Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays Ask The Doctor

As warmer weather invites you to spend more time outdoors, Malini, Patel, MD, Director of Medical Oncology at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton Cancer Center, an RWJBarnabas Health facility, shares her best advice and simple habits which can drastically reduce your skin cancer risk and helps you still enjoy your day outside with some simple sun safety strategies.

Slather on sunscreen. Use it even on slightly cloudy or cool days, regardless of skin color. It contains chemicals that scatter sunlight’s UV rays. Apply 30 minutes before you go outside. A Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 is sufficient as long as the sunscreen is reapplied every two hours.

Dress for success. That includes wearing a hat with a brim that shades your face, ears and the back of your neck, and loose-fitting, long-sleeved, tightly woven shirts and long pants. Wear a T-shirt on the beach whenever you aren’t in the water. Look for fabrics that have an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) to guard against UV rays.

Check yourself out. Regularly examine your skin for changes in moles during showers and in the mirror. Ask someone to check your back and neck, and if your hair is thinning, be sure to check your scalp as well.

Watch the kids. The vast majority of sun exposure occurs before age 18, so help your children take the necessary sun protection steps and let them see you doing the same.

Keep an eye on your eyes. Wraparound sunglasses are a great choice to protect eyes and skin around the eyes from UV rays.

Shun the brightest sun. When you’re outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., reduce your risk of skin damage by seeking shade under an umbrella, cabana, tree or other shelter.

RWJBarnabas Health and RWJ University Hospital Hamilton, together with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey—the state’s only NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center— provide close-to-home access to the latest treatment options. For more information, call 844. CANCERNJ or visit www.rwjbh.org/ beatcancer.

To learn more about Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton, visit rwjbh.org/Hamilton or call 609-586-7900.

Coming up this month at RWJU Hospital Hamilton

For more information, call (609) 584-5900. To register for a program or for schedule changes go to rwjbh.org/ events.

MonDAy, JUly 19

Cooking with Cardiology. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Join us at this “hands on” lecture and learn about heart healthy cooking. Shakil Shaikh, DO, from Hamilton Cardiology Associates, will be cooking up food for thought in this fun filled demonstration

TUESDAy, JUly 11

So Bloated, I Could Fly like a Balloon. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Shivaprasad Marulendra, MD, board-certified in Internal Medicine, fellowship-trained in Gastroenterology will discuss the common issue of abdominal bloating.

WEDnESDAy, JUly 12 orthopedic open House. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Discover the latest advances in knee and hip replacement surgery and rehabilitation. Presented by James Scott, DO, board-certified orthopaedic surgeon; Maureen Stevens, PT, DPT, GCS, Cert MDT; and Courtney Fluehr, PT DPT. Dinner is included.

TUESDAy, JUly 18

Detox your life and Get Energized. 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. It’s time to unlock the door to a healthier, happier lifestyle so that a better version of you can shine through. Get the keys of how to detox through nutrition, beauty, home environment and the mind. Gail Leslie, Integrative Nutrition Health Coach.

WEDnESDAy, JUly 19

It’s Summer! Why Am I Stressed out? 4 to 5 p.m. Discussion group about dealing with the stress of summer. Vacations, body image, kids at home, etc. Easy tips and different strategies one can employ for coping.

THURSDAy, JUly 20

Knowledge Café: Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) and Wound Care. 6 to 7:30 p.m. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) affects more than 12 million people and can be problematic for those with chronic wounds. Join Reza Shah, DO, FACOS, FACS, FAPWA, CMET to learn about the world of PAD and wound care. Dinner will be provided.

TUESDAy, JUly 25

The link Between Hearing loss and Dementia-Can Hearing Aids Save your Brain? 10 to 11 a.m. According to several major studies, older adults with hearing loss are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, compared to those with normal hearing. Audiologist, Lorraine Sgarlato, Au.D., will discuss options with you.

Introduction to Animal Communication. 6:30 to 8 p.m. Do you love animals and want to deepen your bond? Do you wish you knew what your animals are thinking and feeling? Do you want to connect intuitively but not sure you have the ability (hint…you do!) Interested in learning how? Animal Communication is not just for “gifted” people… in fact we are all able to use our intuition to communicate this way. Come join us for this fun and interactive introduction into animal communication. No experience required, just your trusting open mind. Marcia Minunni, Fee:$15

FRIDAy, AUGUST 4

Raised Bed, Flat Bread. 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Spend your ‘Pizza Friday’ celebrating fresh produce that grows right here in New Jersey! Get hands-on by personalizing your own nutritious flat-tastic masterpiece for take-out! All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Fee: $5 per person. Taryn Krietzman, RDN.

Better Health Programs

Registration required for all programs. Must be a Better Health Member. Call (609) 584-5900 or go to rwjbh.org/events.

WEDnESDAy, JUly 5

let’s Talk, A Senior Social Group. Also July 12, 19 & 26. 10 to 11 a.m. Please join us for our ongoing program “Let’s Talk, a Senior Social Group,” gathering in a collaborative setting to exchange thoughts, feelings and experiences amongst peers. This is a safe zone designed to be welcoming and understanding of all attendees while exploring this season of our lives – the ups and the challenges. This group is a partnership between RWJ University Hospital Hamilton and the PsycHealth Associates here in Hamilton. This is a weekly program. Please feel free to attend one or all.

FRIDAy, JUly 7

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat: Watch Party & Discussion. Also July 14, 21 & 28. 11 a.m. to noon. Join this 4-week program to watch the popular series “Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat.” Each week we explore one of these 4 central principals of flavor. Watch and discuss how to incorporate the elements into delicious dishes! Taryn Krietzman, RDN.

THURSDAy, JUly 13

Socrates Café. 10 to 11 a.m. “Socrates Café” is about discussing a topic, sharing our thoughts, our beliefs, our ideas, and experiences. An unofficial mantra describes that we (people) learn more when we question, and question with others. This is a “safe zone” to share where all views are accepted. Come with an open mind, respect for one another, and a willingness to see where it takes us.