This Month In Health

This Month In Health is updated with information on monthly awareness topics in health. Read on to explore this month’s topics.

Why Does Skin Cancer Awareness Matter?

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. As cases rise, so does the need to create a mission to protect against skin cancer. This mission to empower and protect ourselves starts with awareness of the risks of skin cancer. You may be at risk if you:

• Have a family history of skin cancer.
• Have had multiple sunburns.
• Have had long periods of ultraviolet exposure or sunlight exposure.
• Use or have used tanning beds.

The Truth About Skin Cancer

Now that you have learned about the risks of skin cancer, it is important to follow the skin protection mission by learning these truths about skin cancer.

• Anyone, regardless of skin color, is at risk.
• A cloudy day doesn’t mean no ultraviolet rays are present. About 80% of ultraviolet rays still pass through.
• Skin cancer doesn’t hurt – it’s mostly painless. You can begin by doing a skin check at home and then contact your provider for a skin screening.
• Using sunscreen once a day will not protect you if you are under ultraviolet exposure. Read the label of your sunscreen and reapply accordingly.

Screen and Protect

Stay true to the mission, “scan and protect,” by setting up your skin screening appointments and following screen checks at home. Other things you can do include:

• Using broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30+ daily, and multiple times if consistently exposed to UV rays.
• Keeping away from peak UV hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Not using tanning beds.

Remember, early action is the goal. Schedule your screening today!

Protect Your Skin: Cancer Screening Compliance

Want to learn more? Watch our pre-recorded webinar, “Protect Your Skin: Cancer Screening Compliance.”

On a Mission to Heal: Navigating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

June is PTSD Awareness month. It is an opportunity to learn about the silent battles some of us face. PTSD can affect anyone. One of the ways we can be on a “mission to heal” and help “navigate PTSD” for those we care about, is to learn the facts about PTSD.

PTSD is Real

PTSD is a real condition and can be diagnosed. It is not a weakness. PTSD can develop in response to traumatic events such as:

• Combat
• Assault
• Disaster

PTSD Affects Millions of People

PTSD affects individuals regardless of age, gender, or background. About 5% of adults will experience PTSD each year, and 1 in 11 will receive a PTSD diagnosis in their lifetime.

Service Members and Veterans are at Higher Risk

Military members are at higher risk of developing PTSD with 11% to 20% of Veterans diagnosed with PTSD. Misinformation can surround PTSD.

PTSD Appears at Different Times

PTSD can appear at the time of traumatic event or much later. It can be days, months, or even years – each case is unique. Sights, smells, or many other stimuli can unexpectedly trigger PTSD.

PTSD is Treatable

PTSD may feel never-ending, but it is treatable. Different therapies are available to you and your family members. Protect the “mission to heal” by refusing to give into stigma and misinformation surrounding PTSD.

Support is Available

The Department of Veterans Affairs VA, TRICARE, and Military OneSource are valuable resources that exist to provide support. Visit the Wellness section’s Posttraumatic Stress Disorder page for more resources and additional support.