SCHAUMBURG, Ill., May 17 / -- Despite the fact that skin cancer is the only cancer that can be seen on the surface of the skin, a new survey by the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) reports that a large number of people are not taking the time to examine their skin for any changes that could be warning signs of skin cancer or seeing a health-care provider for a skin cancer screening.
The "Suntelligence: How Sun Smart is Your City?" online survey polled more than 7,000 adults nationwide to determine their knowledge, attitudes and behaviors toward tanning, sun protection and skin cancer detection. Twenty-six cities were ranked based on respondents' answers to several questions in each category.
"Each year, substantially more than 1 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States," said dermatologist Zoe D. Draelos, MD, FAAD, consulting professor at Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, N.C. "Like many cancers, skin cancer is highly treatable if caught early before it spreads. In fact, studies show that the five-year survival rate for people whose melanoma is detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes is 99 percent – making early detection essential."
However, the survey found that more than one-quarter (28 percent) of all respondents indicated never examining their skin for changes to moles and other skin blemishes. Analyzing the data by gender and age, more men (32 percent) than women (25 percent) indicated that they never examine their skin. In addition, more young adults 18-29 years old (32 percent) reported never examining their skin than any other age group.
When asked about getting screened for skin cancer by a health-care provider, about three in five respondents (59 percent) had never been examined. More young adults age 18-29 (69 percent) reported never getting screened for skin cancer by a health-care provider.
"The fact that younger people are not getting screened for skin cancer is alarming, especially since research shows that melanoma – the most serious form of skin cancer – is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for adolescents and young adults 15-29 years old," said Dr. Draelos.
To help people of all ages spot any new or developing lesions that could be potential warning signs of skin cancer, the Academy recommends periodic self-examinations of the entire body (including hard-to-reach spots). Dr. Draelos added that enlisting the help of a loved one can be beneficial in monitoring changes in the skin and spotting skin cancer.
"Studies show that involving a partner in the self-examination process and having regular screenings by a health-care provider can improve the early detection of skin cancer," explained Dr. Draelos. "These types of regular screenings could lead to fewer deaths if skin cancer is caught early in its most treatable stages."
To enhance a patient's ability to detect skin cancer, the Academy advises learning the ABCDEs of Melanoma Detection. The following are characteristics of moles for which individuals should check their skin:
Asymmetry (one half unlike the other half)
Border (irregular, scalloped or poorly defined)
Color (varies from one area to another; shades of tan and brown, black; sometimes white, red or blue)
Diameter (the size of a pencil eraser or larger)
Evolving (changing in size, shape or color)
"A mole with any of these characteristics, or one that is an 'ugly duckling', meaning it looks different from the rest, should be brought to a dermatologist's attention," said Dr. Draelos.
In addition, the Academy offers a body mole map, a tool individuals can use to track their moles. The map provides information on how to perform a skin exam, images of the ABCDEs of Melanoma Detection and space for people to track their moles to determine any changes over time.
May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month®. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the Academy's National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Screening Program. Since the program's inception in 1985, dermatologists have volunteered to conduct more than 2 million free skin cancer screenings across the country and detected more than 200,000 suspicious lesions. Visit www.melanomamonday.org to take the Academy's "Suntelligence" survey, as well as to find out how to perform a skin self-exam, download a body mole map or find free skin cancer screenings in your area.
The "Suntelligence" survey was conducted for the Academy by RH Research of Chicago from January 12 to January 31, 2010. A total of 7,116 respondents completed the online survey; more than 200 completes were conducted in each of the 26 selected MSAs (metropolitan statistical area) and an additional 1,123 completes were conducted in the U.S. outside of the MSAs. The survey's margin of error was + /- 1.2 percent for national data and +/- 6.9 percent for results stratified by MSA.
Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 16,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org.
SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com
Showing posts with label signs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label signs. Show all posts
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Monday, March 23, 2009
Vitamin B12 Deficiency: The Five Warning Signs
Author: Edward Sample
Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is an essential building block of DNA and is key to the maintenance of our body's genes. In this role, it is an important element in ensuring the proper function of the nervous system and maintaining a healthy hematological profile.
