About 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 65% of melanoma cases are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. You can reduce your risk of skin cancer by:

• Seeking shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (when the sun is strongest).
• Avoiding getting burned. A person’s risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had five or more sunburns during their lifetime.
• Avoiding tanning and UV tanning booths. UV radiation from tanning machines is known to cause cancer. Those who use a tanning bed just four times a year can increase their risk for melanoma by 11%, as well as increase their risk for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma by 15%.
• Covering up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Using a broad spectrum of (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Seeing your PCP or dermatologist for a skin cancer screening every year!

To learn more about preventing skin cancer visit the Alvin & Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute, or contact a LifeBridge Health provider for an appointment at 410-601-WELL.

-Written by Lisa Hamm, M.S., The Alvin and Lois Lapidus Cancer Institute, Sinai and Northwest Hospitals 

So, what are the upcoming events for this week? (Click on the links to learn more and register).

5/30/12- Concussion Education Webinar - The subject of concussions has dominated the headlines as more professional athletes are having their careers halted or even ended by this condition. But concussions don’t just affect the pros. It can impact athletes at all levels. So, how serious is the problem? Should parents, coaches and student–athletes be concerned? Get these answers and more by joining a free webinar with concussion expert Kevin Crutchfield, M.D. 

5/31/12 – Spring Cosmetic Surgery Lecture Series: Body Surgery After Massive Weight Loss | Breast Reconstruction - You’re invited to spend an evening with our experts! This year, the Northwest Hospital Spring Cosmetic Surgery Lecture Series Will be held at LifeBridge Health & Fitness on May 10, May 24 and May 31. Whether you attend just one or all three evening events, you’ll learn more about the latest cosmetic procedures and have opportunities for our experts to answer your questions.

Click the image to view the entire list of LifeBridge Health community events:

As long as there are life-threatening situations such as car accidents, allergic reactions, heart attacks, broken bones, alcohol poisoning, choking, and strokes, there will always be a need for emergency medical care.

Some examples of EMS members are:

• First responder
• Ambulance driver
• Emergency medical technician
• Paramedic

To show our appreciation for EMS members, Sinai and Northwest held a special open house breakfast from 7 a.m. – 10 a.m on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 22 and 23. Local EMSworkers were treated to a bevy of breakfast items, including rugelach and fresh-made omelets!

Thank you to all of the local and national EMS workers who work tirelessly to save lives every day. We are grateful for your dedication.

-Trish Smith

Our LifeBridge Health family of physicians and services were first time participants, but we have been long-time providers of care to surrounding community for years, providing care to those either born at Sinai or who had surgery at Sinai and Northwest. More than 15,000 people – mainly families – came out and stopped by various vendor booths selling items that ranged from locally made honey to pottery.

More than 700 people stopped by the LifeBridge Health booths where they met the following physicians:

• Dr. Amit Mittal, LifeBridge Health Westminster, Maryland cardiologist
• Dr. James Nace, Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics, Orthopedic surgeon
• Dr. Domingo Rocha, head of Carroll Medical Group, Hampstead, Maryland

Dr. Rocha also did a book signing of his second book , which is a murder mystery. I think Dr. Rocha personally knew all 15,000 people!

“Curbside” consults with the physicians were made, as well as follow-up appointments at their offices.

Overall, it was a great opportunity for LifeBridge Health’s community to participate and say thank you for choosing us!

- Written by Steve Wainstock, Director, Physician Services, LifeBridge Health

Dr. Kevin Crutchfield

Kevin Crutchfield, M.D., the director of the Comprehensive Sports Concussion Program at LifeBridge Health, was featured in this story. As one of the country’s foremost concussion experts, he is a constant advocate for awareness and education about this condition.

As we all know, concussions are a hot topic, especially among parents who have kids playing sports. The interesting thing is that, whether we play sports or not, a concussion can happen to any of us. With all of this talk about concussions, you might have questions or concerns for yourself, your child or somebody you know.

LifeBridge Health will be offering a perfect opportunity to learn more about concussions on May 30 at 6:30 p.m. Dr. Crutchfield will be hosting a free concussion education webinar. He’ll talk about how concussions occur, how they affect a person’s physical and mental well being, and how they can be treated. The best part is that you don’t even need to leave home to attend! (A computer and Internet connection are required.)

If you would like to be a part of this webinar, please register by going here or by calling 410.601.WELL.

-Noel Lloyd