May 3rd is Melanoma Monday |
|
The American Academy of Dermatology established Melanoma Monday, which falls on the first Monday in May - May 3 this year - to raise awareness of the symptoms, causes, and prevention of the disease and the day has come to be symbolized by wearing orange clothing. Melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer, is developed by 1 out of every 50 Americans at some point in their lifetime. There are many ways to prevent melanoma so, today, take extra time to learn how to reduce your risk.
Melanoma spreads quickly
- Melanoma can spread in the body more quickly and earlier than many other forms of cancer.
Melanoma strikes young
- While the average age for other cancer diagnoses is around 65 - 70 years old, the average age for a melanoma diagnosis is 50.
There are many risk factors
- Red hair, more than 50 moles, a family history of melanoma, sunburns in childhood, and use of a tanning bed are all risk factors for the disease.
Melanoma is very treatable
- While it’s true that melanoma can be deadly, it can be treatable if caught early — immediate detection is critical.
Stay out of the sun for lower risk
- The most impactful way to lower your risk of melanoma is simple — practice sun safety and avoid being in the sun for long periods of time!
|
|
When Your Second Vaccine Dose Packs a Punch |
|
A few hours after getting the second dose of her COVID-19 vaccine one morning in mid-February, Wendy Reiter's arm was a bit sore, just as it was after her first shot. But by evening, she felt flu-like, with body aches, a headache and serious fatigue. “I felt like I was hit by a truck. I was essentially laid up for a day and a half, sleeping on an off all day and feeling out of it,” Reiter, 75, an educational administrator in Westchester County, New York, recalls. “Then the veil lifted, and I felt like my old self again.” Meanwhile, her husband, who is 89, felt fine after getting his second dose. When Reiter asked friends about their experiences, they were “all over the map,” ranging from intense to nonexistent.
|
|
How COVID-19 Affects the
Heart in Long Haulers
|
|
After recovering from COVID-19, about 10% – and perhaps more – of people are experiencing continued health issues a month or more after the initial infection. The combination of symptoms they have is called long COVID or post-acute COVID-19 syndrome. The people who have these symptoms are often referred to as COVID long haulers.
There is a wide range of symptoms experienced as part of long COVID, including:
- Brain fog and trouble concentrating
- Chest pain
- Continued loss of the sense of smell or taste
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Heart palpitations, which make the heart beat faster or irregularly
|
|
Study Finds Two Servings of Fish Can Prevent Heart Disease |
|
An analysis of several large studies involving participants from more than 60 countries, spearheaded by researchers from McMaster University, has found that eating oily fish regularly can help prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD) in high-risk individuals, such as those who already have heart disease or stroke.
The critical ingredient is omega-3 fatty acids, which researchers found was associated with a lower risk of major CVD events such as heart attacks and strokes by about a sixth in high-risk people who ate two servings of fish rich in omega-3 each week.
|
|
Use ripe bananas for this creamy Greek yogurt, spinach and pineapple smoothie. Chia seeds add healthy omega-3 fats, fiber and a little protein for an extra nutritional boost.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
- ⅓ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1 cup frozen banana slices (about 1 medium banana)
- ½ cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1-2 teaspoons pure maple syrup or honey (optional)
Directions
- Add almond milk and yogurt to a blender, then add spinach, banana, pineapple, chia and sweetener (if using); blend until smooth.
|
|
VNLV is Hiring - Join Our Team! |
|
RN Case Manager
Full Time position - Responsible for providing skilled nursing care to patients and families in their home or community and coordinating activities of home health care. Duties include, but are not limited to, client assessment, care planning, therapeutic intervention, and overall supervision of client care and outcomes. Provides functional support and supervision to home health aides. Must be a graduate of an accredited or approved school of nursing, licensed to practice in the state of CT, and have a minimum of one year med-surg clinical experience. Home health care/OASIS/revisit documentation experience preferred. We offer flexible scheduling and a competitive wage/benefit package.
|
|
Let's Stay Connected!
To learn more about Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley, click here.
To learn more about Lower Valley Care Advocates, click here.
Questions? Call Us! 860-767-0186
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
