HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY

We all think of Memorial Day as the beginning of summer and Labor Day as the ending weekend of summer and typically mark these events with get-togethers and bar-b-ques. But not many people know that the first Memorial Day was celebrated on May 1, 1865 in remembrance of the Civil War dead. By the 20th century, Memorial Day had been extended to honor all Americans that died in all wars. 

A word of caution for those planning to spend this weekend on our beautiful, sun-drenched beaches on the First Coast. Dr. Lewis Obi reminds you to refer to his April 17th blog regarding sunscreens and skin precautions and to keep yourself and loved ones safe from the harmful rays.

On behalf of everyone from Obi Plastic Surgery Clinic, we wish you a safe and happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Suncreen, Sun Protection and Alarming Rates of Melanoma and Skin Cancer in Adults Under 40

Warmer weather is right around the corner and that means less clothing and extreme sun exposure for most people who want to enjoy outdoor activities during the summer. Prolonged sun exposure is risky and potentially fatal, but taking proper preventative measures can decrease the risk of melanomas and skin cancers dramatically.
Recently, the amount of melanoma and skin cancer rates and cases have increasingly exceeded previous years making skin cancer one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States. (information courtesy of skincancer.org) This is not only from prolonged sunlight exposure, but from indoor tanning exposure as well.

In previous years, as well as previous blog posts, Dr. Obi has presented the topic of sunscreen , sun protection and skin cancer. His hopes are to educate people of every age about the dangers of not only sun exposure, but potentially toxic sunscreen protection that may increase the development of melanomas.

Potentially Harmful Sunscreens

Some sunscreens may aide in the prevention of harmful UV rays, but have been known to cause serious developmental problems in individuals. Some of the sun blocking chemicals that have been known to be harmful are PABA, benzophenones, cinnamates, salicylates, digalloyl trioleate, oxybenzone and avobenzone. Read more about Dr. Obi’s skin cancer study here.

Best Form of Sun Protection

It’s difficult to avoid the sun altogether, especially when many outdoor activities include sun exposure. But there are protective measures that can be taken.

1. Avoid direct sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun as at its harshest.
2. Wear appropriate clothing and head gear that protect your skin and face from exposure.

Be Aware of Your Body

Be sure to check yourself thoroughly for moles or spots that may change in color or size. We encourage you to seek professional assistance when doing so.

Dr. Obi is among the leading Jacksonville plastic surgeons that has helped many patients identify and safely remove harmful melanomas and skin cancers over the years and continues to educate all of his patients on the importance of sun protection and safety.

If you have any questions about sun protection, melanomas or skin cancer, we encourage you to contact Obi Plastic Surgery Clinic and schedule your consult with Dr. Obi.

SKIN CANCERS, SUN EXPOSURE AND SUNSCREENS REVISITED

Last May, the Obi Plastic Surgery Clinic presented a comprehensive blog on the topic of skin cancers and sunscreens.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) just issued a new directive on this issue and it should be noted that more than 80% of sunscreens on the market are either unsafe or ineffective. This is particularly important with our babies and children as sun exposure during these early years leads to accelerated aging, damage to the immune system, increased incidence of internal as well as skin cancers, cataracts, macular degeneration and numerous other maladies.

Therefore our advice is for limited sun exposure and the safest sunscreen is clothing, hats and sunglasses. However, the majority of Americans are spraying and splashing unsafe chemical on their skin which may not only be internally toxic but also increase the risk of melanomas and other cancers. Drs. Lewis Obi and John Murray together have more than 50 years of combined experience in treating melanomas and other skin cancers and both doctors agree that the best treatment is prevention. Therefore, we are republishing our recommendations from last spring's blog post along with the most recent recommendations from EWG for the selection of safe and effective sunscreens. Dr. Lewis Obiʼs background includes seven years as a practicing Registered Pharmacist (BSP) and along with his decades of experience as a plastic surgeon, his sage advice is worthy of your attention.

To read the article in its entirety, click here to see the full PDF version.

To learn more about The Environmental Working Group and sunscreen, visit their web site at http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/

SKIN CANCERS, SUN EXPOSURE AND SUNSCREENS - WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Recently, Dr. Lewis Obi of Obi Plastic Surgery in Jacksonville, Florida, was interviewed by the news media regarding his professional experience in the area of skin cancers and the implications of sun exposure. This was prior to this week’s Florida Times Union article on the FDA concerns regarding chemicals used in the vast majority of sunscreens.

Click here to view the attached article (in PDF format) for valuable information - not only regarding the dangers of solar exposure but how to select an effective and safe sunscreen for all age groups.

Dr. Lewis Obi has effectively integrated his background as a practicing pharmacist with both his aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery practice. For almost forty years Dr. Obi has treated all three types of major skin cancers including melanomas. Click here to read more about his skin cancer treatments and removal.

SKIN CANCERS, SUN EXPOSURE AND SUNSCREENS