skin cancer. This number is equivalent to all other cancers combined.

Some skin cancers, known as malignant melanomas, have a high propensity to metastasize, that is, spread distantly, and are extremely dangerous. Others, such as squamous cell carcinomas, have a propensity to metastasize and are locally destructive. Still others, such as basal cell carcinomas, are rarely fatal, but, if neglected, can be quite disfiguring.

But, you can protect yourself from skin cancer.

First, avoid exposure to ultraviolet rays from both direct sunlight and tanning beds. It is best to seek shade during the day or schedule most outdoor activities before 10 AM or after 3 PM when the sun’s rays are diminished. Additionally, it is best to use lots of broad-spectrum SPF-30 or above sunscreen and to wear SPF-15 or higher lip balm. Finally, don’t forget a nice broad-brimmed hat, long sleeves, and UV-protective sunglasses.

Second, know if you are at increased risk for skin cancer and take additional precautions. Some risk factors are a history of cancerous or precancerous skin lesions, tendency to burn or freckle, increased cumulative sun exposure throughout life, and many episodes of sunburn during youth. Additional risk factors are a family history of skin cancer, non-healing wounds or burn injuries, radiation therapy, and immunosuppression from disease or immunosuppressant medications, such as those used to reduce transplant rejection.

Third, perform monthly skin exams before a full-length mirror assisted by a hand mirror for difficult areas. Note any new, recently changed, or suspicious-looking moles or lesions.

Fourth, learn the ABCDE mnemonic for melanoma.

“A” is for asymmetry, as melanomas seldom have right-left or top-bottom symmetry. That is, if an image of the lesion were folded in half from right to left or top to bottom, the margins would not coincide.

“B” is for borders, as the borders of a melanoma are usually irregular, ragged, or notched.

“C” is for color. There are often multiple shades of brown, black, or even purple in a single melanoma lesion.

“D” is for diameter, as early melanomas often exceed 6 mm, that is, they are bigger than a typical pencil eraser.

“E” is for evolution. The size, shape, or color of a melanoma often changes over time.

So remember to take these precautions and consult your dermatologist if you note the above danger signals.

Tom Falasca, DO Scott Lim, DO