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St. Mary's Parish Nurse Ministry Program
Ruth E. Williams, RN, MEPD, MSN
| St. Mary's Parish Nurse Newsletter... April, 2002 |
Dear Viewers, Peace to all. John 10:10 states "I have come that you may have life and have life more abundantly." Spring is finally here and Easter is celebrated. The Redeemer is victorious. This month of April is noted as National Volunteer, Environmental, Immunization and Cancer Control Month. It is fitting to concentrate on cancer control as cancer is the 2nd leading cause of deaths in America. The American Cancer Society defines cancer "as a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells." |
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In this newsletter, let us focus on two types of cancer mainly. Hopefully, let us be encouraged to take heed to our faith and body because in Pr. 4:20-22 it states "listen closely to my words.
Keep them in your heart for they are life to those who find them and health to the whole body." Prevention is the key.
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and the highest incidence is in our African-American men. Men should begin annually to have the Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and digital rectal exam done by age 50. Men at high risk having a first degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer and African-American men should have these tests done beginning at age 45. It is recommended to reduce fat in the diet (ACS,2002). It is estimated more than one million cases of highly curable basal and squamous cell cancer occur annually. The most serious is melanoma and found mostly in the white population. It is highly recommended to use Skin Protectant Factor (SPF) 15 or higher, limit exposure to sun during the hours of 10 a.m.-4 p.m., wear a hat, sunglasses, long pants and long sleeve shirts to protect the body from the sun. Adults should practice skin self-exam, see their physician or health care provider promptly if a suspicious area is found or a change in moles or freckles is noted. Regular visits to your physician is recommended. The ACS objectives for 2015 are: reduce adult and youth use of tobacco, eat healthy foods with an increase in fruits and vegetables, increase physical activity for all, increase sun protection prevention methods, early breast cancer detection, early colorectal cancer detection and early prostate cancer detection. ACS number is 1-800-ACS-2345. "For I am the Lord who heals you" (Exodus 15:26). | |
| Ruth E. Williams, RN, MEPD, MSN 789 N. Central Richland Center, WI 53581 608-647-3280 e-mail: rew@mwt.net |
Copyright © 2001-2007. Revised April 30, 2005. |
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