Dermatology and Skin Health's Michelle Roy and Gary Mendese Prominently Feature in Dermatology Times Magazine

Happy 4^th of July, everyone! While you’re out there barbecuing, splashing around in the pool (or at the beach!), lounging in the yard, spending time with family, enjoying colorful displays of pyro-technology, etc., don’t forget to take care of that skin of yours!

Speaking of skincare, our own Physicians Assistant, Michelle Roy, and Mohs Surgeon, Gary Mendese were recently featured in Dermatology Times Magazine. Continuing the conversation about Make Big Change, and the overall strategy of offering and educating folks (and fellow dermatologists) about preventative measures when it comes to caring for your skin and combating the ill affects of the sun’s UV rays which (as most of you know) can lead to skin cancer.

As the article states:

New England has some of the highest skin cancer rates in the United States. According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention data from 2012, New Hampshire ranks in the top 10 U.S. states for melanoma incidence, with 24.8 cases per 100,000 population.

So while we preach to you, our local constituents, let us not forget that this is a global issue:

The World Health Organization reports:

The incidence of both non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers has been increasing over the past decades. Currently, between 2 and 3 million non-melanoma skin cancers and 132,000 melanoma skin cancers occur globally each year. One in every three cancers diagnosed is a skin cancer and, according to Skin Cancer Foundation Statistics, one in every five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.

As ozone levels are depleted, the atmosphere loses more and more of its protective filter function and more solar UV radiation reaches the Earth's surface. It is estimated that a 10 per cent decrease in ozone levels will result in an additional 300,000 non-melanoma and 4,500 melanoma skin cancer cases. The global incidence of melanoma continues to increase – however, the main factors that predispose to the development of melanoma seem to be connected with recreational exposure to the sun and a history of sunburn. These factors lie within each individual's own responsibility.

In response, this article acts as a call-to-action for people far-and-wide to get involved, and help turn things around.

Check it out here: https://bit.ly/29i0QVA

And remember: SPF is Your BFF!

For more on Make Big Change, click here.