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The Spiker Gazette |
Oxford, WV Volume 5 Issue 3 March 19, 2011 |
Growing Healthy Family Trees |
Written by: Cathy Gregis
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Editor's Note: Throughout this site, we frequently stress the importance of documenting our family's living history. Cathy Gregis reminds us in the following article that it is even MORE important to be aware of our family's MEDICAL history.
Spring...hearing peepers, the songs of birds, the humming of bees as they land on young flowers. Seeing the birth of lambs, calves, the first robin, everything turning green as it awakens and comes to life. A time for spring cleaning, yard work, and feeling the warm sunbeams on our faces. Oh, does that sun feel good. The sun -- it makes us feel good, but exposure can also cause damage. Sun damage can lead to skin cancer and it is appearing in more than one generation of our family's medical tree. We've been encouraged to gather our history, including medical history. The medical connection is important because several studies suggest skin cancer does run in families (learn more about the risk factors by clicking here.) Australian Dr. Sri N. Shekar of the University of Queensland in Brisbane and Dr. Shehmaz K. Hussain of the University of California Los Angeles, found people with a sibling or parents diagnosed with some type of skin cancer were more likely to develop skin cancer (Source: Journal of Investigative Dermatology, Sept. 2009). Most skin cancers appear after age 50 but sun damage begins at an early age. Therefore, protection -- and education -- should start in childhood. (continued at right) |
(continued from left) Limit sun exposure, especially during peak radiation times, wear broad brimmed hats, and tightly woven clothes. Use waterproof SPF 30 sunscreen with UVA & UVB protection year-round. Sunscreen must be applied liberally and repeated every two to three hours after physical activity or swimming. Avoid tanning beds. Those who want to get Vitamin D from the sun need only 15 minutes of exposure a few times a week. Look for changes in appearance of the skin such as a new growth or a sore that won't heal, rough red bumps that are tender, and scaly patches. (Click here to view a slideshow of precancerous skin lesions and skin cancer.) If you find anything suspicious, bring it to your doctor's attention as soon as possible. Treatments differ and advancements in treating skin cancer keep getting better. It can take many years before we start to notice the sun damage and realize we should have taken better care of our skin. If left untreated, the damage could possibly be disfiguring and even life-threatening. Unfortunately, it's often only AFTER the damage is done that we ask, "How can this happen," or "Why did I wait so long," or "What can I do about it," or "Am I in serious danger?" Know the facts. Educate your children. Be aware that our family history puts us all at a greater risk. Pay attention to your body. And seek professional medical advice if you have ANY concerns. Although all of us probably have some degree of sun-damaged skin, awareness and prompt action may help us identify and treat the damage before it gets worse. (See Medical History announcement below.) |
Announcements
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Yes, we DO want everyone to reply so that we get the most complete picture & most accurate details. This is especially true for Jacob and Gay's histories. It is likely that you may recall something I have forgotten, or our recollections may differ, so it's important that everyone get involved. Your list should include the family member's name, a list of known medical conditions (both physical & psychological), the person's age when the condition was diagnosed, any treatments/therapies, the age at the time of death & the cause of death. Still not convinced? Be sure to read "Robert Spiker's Story" about how sharing his family's medical tree with his doctor may have extended his life.
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For anyone considering a colonoscopy screening, let me assure you the prep is NOT like it was many years ago. The most commonly utilized prep today is a Dulcolax/Miralax combination that is odorless & tasteless. There is no cramping, nausea or vomiting. And the procedure is quick and painless. If you need a pep talk (or a "prep" talk), contact me. |
Dates to Remember
March 15 | ANNIVERSARY - Angela & Rob Benson |
March 21 | BIRTHDAY - Jennifer Thrush |
March 21 | BIRTHDAY - Jeannie Spiker |
March 22 | BIRTHDAY - Paul Miller |
March 26 | BIRTHDAY - Byron Chambers |
April 4 | BIRTHDAY - Zachary Gifford |
April 10 | BIRTHDAY - Erica Curry |
April 13 | BIRTHDAY - Jonelle Spiker-Swiger |
April 14 | ANNIVERSARY - Gary & Bobbi Conley |
April 15 | BIRTHDAY - Jeana Lynn Spiker |
April 18 | BIRTHDAY - Jeff Spiker |
April 23 | BIRTHDAY - Jeana Kay Hayes |
April 25 | BIRTHDAY - Sawyer John Swiger |
April 28 | BIRTHDAY - Martha Spiker |
April 28 | BIRTHDAY - Bobbi Spiker-Conley |
If you discover a date that we've omitted, please be sure to let us know. |