Sunny Day With A Chance Of Extreme UV!

The UV Index provides a daily forecast of the expected risk of overexposure to the sun. The Index predicts UV intensity levels on a scale of 1 to 11+, where 1 indicates a low risk of overexposure and 11+ signifies an extreme risk. Calculated on a next-day basis for every ZIP Code across the US, the UV Index takes into account clouds and other local conditions that affect the amount of UV radiation reaching the ground in different parts of the country. With the summer weather upon us, the UV index for April 24th is 10, or very high! Make sure to follow the UV index throughout the summer season, and stay safe in the sun!

The Latest Summer Fashion Accesory: Your Skin!

Summer fashions that showcase bare arms and legs mean that skin care is more important than ever this time of the year. And with the great selection of moisturizers, sunless tanning products and sunscreens out there, adding a healthy glow to summer skin is easier than ever.

Sunscreen, Shade and Sunblock - What About My Vitamin D?

With the summer months approaching and more and more reminders for sunscreen being seen, many patients ask us, "don't I need sun exposure for vitamin D?" It's true. UV light converts cholesterol in the skin to vitamin D, which helps strengthen bones and can protect against various cancers, heart disease and multiple sclerosis.

However, a fair-skinned person in shorts and a tank top can get sufficient exposure for vitamin D in less than 10 minutes on a sunny day. Darker-skinned people may need up to an hour to get the same levels. Wearing sunscreen reduces the skin's ability to create vitamin D; however, we can safely get it through many foods such as fish, liver, cheese and fortified cereals, and in multivitamins and supplements.Chose a safe route to get your Vitamin D and stay safe in the sun over the summer!

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2012/04/22/2160311/skin-cancer-usually-easily-treated.html#storylink=cpy

Now That The Skin's Covered, What About Your Hair?

Sanova dermatologists preach about sunscreen and the proper ways to ensure your skin stays protected from harmful UVA and UVB rays while enjoying some fun in the sun. But there is one thing most people often overlook or ignore when it comes down to sun protection – their hair! The scalp is just as susceptible to sun damage as any other skin on the body. As well, if you spend a good amount of money at a salon to professionally color or highlight your hair, why not protect it while its exposed for hours on end?

Hats do a great job protecting our hair and scalp, especially those with a wide brim. But for those of us who are not hat people, there are a few hair care products that can help protect the scalp. Check out some of the sunscreens made specifically for hair by Aveda, Kérastase, Phyto Plage, Pureology and more.

Treatment Of Skin Cancer With Mohs Surgery Has Doubled

According to a new study published in the Archives of Dermatology, surgery for non-melanoma skin cancer in the United States increased substantially from 2001 to 2006, mainly due to the increased use of Mohs micrographic surgery. Mohs surgery is considered the most precise and effective way of treating skin cancer with cute rates over 99%. In the study, the rate of surgical excision increased from 1.8 to 2.1 per 100 patients while the rate of the Mohs surgery doubled from 0.75 to 1.5 per 100 patients. Physicians and patients appear to be becoming more and more aware of the benefits of Mohs surgery!

Forget The Wrinkles, The Chin Gave it Away!

Chin augmentation is now the fastest-growing kind of cosmetic procedure in the United States. Recent data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons showed that chin augmentation increased  by 71% in 2011 from 2010,  more than Botox, liposuction and breast augmentation, combined. The chin and jawline are among the first areas to show signs of aging. People are considering chin augmentation as a way to restore their youthful look just like a facelift or eyelid surgery. Looking for a way to sharpen your jawline? Chin augmentation can make a dramatic difference!

An Effective Bug Bite Remedy - Does It Exist?

According to a review published in the April issue of the journal Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin, there is little evidence that over-the-counter insect bite remedies actually work. What's more, most reactions to insect bites are mild and don't require any treatment the review found. While antihistamines are widely recommended to ease insect-bite-related itching...there's no proof that this is effective.

Where Does Your Republican Candidate Stand On The Sunscreen Issue?

In the age of healthcare reform, it is interesting to see how some politicians stand on public health issues. A mayoral candidate in Australia announced his idea of a SunSmart City program, where SPF 30+ sunscreen would be provided for free in dispensers in 150 Brisbane parks if he is elected to council.
HIs plan also included $350,000 to install additional shade sails over local playgrounds and existing pools. "I want to ensure Brisbane residents continue to enjoy our fantastic outdoor lifestyle in a safe and SunSmart way and there is a lot more Council could be doing to achieve this," said the candidate.

What's The Reason Behind The Tanning Tax?

The International Agency for Research on Cancer, affiliated with the World Health Organization, moved tanning beds to its highest cancer-risk category, labeling them "carcinogenic to humans." This ranks them alongside other cancer-causing agents such as asbestos, arsenic and cigarettes.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control show that for every 10% price increase, cigarette consumption drops by 3 to 4 % among adults and 6 to 8 % among young people. The theory is that this tax will have the same effect on tanning-bed use. Dermatologists and healthcare professionals are hoping that this 10% tax will actually save lives.

Mohs Surgery Most Cost-Effective Skin Cancer Treatment

According to a new study published in the journal dermatological surgery, Mohs micrographic surgery represents the most cost-effective treatment for skin cancer. After performing a cost analysis with respect to 406 tumors that were cleared with a mean of 1.6 stages (range, 1-8 stages), researchers found that Mohs was the least expensive of surgical options ($805/tumor), compared with standard surgical excision with permanent margins ($1,026), surgical excision with frozen margins ($1,200), and surgical excision performed in an ambulatory surgery center ($2,507).