UV Safety Month Reminds People to Protect their Largest Organ this Summer

Posted on July 3, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

Skin is technically the largest organ that humans have and it serves an incredibly vital purpose. Not only does it protect your internal organs but it guards against injury and infection. That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re doing everything you can to care for it.

Since this is the time of year where we typically begin seeing sunshine-filled days more frequently, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recognizes the month of July as UV Safety Month.

Officials use this time to remind people to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from the effects of ultraviolet rays.

In addition to increasing the risk of developing skin-cancer, UV rays from the sun and indoor tanning devices can cause other health complications such as eye problems and a weakened immune system.

Fortunately there are some easy ways to protect yourself this summer.

For instance, you can reduce your risk by staying out of the sun during “peak burn hours”. According to the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, that time is between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If at all possible, head for the shade during that time.

Wearing protective clothing is another good way to avoid complications. This includes sunglasses and hats as well as long sleeve shirts and pants to guard against UV rays directly.

However, when you consider the typical temperature during this time of year, clothing that covers skin can be uncomfortable and impractical.

That’s why it’s also a good idea to stock up on sunscreen to cover all exposed skin. Make sure to initially apply a generous amount to all exposed areas and regularly re-apply, even if it’s described as water resistant.

Keep in mind that just because you see the sun dip behind the clouds that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re less at risk. Individuals are not immune to sun damage on cloudy days so be sure to keep these UV safety tips in mind, regardless of the forecast.

Click the following link for additional Sun Safety Information.

There’s a Chance You Could Qualify for a Free Mammogram

Posted on October 5, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer is the most common cancer found in women worldwide. To help draw attention to the disease, every year, the month of October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness month.

WHO representatives report that since there are currently no definitive answers about the cause, early detection of the disease is the cornerstone of breast cancer control. Starke County residents who meet certain qualifications are eligible to receive mammograms and subsequent testing and procedures, free of charge.

The services are available at Starke Hospital, thanks to a grant secured by the Healthcare Foundation of La Porte from the Indiana Breast Cancer Awareness Trust. One way the Trust raises money for these types of efforts is through the sale of breast cancer awareness license plates.

In order to qualify, women must be older than 39-years-old or have a higher risk of breast cancer. Individuals who satisfy income requirements, as well as people who are uninsured, underinsured or those who have a high deductible plan are also eligible.

The Starke County Chamber of Commerce highlighted this opportunity, noting that no community member should go without a mammogram or necessary follow-up testing due to financial limitations.

Chamber officials encourage community members to ask their primary care provider for a voucher in Starke County and to schedule a screening mammogram as soon as possible.