For more information about Vitamin B12 Shots at Derma Health Institute, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=183
A proper diet and good nutrition is almost always sufficient to prevent B12 deficiency. The vitamin is naturally found in high protein foods such as meat, eggs, fish and dairy. In addition, those who regularly take a multivitamin are not likely to need extra vitamin B12 supplementation. However, ensuring enough B12 is ingested is important given that the body does not easily store the vitamin.
There is a high incidence of B12 deficiency in a few select groups. First, vegetarians or vegans who completely avoid animal based foods are at risk. Children who follow strict vegetarian diets absent of dairy products are particularly susceptible to low levels of the vitamin. Also, it is estimated that a high percentage of the elderly have some level of B12 deficiency.
This is because as we age, our ability to extract and absorb B12 from food-based protein sources diminishes. Also, seniors are more likely to have digestive problems, a degraded stomach lining, or have gone through some form of gastro-intestinal surgery. This contributes to the possibility of deficiency among this population.
Finally, large amounts of alcohol and caffeine have been shown to decrease the ability of the body to absorb the vitamin.It is important to recognize the 5 warning signs of B12 deficiency.
1. Stomach pain or digestive issues
2. Fatigue and weakness
3. Loss of sensation or tingling in lower extremities
4. Impaired cognitive function or dementia
5. Depression, irritability or moodinessStomach pain may be a symptom of pernicious anaemia, a condition where the immune system hinders the process by which the digestive system is able to absorb B12.
This results in the premature death of red blood cells. The fatigue and weakness that often accompanies low levels of the vitamin are also caused by anaemia.Given the importance of B12 to neurological function, a deficiency may result in several brain function issues such as the last three warning signs mentioned above.
Given a predisposition to B12 deficiency in those over 50, the loss of cognitive function, moodiness and irritability is often blamed on age as opposed to not getting enough of the vitamin. This is compounded by the fact that impaired mental function and dementia are often symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, something as simple as a dietary gap is often overlooked as a cause of mental degradation. This is where supplementation with B12 can result in significant improvements.
Also, it is important to note that the effects of B6 and Folic Acid in coordination with B12 are collectively more powerful than just B12 alone. This is because the systems dependent on B12 also rely on these other substances for proper function. B12, along with Folic Acid and B6 are necessary to keep homocysteine in the blood down to healthy levels. Several studies have shown that increased levels of homocysteine are associated with greater incidence of heart disease and stroke.
These vitamins can reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues in that they convert homocysteine to methionine, an amino acid that is used in a productive manner by cells. In two other studies, vitamin B12 and folic acid were also shown to have a role in reducing the number of abnormal, pre-cancerous bronchial cells in heavy smokers. The primary form of B12 used as a nutritional supplement is cyanocobalamin. However, it is important to note that the absorption of B12 is much higher when the source is food based as opposed to via supplementation. While for extreme cases of deficiency, vitamin B12 is available via prescription as an injection or nasal gel, most supplementation is as part of a multivitamin, delivered as a pill, sublingual tablet, or lozenge.
The Recommended Daily Intake of B12 is 6 micrograms (mcg), even though supplements will often deliver as much as 30 mcg. Despite the wide range of dosage options, most healthy adults only need 3 mcg each day. Additionally, B12 taken orally is well tolerated by most and there have been no documented cases of overdose or toxicity associated with the supplement. While occurring infrequently, the side effects of B12 include rash, hives and itching.
Those who take any of the following medications may be at risk for B12 deficiency in that they have been shown to hinder absorption: Antibiotics, Proton Pump Inhibitors Cholestyramine, H2 blockers, Metformin, and Potassium Chloride. Calcium supplementation may also assist the body in its ability to absorb B12.
If you feel that you may be at risk of vitamin b12 deficiency, or are exhibiting any warning signs, go see your doctor immediately for more information. Aside from those with extreme medical conditions, the rest of us can easily ensure that we are getting enough of the nutrients essential to health by taking a well-formulated multivitamin.
For more information about Vitamin B12 Shots at Derma Health Institute, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=183
About the Author:Want to learn more about the Best Multivitamins and the role of other supplements? Visit us at Natural Fit Supplements
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/vitamin-b12-deficiency-5-warning-signs-103163.html
Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is an essential building block of DNA and is key to the maintenance of our body's genes. In this role, it is an important element in ensuring the proper function of the nervous system and maintaining a healthy hematological profile.
