Safe and Fun in the Sun

May is Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention month, the perfect time to brush up on ways to protect your loved ones, since warmer weather means more time spent soaking up the sun.
Each year, 3.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed, making it the most common form of cancer in the United States. The good news is that skin cancer is easily cured if detected early, so doctors recommend that you perform a monthly self-examination. Here’s what to look for:
• A skin growth that increases in size and looks pearly, translucent, tan, brown, black or multicolored.
• Any brown spot (including moles, birthmarks, etc.) that:
o changes color or texture
o increases in size or thickness
o is irregular in outline
o is larger that ¼ inch
o appears after age 21.
• A spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, crust, scab, errode or bleed.
• An open sore that does not heal within three weeks.

Here are a few ways you can protect your skin when spending time outside:

• Generously apply a water-resistant sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher whenever outside, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
• Wear breathable, protective clothing, such as a long-sleeve shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when possible.
• Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. as the sun’s rays are strongest during this time.
• Use extra caution—and extra sun screen—near water, snow and sand which can reflect and intensify the sunlight.
• Avoid tanning beds as the ultraviolet light from them can cause skin cancer and wrinkling.

Autism Awareness

Autism is a developmental disability that comes from a neurological disorder that affects the normal functioning of the brain. It is characterized by the abnormal development of communication skills, social skills, and reasoning. Children may appear normal until around the age of 30 months. Autism Speaks continue to fund research on effective methods for earlier diagnosis.

Autism statistics from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identify around 1 in 110 American children as on the autism spectrum – a 600 percent increase in prevalence over the past two decades. Careful research shows that this increase is only partly explained by improved diagnosis and awareness. Studies also show that autism is three to four times more common among boys than girls. An estimated 1 out of 70 boys is diagnosed with autism in the US.

More children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes or pediatric AIDS combined. There is no established explanation for this continuing increase, although improved diagnosis and environmental influences are two reasons often considered.

Understanding Incontinence

We carry a variety of incontinence products. Determining what’s right for you or your family member can be challenging. By understanding the levels of incontinence and function of the products available, you will have the knowledge to choose the appropriate product. Products are broken down into levels of incontinence:
• Light is a dribble of urine, which often occurs during sneezing, coughing, laughing, and exercise.
• Moderate is feeling the urge to urinate but muscles can’t hold and often do not make it to the restroom.
• Heavy is complete loss of bladder control.

Now that you understand the levels of incontinence, below are the types of products available. Types of products range from being placed on objects to protect them, placed in personal underpants to full adult disposable protective underwear and briefs.
• Underpads are disposable pads that can be placed on chairs, beds or other surfaces to protect against incontinent accidents.
• Pant Liners are designed to be worn in your undergarments. They are designed for a very light dribble. This can occur with sneezing, laughing, coughing and exercise.
• Diapers and/or Briefs are for moderate to heavy incontinence, including bladder and bowel. The key factor with briefs is to have the correct size on. Leakage can be problem if a product is applied with the incorrect size.

All disposable products should be changed after each bladder void and bowel movement for infection control and recommended product usage. Products are available for all levels of incontinence and personal preferences. Understanding the levels of incontinence educates you to make the right product selection for your needs.
Please contact Medco for more information on this and any other products we offer.

Tube Feeding Safety and Sanitation Tips

We at Medco are aware of the risks for infection and the management needed when tube-feeding your child or loved one. That is why we want to provide you with a few helpful tips for safety, sanitation, and problem solving when it comes to caring for your child’s tube feeding materials with help from www.abbottnutrition.com.

Happy Valentine’s Day

The origin of Valentine’s Day may always remain a mystery, but one thing is for sure…it is a time of love and romance all around the world. Medco would like to wish everyone a very Happy Valentine’s Day!