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Osteoporosis is a bone disease that occurs when bone mineral density and bone mass decreases, or when the structure and strength of bone changes. Studies suggest that approximately one in two women and up to one in four men aged 50 and older will break a bone due to osteoporosis. Andrew Terlecky, D.O., of Licking Memorial Orthopedic Surgery explains more about osteoporosis and how to avoid the disease.

| Posted On : 8/15/2024 10:31:47 AM |

Patient Story - Hazel Blamey

Although Hazel Blamey was born prematurely and spent a few days in the Special Care Nursery at Licking Memorial Hospital, her parents, Kianna and Cody, were pleased to note that she was happy and healthy. However, in February, Hazel’s older sister developed a cold, and soon Hazel too was exhibiting signs of illness and struggling to breathe. Hazel tested positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common virus in childhood but can be dangerous for infants. Read more about Hazel’s story here:

| Posted On : 6/6/2024 10:31:44 AM |

Communicating with Your Teenager

A necessary developmental stage of adolescence occurs when children begin to test boundaries and may pull away from parents as they begin to assert their own independence. Navigating this transition is difficult for parents; however, it is important to stay connected to children during their teenage years. Click the link to learn how parents can establish and maintain a healthy and trusting relationship with their children.

| Posted On : 6/6/2024 9:15:38 AM |

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How Can You Prevent Skin Cancer?

After the long cold winter, it’s easy to forget our health through the summer months, specifically the health of our skin! Skin cancer affects more than 2 million Americans every year, and melanoma alone is estimated to affect one in 50 Americans in 2015. Licking Memorial Dermatologists Bethany Wyles, D.O., and Kathleen Rogers, M.D., want Licking County residents to be aware of sun exposure risks, and methods of cancer prevention. Below is a Q&A with Drs. Rogers and Wyles and their input about skin cancer. For more information about Licking Memorial Dermatology, visit http://www.lmhealth.org/Services-Facilities/Physician-Practices/Dermatology.aspx.

LMHS: What are the most common types of skin cancer?

Dr. Rogers: The three most common types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, and it’s estimated that one person dies every hour from melanoma in the United States.
Dr. Wyles: BCC and SCC are more common than melanoma, but, unlike melanoma, they are more easily treatable and rarely result in death of patients with normal immune system health.

LMHS: What are some known causes of skin cancer?

Dr. Wyles: The more long-term UV exposure you have, the higher your risk for developing skin cancer. UV exposure does include both natural sunlight and tanning beds. However, exposure specific to tanning beds is proven to be a risk in developing melanoma and other skin cancers.

LMHS: How can a person help prevent skin cancer?

Dr. Rogers: Three of the easiest ways to prevent skin cancer are:

Use sunscreen with an SPF of 38 or higher, and re-apply every 2 hours. Apply more frequently if water exposure is a factor. Also, use a facial moisturizer every day, and consider wearing sun protective clothing. If you plan on being outside for long periods of time, bring a wide-brimmed hat or a long-sleeved shirt.
Do not use tanning beds and encourage others to stop tanning bed use.
Have a dermatologist perform a full body exam once a year, especially if you have a history of skin cancer or melanoma.

LMHS: How can a person detect a potential skin cancer site?

Dr. Rogers: Look at your moles once a month and check for what we call your “ABCDEs”:

Asymmetry: one half is unlike the other half
Border: there is an irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border
Color: there is varied color from one area to another; there are shades of tan, brown, or black, or sometimes white, red or blue
Diameter: Melanomas are usually greater than 6 mm (the size of pencil eraser), but can be smaller
Evolving: A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or that is changing in size, shape or color

Dr. Wyles: The ABCDE technique should guide you to look for dark, pigmented lesions, moles changing in size, shape or color, or any sores that aren’t healing. If you’re concerned with skin lesions, you should seek a full skin exam by a dermatologist. Also, it is important to remember that melanoma can arise on non-sun exposed areas like the genitals, feet or buttocks.

If you need any additional information about detecting or preventing skin cancer, Licking Memorial Dermatology and Active Medical Staff dermatologists would be happy to assist you. For information on all of the dermatology services available through LMHS, please visit the Dermatology page.

| Posted On : 6/25/2014 10:28:18 AM