For more information about Vitamin B12 Shots at Derma Health Institute, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=183
A proper diet and good nutrition is almost always sufficient to prevent B12 deficiency. The vitamin is naturally found in high protein foods such as meat, eggs, fish and dairy. In addition, those who regularly take a multivitamin are not likely to need extra vitamin B12 supplementation. However, ensuring enough B12 is ingested is important given that the body does not easily store the vitamin.
There is a high incidence of B12 deficiency in a few select groups. First, vegetarians or vegans who completely avoid animal based foods are at risk. Children who follow strict vegetarian diets absent of dairy products are particularly susceptible to low levels of the vitamin. Also, it is estimated that a high percentage of the elderly have some level of B12 deficiency.
This is because as we age, our ability to extract and absorb B12 from food-based protein sources diminishes. Also, seniors are more likely to have digestive problems, a degraded stomach lining, or have gone through some form of gastro-intestinal surgery. This contributes to the possibility of deficiency among this population.
Finally, large amounts of alcohol and caffeine have been shown to decrease the ability of the body to absorb the vitamin.It is important to recognize the 5 warning signs of B12 deficiency.
1. Stomach pain or digestive issues
2. Fatigue and weakness
3. Loss of sensation or tingling in lower extremities
4. Impaired cognitive function or dementia
5. Depression, irritability or moodinessStomach pain may be a symptom of pernicious anaemia, a condition where the immune system hinders the process by which the digestive system is able to absorb B12.
This results in the premature death of red blood cells. The fatigue and weakness that often accompanies low levels of the vitamin are also caused by anaemia.Given the importance of B12 to neurological function, a deficiency may result in several brain function issues such as the last three warning signs mentioned above.
Given a predisposition to B12 deficiency in those over 50, the loss of cognitive function, moodiness and irritability is often blamed on age as opposed to not getting enough of the vitamin. This is compounded by the fact that impaired mental function and dementia are often symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, something as simple as a dietary gap is often overlooked as a cause of mental degradation. This is where supplementation with B12 can result in significant improvements.
Also, it is important to note that the effects of B6 and Folic Acid in coordination with B12 are collectively more powerful than just B12 alone. This is because the systems dependent on B12 also rely on these other substances for proper function. B12, along with Folic Acid and B6 are necessary to keep homocysteine in the blood down to healthy levels. Several studies have shown that increased levels of homocysteine are associated with greater incidence of heart disease and stroke.
These vitamins can reduce the risk of cardiovascular issues in that they convert homocysteine to methionine, an amino acid that is used in a productive manner by cells. In two other studies, vitamin B12 and folic acid were also shown to have a role in reducing the number of abnormal, pre-cancerous bronchial cells in heavy smokers. The primary form of B12 used as a nutritional supplement is cyanocobalamin. However, it is important to note that the absorption of B12 is much higher when the source is food based as opposed to via supplementation. While for extreme cases of deficiency, vitamin B12 is available via prescription as an injection or nasal gel, most supplementation is as part of a multivitamin, delivered as a pill, sublingual tablet, or lozenge.
The Recommended Daily Intake of B12 is 6 micrograms (mcg), even though supplements will often deliver as much as 30 mcg. Despite the wide range of dosage options, most healthy adults only need 3 mcg each day. Additionally, B12 taken orally is well tolerated by most and there have been no documented cases of overdose or toxicity associated with the supplement. While occurring infrequently, the side effects of B12 include rash, hives and itching.
Those who take any of the following medications may be at risk for B12 deficiency in that they have been shown to hinder absorption: Antibiotics, Proton Pump Inhibitors Cholestyramine, H2 blockers, Metformin, and Potassium Chloride. Calcium supplementation may also assist the body in its ability to absorb B12.
If you feel that you may be at risk of vitamin b12 deficiency, or are exhibiting any warning signs, go see your doctor immediately for more information. Aside from those with extreme medical conditions, the rest of us can easily ensure that we are getting enough of the nutrients essential to health by taking a well-formulated multivitamin.
For more information about Vitamin B12 Shots at Derma Health Institute, go to:
http://www.dermahealthinstitute.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=183
About the Author:Want to learn more about the Best Multivitamins and the role of other supplements? Visit us at Natural Fit Supplements
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/vitamin-b12-deficiency-5-warning-signs-103163.html
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