Shima Patel Archives

AUGUST 2019: Melanoma

08/07/2019

With summer peaking, many people might not be aware of the length of time they spend outdoors, or the damage the sun’s rays can be doing to their skin. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. When found early it can be cured. It is important to notice skin changes and get treatment early. Tell a health care provider about them right away. If left untreated or caught at an advanced stage, it can spread to other organs and become difficult to treat.

Melanoma usually appears as a pigmented patch or bump. It may look like a mole that has an irregular appearance. An important tool to use is the “ABCDE” rule to help you recognize the common signs of melanoma.

Asymmetry – the shape of one-half doesn’t match the other side

Border – the edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred

Color – not the same all over and may include shades of brown, tan, or black, sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue

Diameter – being larger than 1/4 inch across, although melanomas can form smaller than this

Evolution – it changes size, shape, and color

UV light is the number one cause of skin cancer.

Some steps you can take to prevent melanoma are as follows:

1. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher, 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every few hours.

2. Wear sunglasses with total UV protection and protective clothing and hats.

3. Avoid direct sun at UV peak hours between 10:30 am to 3:30 pm.

4. Seek shade when the sun is at its peak hours.

5. Do not use indoor sunlamps and tanning beds.

6. Check your skin regularly for the ABCDE signs.

Sources: Cleveland clinic.org, American Cancer Society, and Cancer.org

About Shima: Shima graduated from the University of Arkansas with a BS in Microbiology in 1997 and worked at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences with the Infectious Disease Department on clinical trials for over 4 years. She then pursued a career change and graduated with her Doctorate degree from St. Louis College of Pharmacy in 2007. During her years enrolled in pharmacy school she worked part-time at St. Louis University, where she helped design a laboratory protocol for the BCG Vaccine Study, which received full funding in 2011.

Shima joined Sinks and Medley Pharmacy in September of 2014 as a pharmacist. She continually strives to focus on improving outcomes and raising the quality of life for patients with all types of medical ailments and conditions.

JULY 2019: Seasonal Allergies

06/30/2019

Warm weather is here and for many of us that means suffering from seasonal allergies, mold, and dust. Here are some ways to help decrease some symptoms if you are suffering:

• Limit exposure to outside allergens such as pollen by minimizing time outdoors, keeping windows closed, and using air conditioning.

• When mowing the lawn, wear a filter mask and wear glasses or sunglasses to keep pollen out of the eyes.

• Shower, wash your hair, and change/wash your clothing immediately when returning inside to limit the amount of allergens you bring in the house.

• Take shoes off at the door and ask guests to do the same.

• Clean floors with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter. Invest in a good HEPA air-filter for your home air conditioning system and change regularly.

• Do not line dry clothing, sheets, or towels outside.

• Try not smoking in your home.

• Take allergy medication or get allergy shots. Start taking medication one week before your allergy season begins. Saline solutions that flush the nasal passages can help wash the allergen away.

• Animal dander comes from the proteins in your pets saliva or skin’s oil glands. Bathe your pet regularly. Make your bedroom a pet free environment. If you have carpet or rugs, get them steam cleaned regularly. If you have the means its better to have bare floors with washable rugs rather than carpet.

• Dust mites are found living in bedding, mattresses, carpets, upholstery, and curtains. They thrive in high humidity and feed on dead skin cells, pollen, bacteria, and fungi. Try washing sheets weekly in hot water. Use hypoallergenic pillows, mattresses, and box springs. Use dust mite covers for pillows and mattresses. Dust regularly and decrease clutter.

• Mold grows in dark damp places such as the basement, bathroom, and mulch. Avoid activities such as raking leaves or spreading mulch. Use a dehumidifier in the basement or in damp rooms.

• Cockroaches can cause allergy symptoms with the protein in their droppings. They like warmer climates. Try repairing cracks, holes in floors, walls, and windows. Keep the kitchen and house clean. Use bug traps and bug killer to help control them. Following these simple tips may help reduce your allergy symptoms and make your summer more pleasant.

Sources: WebMD and Prevention

JUNE 2019: Sun Protection

06/18/2019

Summer time is here! I have listed some tips to protect yourself from the sun this year.

The most effective protection is covering up with clothing. If you can see through the fabric of your clothing the UV rays can get through, try wearing tightly woven fabric. Wear wide brim hats and wear eye protection such as UV blocking sunglasses.

Find shady spots during peak hours normally around 10 am to 4 pm.

Use a broad spectrum sunscreen both UVA and UVB SPF 15 or higher daily. If outdoors for long periods use SPF 30 or higher broad spectrum and water-resistant and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating. Always check the expiration date on your sunscreen. Most Dermatologists recommend SPF 30 or higher broad spectrum when selecting a sunscreen. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every 2 hours. Reapply sooner if using water or sweat-resistant which is only approved for up to 40 or 80 minutes.

Infants under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight. For toddlers and older children, remember they have more sensitive skin and may have an allergy to the sunscreen. Test the sunscreen by applying a small amount to the inside of your child’s wrist a few days before using. If a rash develops, try another product or ask your child’s doctor for a sunscreen that may less likely cause irritation. Consumer Reports and EWG recommends not to use the spray on children. The concerns are towards accidentally breathing in the ingredients. EWG (Environmental Working Group) is an American non profit organization, who’s mission is to empower people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment.

