Melanoma Month

May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection

and Prevention Month

The incidences of most cancers in the United States are decreasing, but the number of skin cancers are increasing. You can reduce your risk of getting skin cancer by following these refresher prevention tips provided by skincancer.net.

Sun Protection Practices

1. Avoid deliberate tanning. Lying in the sun may feel good, but the end result is premature aging( wrinkles, blotchiness, and sagging skin) as well as 1 in 5 chance of developing skin cancer. Tanning beds and sunlamps are just as dangerous because they emit enough UV radiation to cause premature aging and skin cancer. Use a sunless self-tanning product instead, but remember to still use sunscreen on top.

2. Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that includes vitamin supplements.

3. Generally apply sunscreen to all exposed skin every day. The sunscreen should have a SPF of at least 30 and be broad-spectrum(provides UVA/UVB protection). Suncreen does NOT make sun bathing safe.

Tip- Don't forget your ears, nose, neck, hands, and toes. Many skin cancers develop in these areas. Protect your lips, another high risk area, with lip balm that offers SPF 30 or higher

4. Seek shade when appropriate. Sun's rays are stronger between 10am-4pm

5. Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand as they reflect damaging rays of the sun.

6. Check your birthday suit on your birthday. (or maybe the day after...) If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early. Don't forget to ask if their Mohs Tech is from Mobile Mohs! :)

-More Good Reasons to Practice Sun Protection-

Aside from skin cancer, sun's UV rays also cause...

- Premature aging
- Immunosuppression( weakening of the body's ability to protect itself from cancer and other diseases)
-Cataracts and macular degeneration- Macular degeneration, for which there is no cure, is the leading cause of blindess in people aged 65 and older.

This information isn't meant to scare you away from spending time outside in the sun. A little bit of sun can be a great mood booster, just make sure you're covered and apply your sunscreen every so often, and you'll be good to go!

Healthy Tips

As a Moh Tech, our day to day job can vary with how many hours we'll work. Sometimes we are so busy that we don't realize we haven't had anything to drink or eat since breakfast. Staying hydrated and fueling your body is very important when it comes to maintaining your energy levels. Here are some tips for keeping your energy up.

Hydrating your body

According to mayoclinic.com "Water is your body's principle componet and makes up to 60% of your body weight. Every system in your body depends on water. Lack of water can lead to dehydration and even mild dehydration can drain your energy and make you tired. Drink eight 8oz glasses of water each day."

Sounds simple right? But how many of us can really say we drink 64 ounces of water everyday?

Solution- Bring a water bottle everywhere you go. Most offices have water coolers available, but are usually in the staff kitchen or waiting room. Having your own water bottle nearby makes it more accessible. Try to drink at least 2 full bottles while at work. I like to multi-task by drinking water while I stain my slides. One hand is staining, while the other is hydrating. Try it!

Fueling your body

Do you start to get hungry around 10am? Feel drained and tired around 2 or 3pm? Don't go for that second or third cup of coffee, instead reach for a snack. According to Fitnessmagazine.com, "snacking keeps your metabolism revved up and is a great way to boost your energy. You need a snack that's full of nutrients to power you through your between-meal stretch."

Fitness Magazine recommended energy boosting snacks

1- Fresh Bananas, Apples, Oranges & Berries- Loaded with vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, as well as good carbs for an energy boost. Serving size- 1 piece fresh fruit or 1 cup chopped or berries

2-Yogurt & Cereal - Sprinkle some crunchy cereal on yogurt for a great snack. You'll get carbs and protein from the Yogurt and energy from the cereal, making you fuller longer. Serving size- 1- 6oz cup

3- Popcorn- is actually a healthier snack than pretzels and provides fiber. Microwave beforehand and bring in a ziplock bag, or bring a small serving size bag to pop at work.

4- Half a turkey sandwich- You can have real food as a snack too. 1 slice whole wheat bread, 2 ounces of turkey, and mustard provides energy boosting carbs and protein.

5- Red Pepper & Hummus - Vegetables offer good fiber, plus loads of nutrients and vitamins, while hummus adds some protein to up the snacks staying power. Serving size- unlimited vegetables with 1/4 cup hummus.

6- Almonds & Walnuts- packed with good fats, fiber, vitamin E and omega 3's. To stop yourself from overeating, fill an altoid tin with nuts for the perfect serving size(about an ounce)

7- Soy Crisps- sometimes you just want a snack food type of snack. These are salty and crunchy with 5 grams of protein per serving and have more staying power than chips or pretzels. Serving size- Eat the whole 2 serving bag!

Would you make the Cut?

What does it take to be a Mohs Technician at Mobile Mohs, Inc. ?

Our technicians process some of the best slides in the country. Here is how we select our Mohs Technicians...

Our selection process starts with an extensive interview process by Mobile Mohs, Inc. and culminates with the approval of completion of training by Mobile Mohs. Inc. and our Clients. Our average technician receives a minimum of 4 months and/or 600 hours of one-on-one training, both on-the-job and in our histology lab. They are proficient in cutting and processing adipose and cartilage. Once the technician is able to consistently prepare a slide in 15 minutes or less, he/she will be awarded a certificate of completion.

In addition to proficiency in frozen tissue processing, the training curriculum consists of...

• extensive study of H&E stain chemistry
• microscope work
• basic histology and nomenclature
• exposure to surgery
• trouble shooting
• customer service efforts
• CLIA, OSHA, & HIPPA REGULATIONS

Our Mobile Mohs, Inc. Technicians come from all different backgrounds and have lived all over the United States. Technicians have advanced education, a uniform appearance, and great personalities. We pride ourselves in having a team atmosphere and superior slides at every office. Just look for the techs in blue!

W E K N O W M O H S
est. 1979