Preventing Skin Cancer

29th of March, 2017

Preventing Skin Cancer:

With summer around the corner, one of the main affects of skin cancer is radiation from the sun. Constant exposure to the sun increases the risk of developing various forms of skin cancer. This occurs when the rays from the sun alter the DNA make up in your cells and cells begin to grow exponentially. The lighter your complexion, the more sensitive and susceptible you are to the damaging affects of the sun.


You are also more likely to get skin cancer if you have a family history of skin cancer. Moles, birthmarks and lesion also increase the risks. Excessive exposure to sun leading to sunburns also increases your risks for cancer. Older people, children and people with weakened immune systems are also at a higher risk for developing skin cancer.



So here are some ways to prevent skin cancer:
Use a broad spectrum sunscreen (UVA and UVB) whenever you are outside for long periods of time. Lather it on your face, hands and any areas exposed to the sun. It is important to use sunscreen  and not just at the beach - use it every day.

Protect your eyes and make use of sunglasses. When you purchase them make sure that the label includes UVA & UVB protection.

Avoid the sun during the harshest times. 10am-3pm is the time of day and is when sun should be avoided. If you NEED to be outside during those times - by all means cover up your head and parts of your body with clothing to avoid harsh sun exposure.

An overall healthy lifestyle also decreases the risks of all types of cancers. Eat a healthy, balanced diet, avoid smoking and excess alcohol use and maintain an exercise regimen.

Finally, visit a skin doctor at least once a year. It is important to have your skin looked at by a professional for any warning signs!

Glaucoma: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

27th of March, 2017


Glaucoma: Signs, Symptoms and Treatment.

Glaucoma is a disease that damages the optic nerve of the eye. It can cause loss of vision, pain and blindness in some cases.
There are two types of glaucoma. Open-angle glaucoma has the least amount of signs and the damage is permanent. Sadly this is the most common type of glaucoma and gives very little warning. Regular visits to the eye doctor are necessary for early detection. In this type of glaucoma, the eye's drainage angle becomes blocked and due to excess fluid and pressure, the nerve deteriorates.

The second type of glaucoma is Angle-closure glaucoma. It gives a lot more warning and has the following signs and symptoms: blurry vision, severe eye pain or headaches, red eyes, nausea, rainbow/halo type-pattern around bright lights. The drainage angle becomes very narrow and slowly becomes blocked.

Although glaucoma does affect the older population significantly more often, children can also get congenital glaucoma. The symptoms in children usually include photosensitivity, watery and cloudy eyes.

You are likely to get glaucoma if someone in your family had it.  If you are diabetic you also have an increased risk for glaucoma. The chances of glaucoma increase with age as well.

Accurate treatment for glaucoma should come from a doctor. Glaucoma is diagnosed through the dilation of pupils and examination of the eye by a medical professional. Treatment may include prescription eye drops, laser eye surgery, and microsurgery to drain the eye of excess fluids.

Please refer to your health care professional if you feel you may have glaucoma. Don't wait until it is too late!