UV Safety Month

Posted on July 8, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

July is UV Safety Month. It is observed to highlight the importance of protecting our skin and eyes from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Ultraviolet radiation is released by the sun and provides vitamin D to the body to help it survive. However, too much sun exposure can damage the skin and cause skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States.

There are three types of ultraviolet radiation based on the size of the wavelength. They include:

UVA causes the skin to wrinkle, tan, and/or burn. Too much exposure leads to skin cancer

UVB can damage the outermost layers of the skin. It can cause sunspots, tanning, sunburn, and blistering, which can lead to skin cancer

UVC is absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere

Anyone can get skin cancer from ultraviolet radiation. People who are the greatest risk of skin cancer are people who have:

Fair skin

Freckled skin

Skin that burns easily, light eyes

Blonde or red hair

People who have a darker skin tone can get skin cancer, but their risk is lower than people who have a lighter skin tone.

There are other risk factors other than a person’s complexion that can cause skin cancer, including:

Having a biological family history or personal history of skin cancer

Having an outdoor job or spending a lot of time in the sun

Living in a sunny climate

Having a history of severe sunburns

Having large and irregularly shaped moles

The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change to the skin. Changes are typically a new mole, a new skin lesion or sore, or a change to an existing mole.

Basal cell carcinoma may appear as a small pearly, or waxy bump on your face or neck, or as a flat, pink/red- or brown-colored lesion

Squamous cell carcinoma can appear as a firm, red nodule, or as a rough, scaly, flat lesion that may itch, bleed, and become crusty

Melanoma usually appears as a pigmented patch or bump. It may resemble a normal mole but usually has a more irregular appearance

While it isn’t possible to completely prevent skin cancer or undo previous effects of ultraviolet radiation and sun damage, there are steps to take to reduce risk:

Applying sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or greater thirty minutes before sun exposure and then every two to three hours after. Reapply sooner if you get wet or sweat significantly

Wearing sunglasses with total UV protection

Using cosmetic products that offer UV protection

Avoiding direct sun exposure as much as possible during peak UV radiation hours, which are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Performing skin self-exams regularly to become familiar with existing skin growths and to notice any changes or new growths

When choosing the right sunscreen, it is important to know the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen.

Mineral sunscreen, or organic or physical sunscreen, is known for having a heavier, thicker texture than chemical sunscreen. It has active ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide. These ingredients work as a shield against the sun’s rays because the sunscreen sits on the skin’s surface reflecting the UV rays away from it.

There are benefits to using mineral sunscreen, such as it being good for sensitive and acne-prone skin, and it offers immediate protection. There are also some drawbacks to using mineral sunscreen, such as it takes longer to apply and leaves a white cast on the skin.

Chemical sunscreen contains chemical ingredients that protect the skin by absorbing the sun’s rays, preventing them from reaching the skin. The chemical compounds in chemical sunscreen are avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate.

Using chemical sunscreen has many advantages as it is easy to apply, transparent on the skin, and it comes with water-resistant formulations. Some disadvantages are that it can cause allergic reactions or irritation, it isn’t immediately effective, and it has to be absorbed into the skin.

Whichever type of sunscreen you use depends on your personal preference. Using either mineral or chemical sunscreen is better than not using sunscreen at all.

If you want to know which ingredients may affect you, talk to a healthcare provider or a dermatologist to determine which sunscreen is best.

If you or a loved one has warning signs of skin cancer, you can speak to a doctor by scheduling an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center by calling (718) 670-5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Fourth of July Recipe: A Tasty Shrimp, Spicy Mango, and Avocado Salad with Citrus Dressing

Posted on July 3, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

Here is a recipe for a tasty shrimp, spiced mango, and avocado salad with a refreshing citrus dressing that will be a hit at your Fourth of July celebration.

Shrimp, Spiced Mango, and Avocado Salad with Citrus Dressing Recipe | Food Network

Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month

Posted on July 2, 2025 by Patrick Hercules

July is observed as Juvenile Arthritis Month. Arthritis isn’t just an older person’s disease, children can suffer from it as well.

Juvenile Arthritis or pediatric rheumatic disease is an umbrella term that describes inflammatory and rheumatic diseases that develop in children who are 16 years and under.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joints instead of fighting viruses and germs. It is the most common type of arthritis in children.

Other types of juvenile arthritis include:

Juvenile myositis is an inflammatory disease that causes muscle weakness. There are two types:

Juvenile polymyositis

Juvenile dermatomyositis

Juvenile lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints, skin, internal organs, and other areas. The most common form is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Juvenile scleroderma describes a group of conditions that cause the skin to tighten and harden

Vasculitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels, which can lead to heart disease. According to the Arthritis Foundation, Kawasaki disease and Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HCP) are the most common forms of vasculitis in kids and teens.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome that causes widespread muscle pain and stiffness. It also causes fatigue, disrupted sleep, and other symptoms. It is more common in girls and is rarely diagnosed before puberty.

The symptoms of juvenile arthritis can vary depending on the type. The most common symptoms include:

Joint pain

Joint swelling

Joint stiffness

Fever, swollen lymph nodes, and rash

It can be difficult to diagnose juvenile arthritis in children because joint pain can be caused by many different problems. Some ways it can be diagnosed include:

Physical exams

Blood tests

Imaging scans

There is no cure for arthritis. However, it can be treated. Treatments can include:

Medications

Physical or occupational therapies

Surgery

Self-care

If your child is experiencing arthritis symptoms, it is important to visit a pediatrician as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment with Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center by calling 718-670-3007.