By: Robert Remler
With an estimated one million Americans to be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer this year, Frank DeMento, MD, chief of dermatology at Winthrop, recommend that individuals use plenty of sunscreen and avoid over-exposure to the sun's damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays."Guarding the skin against the main culprit of skin cancer - the sun's UV rays - is most important," DeMento said. He recommends that people limit exposure to the sun, cover up with protective clothing including hats, and use sunscreen with at least an SPF factor of 30 or higher."It is also very important to reapply sunscreen every few hours and after swimming. I also recommend using sunscreen that is water resistant - the higher the number, the more water-resistant. A sunscreen with an SPF of 15 blocks out about 95 percent of the ultraviolet rays and a product with an SPF of 30 blocks about 98 percent of UV rays."Winthrop's experts offer these sun protection tips to help you stay burn free:
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Minimize your time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is the strongest.
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Cover up with a hat and light-colored clothing when outdoors during peak hours.
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Use SPF 15 or higher on cloudy and overcast days as well as on sunny days.
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Apply an appropriate amount of sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors.
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Reapply after swimming, toweling or playing sports.
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Keep infants (under the age of six months) out of the sun.
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Be aware that the sun's rays can also be harmful in the wintertime.
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Medications such as birth control pills, antihistamines, antidepressants and certain antibiotics can cause increased sensitivity to the sun. DeMento also warns "not to let your guard down on overcast days. Some of the worst burns occur during partly cloudy days."For more information on skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, call 1-866-WINTHROP.
Urgent call for blood
Franklin Hospital Medical Center has issued a call for the community to join with its employees by participating in the hospital's blood drive on Wednesday, July 10. Noting that some 300 pints of blood a day are needed on Long Island, Franklin officials are encouraging donors to call (516) 256-6141 to make a pledge to donate. Hospital Senior Vice President Dorothy Lavin, FACHE, noted there is always an acute need for blood, but with the loss of imported blood from Europe and other donor restrictions, the need is especially critical at this time. According to the hospital, people 17 to 76, weighing at least 110 pounds and who are in general good health, are eligible to donate. A photo ID is required at the time of donation, at which donors will also receive a free mini-medical exam that includes checking temperature, pulse, blood pressure and iron count. The drive will be held in the hospital's Shankman Auditorium from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. The preferred appointment time for community donors will be honored.
Free cardiac screenings
St. Francis Hospital, The Heart Center, in Roslyn, will conduct free cardiac screening through its mobile outreach clinic at Our Lady of Loretto's Parish Social Ministry in Hempstead. Eligible to be screened are those 18 years of age and older, without medical insurance, who do not have Medicare or have Medicaid only, and who are not regularly seen by a physician.Screening consists of a health evaluation, blood pressure and EKG testing by a medical team that includes a St. Francis Hospital cardiologist and nurse. A Spanish-speaking interpreter is available. Screenings are offered on Wednesdays, July 3, 17, 31; Aug. 14, 28; Sept. 25 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Our Lady of Loretto Parish Social Ministry, Hempstead.Appointments are necessary. For an appointment or for more information, call (516) 562-6025.
Free wellness lecture
Neurosurgeon Louis G. Cornacchi, MD, of Franklin Hospital Medical Center, will host a lecture, Trigeminal Neuralgia: Facial Pain Disorder Often Misdiagnosed," on Thursday, July 11, at 10:30 a.m. in the hospital's Shankman Auditorium, 900 Franklin Avenue, Valley Stream. Refreshments will be offered at 10 a.m. For more information or to register, contact the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System's Department of Professional and Public Education at (516) 465-2500.
Refractive surgery
Jonathan Primack, MD, director of refractive surgery for the Department of Ophthalmology at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, will host a lecture, "Refractive Surgery," on Tuesday, July 9, at 7:30 p.m. in the hospital's Teaching Center 201 A, B and C, at 270-05 76th Avenue, New Hyde Park. Refreshments will be offered at 7 p.m.For more information or to register, call the North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System's Department of Professional and Public Education, (516) 465-2500.
New appointments
In conjunction with the ongoing development and diversification of its medical education programs, South Nassau Communities Hospital has named Samuel Sandowski, MD, director of medical education. Sandowski will continue to serve as chief of the hospital's Family Practice Residency Program. South Nassau Communities Hospital has named Sheila D'Nodal, MD, assistant vice president of practice management, to plan and direct the expansion of services at its Hewlett Medical Care, Horizon Group OB/GYN practice and Woman's Health Center satellite facilities.
