Thrive
Nearly 5 million Americans have hepatitis C, including more than 28,000 in the Baltimore area, but 75% of those infected don’t know it because the disease may be symptomless for decades.
Of the 5 million Americans infected with hepatitis C, 82% are baby boomers (those born between 1945 and 1965). However, 80% of boomers do not consider themselves at any risk for the disease, according to a new national survey by the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) released in advance of National Hepatitis Testing Day (May 19). This survey is part of a new AGA campaign called I.D. Hep C that aims to educate boomers on hepatitis C and their need for screening. By visiting www.IDHepC.org, boomers can learn more and find information on where to get tested.
Street closures and parking restrictions will be in effect this weekend in the Historic District and West Annapolis in connection with the TriRock Annapolis Sprint Triathlon, this Saturday, May 12.
Midfielder Kyle Dixon was named the Major League Lacrosse (MLL) Offensive Player of the Week for week two of the 2012 season. With ten points on four goals and three assists, Dixon led the Bayhawks to a 23-11 victory over the Ohio Machine before a franchise-record crowd of 10,162 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium on Saturday, May 5th.
You never know when your Saturday afternoon shopping experience is going to erupt into a full-on dance party.
At least that's what happened to shoppers at the Westfield Annapolis Mall on May 5th, when a local Zumba class took over the aisles of a Nordstroms store. It was all an event orchestrated by Premier Fitness of Annapolis in coordination with Nordstroms who agreed to play the catchy dance music over the store's loudspeakers.
Dance on!
Doing a little detective work can go a long way in finding skin cancer, the most common form of cancer diagnosed in the United States, at its earliest, most treatable stage. However, a new survey found that many people do not know how to spot skin cancer and are unaware of their risk of developing the disease.
In an effort to increase the public’s understanding of skin cancer and motivate people to change their behavior to prevent and detect skin cancer, the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) today launched the new SPOT Skin Cancer™ public awareness initiative. The campaign’s simple tagline – “Prevent. Detect. Live.” – focuses on the positive actions people can take to protect themselves from skin cancer, including seeing a dermatologist when appropriate.
“Unlike other types of cancer that can’t be seen by the naked eye, skin cancer shows obvious signs on the surface of the skin that can be easily detected by properly examining it,” said board-certified dermatologist Daniel M. Siegel, MD, FAAD, president, American Academy of Dermatology. “The goal of SPOT Skin Cancer™ is to help save lives by educating the public on how to protect themselves from the sun and how to examine their skin for suspicious spots.”
In Easton, Shore Health System and the Talbot County Health Department is offering free screenings for adults 18 and older on May 16th. Appointments are available between 5pm and 8pm at the Talbot County Health Department, 100 S. Hanson Street in Easton.
To schedule an appointment for the May 16 skin cancer screening, call Shore Regional Cancer Center, 410-820-6800.
Almost three-quarters of respondents (74 percent) did not know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S.
Only half (53 percent) of respondents knew how to examine their skin for signs of skin cancer.
Thirty percent of respondents were either unsure or did not know that skin cancer can be easily treated when caught early.
“When it comes to skin cancer, our survey demonstrates that knowledge is power,” said Dr. Siegel. “For example, respondents who know how to examine their skin for signs of skin cancer were more than twice as likely to have shown suspicious moles or spots to a medical professional as those who did not know how to spot the warning signs of skin cancer on their skin. In some instances, this knowledge can mean the difference between life and death, which is why it is so important to see a dermatologist if you notice a spot on your skin that is changing, itching or bleeding.”
SKIN CANCER FACTS:
More than 3.5 million skin cancer cases affecting 2 million people are diagnosed annually.
Current estimates are that one in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.
The five-year survival rate for people whose melanoma (the deadliest form of skin cancer) is detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes is 98 percent.
Monday, May 7, is Melanoma Monday® and the official launch of Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month®. Also debuting on Melanoma Monday® is the SPOT Skin Cancer™ program’s new website www.spotskincancer.org where visitors can learn how to perform a skin self-exam, download a body mole map for tracking changes in your skin, and find free skin cancer screenings in their area. Those affected by skin cancer also will be able to share their story via the website and download free materials to educate others in their community.
The May 2012 theme for Older Americans Month is, Never Too Old to Play. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration on Aging, the month-long event salutes the contributions of Americans in the 65+ age category. The theme also encourages older Americans to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
“Americans are living longer,” said Vivienne Halpern, MD, a member of the Society for Vascular Surgery®. “The average life expectancy is 83 years of age. More than 39.6 million Americans are over age 65. By comparison, there were just 17 million Americans over age 65 when President Kennedy created Older Americans Month in 1963. Back then, the average life expectancy was just 69.9 years.”
The ensuing 49 years has challenged Baby Boomers to remain active. “Thirty minutes of moderate physical activity each day is vital,” said Dr. Halpern. “Physical activity can help guard against the three leading causes of death today - heart disease, cancer, and stroke.”
Physical activity can:
Reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease
Lower blood pressure
Improve cholesterol levels
Reduce the risk for type 2 diabetes by helping to control glucose levels
Reduce the risk of colon and breast cancer
Strengthen bones and muscles
Keep thinking, learning and judgment skills sharp
Maintain a healthy weight
“A 30 minute walk each day, a bike ride, swimming, a round of golf, or playing with grandkids are activities that can keep the heart pumping for years to come,” said Dr. Halpern.
For information on physical activity and vascular health, log onto: www.VascularWeb.org.
