September 2003 [Volume 2, Issue 9]
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In this issue of To Your Health:
Know the Facts About Skin Cancer
Statistics
estimate that 1 in 70 Americans will develop melanoma -- a deadly form
of skin cancer -- during his or her lifetime. In fact, over 100,000 new
cases of melanoma will be diagnosed this year worldwide. Unlike other
types of skin cancer, melanoma can strike younger individuals, with 1
in 4 new cases occurring in persons under the age of 40.
Risk factors associated with developing melanoma include having fair skin; blond or red hair; a history of blistering sunburns; and a family history of this cancer. Anyone with a large number of moles is at risk, too -- especially if the moles appear to be changing over time.
So, what's the good news? Malignant melanoma is curable if diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, but the key to survival is prompt recognition. A self-examination requires little more than good lighting and a mirror; however, enlisting the help of a friend or relative for hard-to-view areas is recommended. Thoroughly examine the back; backside; legs; scalp; and fingers and toes, including the toenails and fingernails.
At-risk individuals should have a yearly examination with a qualified physician.
For more information and to see photos of the various stages of melanoma, visit www.massagetoday.com/archives/2003/09/04.html to view the article, Malignant Melanoma: Learn to Recognize a Killer.
Got Back Pain? Massage Can Help!
More
than half of Americans spend over $25 billion on treatment for back pain
each year; treatment can range from over-the-counter and prescription
medications to surgery. However, when traditional medicine fails -- and
it often does -- patients turn to alternative treatments.1
A research report released in the June 3 Annals of Internal Medicine shows that massage therapy is a successful and cost-effective treatment for back pain -- possibly even more so than chiropractic or acupuncture. The report concluded that all three treatments are safe, but massage therapy was the only one to demonstrate a positive effect on back pain.
Researchers also noted that massage may actually reduce the cost of care following initial treatment for back pain.
For more information, log on to www.massagetoday.com/archives/2003/07/02.html to view the article, Reinforcing the Value of Massage for Back Pain.
Reference
1. A review of the evidence for the effectiveness, safety, and cost of acupuncture, massage therapy, and spinal manipulation for back pain. Annals of Internal Medicine. 3 June 2003, V-138,No-11, www.annals.org/issues/v138n11/toc.html.
This Month's Massage Q & A
Question: What are the benefits of sauna and steam?
Answer: Saunas are excellent! They are deeply relaxing and calming to the mind. Hydrotherapy and hydrothermal therapy are traditional methods of treatment used in many cultures to treat disease, ailments and injury. Saunas and steam baths have similar effects. The heat acts more quickly in a sauna to eliminate toxins through the skin, and can stimulate blood flow, open airways, increase peripheral circulation, and benefit the immune and respiratory systems.
Saunas may not be recommended for the elderly or the young, or those with diabetes; MS; pregnancy; heart disease; and abnormally high/low blood pressure. Additionally, the duration one spends in a sauna should be no more than 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid overheating and drink plenty of water.
Question: How often can a person get a massage?
Answer: Massage can be received on a daily basis, provided there are no contraindications for the receiver. Bob Hope had a massage nearly every day and lived to be 100. The question is, how often do you need a massage, hence, what are your goals in receiving massage? Stress relief? Injury prevention or rehabilitation? Massage therapists should be able to recommend a massage frequency regimen for their clients.
Note: Information provided in the Massage Q & A section is drawn from the "Ask a Massage Therapist" forum, in which massage therapists field questions relative to the massage profession. The forum is located online at www.massagetoday.com/ask/.
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