Health

22 HEALTH • Summer 2017 55 Sayles Street, Southbridge, MA 01550 Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 508-764-2400 harringtonhospital.org The Cancer Center at Harrington provides treatment for oncologic and hematologic disease. Our services include: Infusion Therapy | Nutrition Counseling | Patient Navigator Pain Management | Lymphedema | Genetic Counseling The Cancer Center at Harrington Quality Cancer Care Close to Home Meet Our Providers Medical Director Christopher Seidler, M.D. (center) is a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist who earned his medical degree at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, NJ. He has more than 20 years experience in cancer care. Yasser Rehman, M.D. (left) is a board certified internist who completed a fel- lowship in oncology and hematology at Boston Medical Center. Donna Kentley, PA (right) earned her Master of Science degree and Physician Assistant Certificate from Northeastern University, Bouve College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in Boston, MA. WBJ_CancerCenter_Ad2_Layout 1 6/6/2017 2:54 PM Page 1 Choosing and using sunscreen I t's that time of year -- when we all remind ourselves, and each other, about the importance of sun pro- tection. Inevitably, some of us still get sunburns, or worse, heat or sun stroke – even on cloudy days. To prevent all of this from happening, stay hydrated, and remember these other bits of advice as the days get warmer and the potential for sun-related health issues increase. Choosing sunscreen Before selecting a sunscreen, it's important to understand their compo- sition and how they work. Sunscreens typically fall into two categories: min- eral-based and chemical-based. Mineral-based sunscreen -- often referred to as sunblock -- is designed to sit on top of the skin and deflect harmful rays that cause sunburn. They typically contain zinc oxide and titani- um dioxide, and offer the strongest protection against ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Although mineral-based products are generally more effective, it's important to reapply periodically, as exposure to water and sweat can wash away the sunscreen. Chemical-based sunscreen contains compounds which protect you by absorbing and altering ultravi- olet waves of the sun. They are designed to penetrate the skin and take about 20 minutes to become effective. Some sunscreens utilize a mixture of mineral-based and chemi- cal-based ingredients, offering the best of both products. When choosing a SPF (sun protec- tion factor), consider the duration and type of exposure you'll experience. If you're planning to sit on the beach or the deck for an extended period of time, use SPF 30 or higher. If you're working around the yard or only plan to be in the sun for a short period of time, use at least SPF 15. If you have children who are under six months of age, they should be physically protect- ed from the sun instead of using sun- screen. And remember, summer isn't the only time you should wear sun- screen. You need protection from the sun's damaging rays all year long. Using sunscreen Sunscreen is only effective if used properly, so it's important to apply product adequately and at the correct time before being exposed to the sun. Always be sure to check the expiration date on the sunscreen you have at home, as it can degrade with time, reducing its effectiveness. As a rule, apply at least one ounce of sunscreen -- about the amount in a shot glass -- to cover your body, and be sure you have a thick, even coat on all areas of exposed skin. It's a good idea to reapply the sunscreen every couple of hours to ensure continued protection. If you're swimming or sweating, reapply more frequently. Protecting seniors and children As skin ages, it becomes more deli- cate and less able to protect itself, ren- dering it more vulnerable to sun dam- age. Plus some prescription medica- tions, which many seniors take, can increase sensitivity to the sun. Research shows that children who suffer just one severe sunburn may be twice as likely to get skin cancer at some point in their lives. Experts believe that two-thirds of American children are not adequately protected from the sun. If you want your chil- dren to avoid a future bout with skin cancer, it's vital to protect them when they are young. So don't forget sun- screen, a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing for your children any time they are out in the sun. Always be mindful of changes to your skin One of the biggest dangers of too much sun (besides wrinkles and brown spots) are actinic keratoses. These scaly growths and lesions can turn into skin cancer if left untreated. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, and the most important reason to protect yourself from getting too much sun. During an exam or physical, always point out any new or changing moles or spots on your skin to your medical provider, including areas that aren't typically exposed to sunlight – there's a chance they could be skin cancer. Shawn Eck is an advanced practitioner in Reliant Medical Group's Dermatology department. He is certi- fied in dermatology by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants. CONSUMER ADVICE By Shawn Eck H

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