Emotional over Botox

Dr. Adam Mamelak was interviewed by the Toronto Star today regarding a new study looking at the effects of Botox on emotions. The study suggests that facial muscles - often the same muscles that are relaxed with botox treatments - may play a role in the strength of the emotions we experience. While the study investigators suggest that Botox treatments can dampen our emotional response, Dr. Mamelak pointed out that this is balanced with the positive effects Botox has in improving self-esteem and self-confidence. Feeling more attractive and appearing more well rested can certainly have beneficial effects on all of our moods. Read the full story here:

http://www.healthzone.ca/health/newsfeatures/article/828169--botox-may-weaken-your-emotional-response

How Effective Is Your Sunscreen?

The current sunscreen rating system is based on regulations established in 1978 and does not take into account the harmful effects of UVA in the skin. The Food and Drug Administration is considering a new set of guidelines for sunscreen that would set up a four-star system for effectiveness against UVA rays. The rules would also ban the use of misleading terms like 'sunblock' and 'all-day protection' from labels. Read more here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/24/fashion/24Skin.html?scp=1&sq=%2bmelanoma&st=nyt

New Therapy to Fight Melanoma

Metastatic melanoma has become increasingly common in the North America over the past three decades, and death rates are rising faster than with other cancers. A new experimental immune therapy called Ipilimumab has been shown to dramatically increase the survival of patients with advanced stages of melanoma. The therapy works by helping the body's immune system fight tumors. Learn more here:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2010-06-07-melanoma07_ST_N.htm

Tanning Ban in Ontario

The Globe and Mail reported a new movement in Ontario to ban access to tanning salons to teens. Specifically designed to combat the myths spread by the tanning industry that indoor tanning is safer than the sun, the Onartio Medical Association is supporting legislation prohibiting teens under the age of 18 from accessing tanning parlors. These actions are supported by the Canadian Cancer Society and Canadian Dermatology Association. Read the full story here:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/tanning-salon-ban-for-teens-doctors-urge/article1524719/#article

Universal Healthcare

A report last week in the Toronto Sun suggests that Canadian politicians may have better access to cancer treatment than their constituents. According to the Canadian Advocacy Coalition of Canada also notes that politicians may be getting access to cancer treatments that are not publically available. Read the full story here:

www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2010/3/24/13347821.html

The Cost of Skin Cancer

One of the well recognized risk factors of developming skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet radiation in sunlight. While most of us attribute this to our time at the beach or on the golf course, new claims of occupational exposure have forced officials to examine the true cost of skin cancer in Canadian communities. An article in today's National Post reveals the risks of work-related sun exposure and the implications this may have for future workers' compensation. Read more here:

http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=2686441

Coming up... Thursday, March 11, 2010

Dr. Mamelak will be attending the Ottawa Hospital Foundation's President's Dinner, with Dr. Jack Kitts, President and CEO of the Ottawa Hospital. Learn about the exciting developments at the Ottawa Hospital and how the new Mohs surgery unit is changing the way skin cancer patients are being treated in Ottawa.

New Melanoma Drug Shows Promise

The New York Times reports on the Phase 1 clinical trial results of the new melanoma drug PLX4032. This drug specifically inhibits BRAF, a gene often mutated in advanced melanoma cancer. Read the full story here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/23/health/research/23trial.html?pagewanted=2&ref=health

Acne Treatment on your iPhone?

Don't like putting on creams? Pills not your thing? A dermatologist has developed a new app for the iPhone that might do the trick. The app makes your phone's screen emit red and blue light that treats your skin while making calls. While studies for this specific device are still in the works, light based devices have been used to treat acne in the past with good success. Read more here:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1249426/iPhone-AcneApp-zap-acne-wrinkles-chat-phone.html

Indoor Tanning is Out!

Still convinced there is such a thing as a healthy tan? Have you been told artificial tanning beds are a good source of Vitamin D? The Canadian Dermatology Association has launched their new "Indoor Tanning is Out" campaign this month, designed to educate the public on the real danagers of tanning beds. Learn the best ways to protect yourself from skin cancer and take care of your skin. Read more here:

www.dermatology.ca/indoortanning/

http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/02/02/indoor-tanning-young-women.html