Metrowest Health Scope

May is National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month—a perfect opportunity to educate ourselves about skin cancer and ways to safeguard skin from the sun—not just during the summer, but throughout the year.

Skin cancer is the most commonly occurring form of cancer, as well as the most easily preventable. A lot of that has to do with the amount of skin that’s exposed daily to sun. If you don’t already, consider adopting these skin safety tips:

Air pollution is everywhere.  Many of us see it daily during our commutes to work—exhaust from vehicles, smoke stacks, and city haze, that’s just the air pollution we can see or smell.  Air pollution can also lurk within our homes due to fumes from cleaning supplies, candles, paints and even furniture and cooking appliances. These everyday air pollutants can be harmful to your health, particularly when it comes to respiratory illnesses.  So how do we know if it’s present and what should we do about it?

Not every form of therapy heals wounds or improves mobility following an injury. Some types of therapies are used for their emotional benefits instead, helping to sooth patients and ease recovery. This emotional comfort is the purpose of the Pet Therapy Program that operates through the Behavioral Medicine Unit at MetroWest Medical Center (MWMC).

We all want to be our best selves—mentally and physically. Sometimes we may need a little encouragement to get there.

 According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, the typical lifespan of the average American man is 76.2 years, for women it’s 81.3.  While there are many factors that may interfere with a long, healthy life (inherited or unpreventable medical conditions or diseases, for instance)—there are many steps you can take to improve your probability of enjoying a long, healthy life.