According to Health.com their dermatologist recommendations for sunscreens for babies and kids and approved by EWG.com are the following:

• Neutrogena Pure And Free Baby SPF 50

• Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Baby SPF 30

• Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Prevention “Best Sunscreens 2019 for Adults” according to their dermatologist are the following:

• Best for all skin types and tones: Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

• Best for sensitive skin: Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen, Sensitive SPF 30+ (EWG approved)

• Best for dry skin: MDSolarSciences Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50 Sunscreen

• Best lip protection: Vanicream Lip Protectant and Sunscreen SPF 30 (EWG approved)

FDA is investigating oxybenzone it may disrupt the endocrine hormone and may be harmful to the coral reefs. Other concerning ingredients to avoid are octinoxate, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, and vitamin A or retinyl palmitate, or retinol.

Sources: American Cancer Society, SkinCancer.org, Prevention,com, Consumerreports.org, Health.com, EWG.org, and Good House Keeping.

MAY 2019: Essential Oils (Part 2)

05/01/2019

Everyday we have people looking at our Essential oils and wondering what the uses are, so here is a brief summary on history and use.

Essential oils date back to 3500 BC, the Egyptians were the first to use essential oils. Most of what we know about essential oils has been passed down through thousands of years of use, and more recently there has been some scientific studies providing evidence of certain benefits.

Essential oils are derived from many parts of a plant such as bark, leaves, stems, rind of fruit, and flowers/blossoms.

Even though essential oils come from nature they should not be overused and should be used appropriately. It is also important to purchase your essential oils from a trusted brand, and store them in a cool, dark, and dry place.

Essential oils are used in household cleaning products, natural medicine, personal beauty care, and aromatherapy. These oils can be diluted in a carrier oil and used topically or used in diffusers. They should never be applied directly to skin unless mixed with a carrier oil such as almond oil or jojoba oil. This wellness article will focus on diffuser use of essential oils for adults only. Here is the remainder of the list that we posted in April:

Lemongrass can promote awareness, purification, and inspire a sense of clarity and relaxation.

Marjoram promotes peace and sleep, and can aid in anxiety, stress relief, fatigue, and depression.

Orange can be uplifting and calming and gives a sense of peace, harmony, and creativity.

Oregano can strengthen one’s feeling of security.

Patchouli can be sedating, calming, and relaxing, allowing to reduce anxiety and depression. It can influence physical energy thus decreasing fatigue.

Peppermint has purifying and cooling property and may help create a focused atmosphere that can inspire, enhance mood, sharpen focus, and stimulate the mind.

Rose can stimulate and elevate the mind, creating a sense of well-being. It can encourage feelings of positive self reflection and uplifting feelings.

Rosemary enhances mental focus and opens the conscious mind. It can create an energized environment and promote a sense of clarity. It may help relieve headaches and migraines.

Sandalwood can be uplifting and calming, and it harmonizes and balances the emotions.

Spearmint can be uplifting and calming. It may help one feel balanced and relieve mental strain and fatigue .

Tangerine can be sedating and calming and create a happy contented mindset.

Tea Tree promotes cleansing and purity to the mind and body.

Thyme can be uplifting, aid in concentration, and help relieve depression. It may help energize in times of physical weakness and stress and bring a sense of purpose.

Vetiver creates an uplifting environment that may help relieve stress and help people recover from emotional trauma and shock. It may help induce restful sleep.

Wintergreen can be stimulating and invigorating. It may influence, elevate, open, and increase awareness.

Ylang Ylang has a calming and relaxing aroma that may help alleviate anger and soothe headaches and nausea.

Sources: Live strong, Aroma Web, Organic Aromas, loving Essential oils, and Modern Essentials

APRIL 2019: Essential Oils (Part 1)

04/01/2019

Everyday we have people looking at our Essential oils and wondering what the uses are, so here is a brief summary on history and use.

Essential oils are derived from many parts of a plant such as bark, leaves, stems, rind of fruit, and flowers/blossoms.

Anise helps to ease respiratory issues and colds.

Basil helps to open the mind and increase clarity of though. It can be calming and refreshing.

Bergamot can be up lifting and refreshing, it helps relieve anxiety, depression, stress, and tension.

Cedarwood is calming and helps decrease stress and anxiety. It can create a relaxing and comforting atmosphere.

Chamomile is calming, relaxing, and is used to soothe and clear the mind. It can decrease depression, insomnia, and stress. It is used to create an atmosphere of peace and patience.

Clove may improve memory and influence healing. It can create a feeling of protection and courage.

Cinnamon is used as a comforting aroma, it may help decrease depression.

Cypress may create a feeling of security and grounding and help ease the feeling of loss. It can be used to invite a peaceful or spiritual feeling.

Eucalyptus has a calming, invigorating, and uplifting sent that can promote relaxation, clear the mind, invigorate and soothe the sense, and improve respiratory conditions and migraines.

Frankincense has an uplifting aroma that creates a safe and comforting environment. It may improve symptoms of headaches and migraines, and can relieve stress, promote calmness, improve respiratory conditions, and enhance focus.

Geranium may help ease nervous tension and the stress that balances the emotions, lift the spirit, and foster pace, well-being, and hope. It may help to release negative memories and take a person back to peaceful joyful moments.

Ginger the aroma may help influence physical energy, love, and courage.

Grapefruit may increase feelings of joy, satisfaction, and playfulness. It has an uplifting aroma that may relieve anxiety.

Jasmin may ease depression, tension and stress. It is uplifting to negative emotions and helps promote inspiration and relationships.

Lavender may improve symptoms of headaches and migraines. It can calm anxiety, promote sleep, consciousness, health, love, peace, and nurture creativity.

Lemon can be invigorating, enhancing, and warming. It can promote health, healing, physical energy, and purification. It may help headaches and can be a quick mood enhancer.

More scents will be featured next month.

Sources: Live strong, Aroma Web, Organic Aromas, loving Essential oils, and Modern Essentials