Spring Into Sunny Weather But Stay Sun Safe

As the weather grows warmer, people's thoughts turn to outdoor activities and enjoying sunshine. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute physicians and nurses are encouraging people when they're outside, whether they're spending a day at the beach or a few hours working in their yard, to be aware of dangers of overexposure to the sun and to practice sun safety.

Prevention and early detection are critical to reducing the dangers of skin cancer and melanoma. " Warm weather is a great motivator for people to get outside and reap the health benefits of being more active, " explained Stephen Hodi, MD, clinical director of Melanoma Program at Dana-Farber. " At same time, it's important that people protect themselves from sun and make themselves aware of signs and symptoms of skin cancer and melanoma to greatly reduce their risk of developing these preventable but dangerous diseases. '

To stay sun safe, remember to think about:

-- Applying a sun block with a rating of SPF 15 or higher;

-- Reapplying sun block every two hours, and immediately after swimming or heavy perspiration;

-- Providing additional protection by wearing a broad rimmed hat, sunglasses, long-sleeved shirts and pants; and

-- Avoiding excessive exposure to sun, especially during peak hours of 10 a. m. to 4 p. m.

Because sunscreen contains ingredients that lose potency over time, bottles that have been sitting on shelf for more than a year may not provide adequate protection. " People need to remember to look at expiration date on their bottle of sun block, " explained Hodi. " In general, we recommend that we change your bottle of sun block yearly. '

According to the American Cancer Society, more than an estimated one million Americans will be diagnosed with basal cell or squamous cell cancers this year, and more than 60, 000 will be diagnosed with most serious form of skin cancer melanoma. More than 8, 400 deaths in the United States this year will be due to a form of skin cancer.

Melanoma can be hereditary; people with family members who have had melanoma are at a higher risk for melanoma. People who have had melanoma and moles are at greater risk of developing the disease. Excessive sun exposure and sunburns increase a person's risk of developing not only melanoma but other skin cancers as well.

Skin cancers present a range of symptoms. Melanoma symptoms include changes on the skin, including new spots or moles or existing spots or moles that change in shape, size and color. Basal cell carcinomas usually appear as flat, firm, pale areas or as small, raised, pink or red waxy areas. Squamous cell cancer may appear as lumps with rough surfaces or as flat, red patches that grow slowly.

Recognizing changes on skin is key for early detection and treatment of skin cancers. The American Cancer Society recommends using ABCD rule to help determine when a skin or mole change should be seen by a physician:

A for asymmetry: one half is differently shaped than other

B for border irregularity: jagged or blurred edges

C for color: pigmentation mayn't be consistent

D for diameter: moles greater than six millimeters ( size of a pencil eraser )

People who experience any of these symptoms should notify their physician immediately. Some skin cancers can be removed by excising affected areas; malignant melanoma may involve removing affected area, removing lymph nodes near area and may also include radiation therapy.

For more information about skin cancer, go to the Dana-Farber web site, http: //www. dana-farber. org/skin-cancer.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute ( http: //www. dana-farber. org ) is a principal teaching affiliate of Harvard Medical School and is among leading cancer research and care centers in the United States. It's a founding member of Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center ( DF/HCC ) , a designated comprehensive cancer center by National Cancer Institute.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute 44 Binney St. , OS 382 A Boston, MA 02215 United States http: //www. dana-farber. org

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Xenical in our life.

Xenical: uses Xenical is used along with a doctor-approved reduced-calorie diet, exercise, and behavior modification program to help significantly overweight ( obese ) persons lose weight. Taking Xenical can also help prevent we from regaining the weight you have lost. Losing weight and keeping it off can reduce the many health risks that come with obesity, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, some forms of cancer, certain breathing problems, and a shorter lifespan.

Dietary fats need to be broken down into smaller pieces before body can absorb them. Xenical works by blocking the enzyme that breaks down fats in your diet. This undigested fat then passes out of your body in your bowel movement. Xenical doesn't block absorption of calories from sugar and other non-fat foods, so we still need to restrict your total intake of calories.

Xenical: how to use Read Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before we start taking Xenical and each time you get a refill. If we have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take Xenical by mouth with liquid sometime during each main meal that contains fat or within 1 hour after meal, usually 3 times daily or as directed by your doctor. If we occasionally miss a meal or your meal contains no fat, skip that dose of the medication. To decrease chance of unpleasant side effects, it's very important that no more than 30% of calories in your diet come from fat. Your daily intake of fat, protein, and carbohydrate should be evenly spread over 3 main meals.

Because Xenical can interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins ( fat-soluble vitamins including A, D, E, K ) , a daily multivitamin supplement containing these nutrients is recommended. Take multivitamin at least 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking Xenical ( e. g. , at bedtime ) .

If you take cyclosporine, take it at least 2 hours before or after Xenical to make sure full dose of cyclosporine is absorbed into your bloodstream.

You should see some weight loss within 2 weeks after we start Xenical. Tell your doctor if your condition doesn't improve or if it worsens.

Xenical: side effects Changes in your bowel function frequently occur because of the unabsorbed fat. Fatty/oily stool, oily spotting, intestinal gas with discharge, a feeling of needing to have a bowel movement right away, increased number of bowel movements, or poor bowel control may occur while use Xenical. These side effects may get worse if we eat more fat than we should. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed Xenical because he or she has judged that benefit to you is greater than risk of side effects. Many people using Xenical don't have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to Xenical is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include:

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If we notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Xenical: precautions Before taking Xenical, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're allergic to it; or if we have any other allergies.

Xenical should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have:

Before using Xenical, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

If we are diabetic, weight loss may improve your blood sugar control. Be sure to check your blood sugar regularly and tell your doctor results. Your diet or medications may need to be adjusted.

Xenical is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details.

It's not known whether Xenical passes into breast milk. Because of possible risk to infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Xenical: interactions See also How to Use section.

Your healthcare professionals ( e. g. , doctor or pharmacist ) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring we for them. Do not start, stop or change dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication we use, especially of:

This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Xenical, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products we use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Xenical: overdose If overdose of Xenical is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.

Xenical: notes Don't share Xenical with others.

For best results, Xenical should be used along with a doctor-approved exercise program and diet plan. Consult your doctor or dietician for help designing an appropriate exercise and food plan for you.

Xenical: missed dose If you miss a dose Xenical, take it as soon as you remember unless it has been more than 1-2 hours since your meal. In that case, skip missed dose since most of fat from your meal will already be absorbed and medication won't work. Don't double dose of Xenical to catch up.

Xenical: storage Store Xenical at room temperature at 77 degrees F ( 25 degrees C ) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F ( 15-30 degrees C ) is permitted. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Properly discard Xenical when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Price comparison for Xenical

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