Contact the College Directory
 
hide | show
Ask Jay Graphic

Got Fish?

Do you have enough fish in your diet? Recent health concerns regarding contaminants in fish has led to consumer skepticism when choosing fish products for a healthy diet. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), women who may become pregnant, are pregnant or are breastfeeding their infants should avoid eating certain types of fish that contain high amounts of mercury  (eg. shark, swordfish, king mackerel, tilefish and albacore tuna). Other types of fish may be allowed but as always, check with your primary health care provider.

Healthy adults should be encouraged to include fish and shellfish in their diet at least one to two meals per week. Fish sources are low in fat, high in protein, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has revised their fish consumption advice which contains a simpler format and encourages consumers to eat more fish. To read more about fish consumption from Minnesota lakes and streams, follow this MDH and DNR link: www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/fish/eating/sitespecific.html.  

Skin Cancer: Are You at Risk?

Do you realize that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States?  According to the Skin Cancer Foundation one in five Americans will  develop skin cancer in the course of their lifetime.

There are several different types of skin cancer.  The most common form of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma.  Fortunately this cancer is rarely fatal, but it can be disfiguring due to the amount of tissue that needs to be removed during surgery. 

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common form of skin cancer.   Between 40 and 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will have either the basal cell carcinoma or the squamous cell carcinoma at least once!

The deadliest form of skin cancer is melanoma.  It accounts for about three percent of skin cancers cases but it causes more than 75 percent of deaths attributable to skin cancer. But did you know that it is increasing faster than that of almost any other cancer?  Melanoma is the sixth most common cancer for males and the seventh most common cancer for females.

So how do we prevent skin cancer?  Most skin cancer cases can be attributed to sun exposure or indoor tanning.  That is right…indoor tanning.  Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is a proven human cancer causing agent according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  The indoor tanning sunlamps can emit doses of UVR that can be as much as 12 times that of the sun.  Research has shown that exposure to tanning beds before the age of 35 increases the melanoma risk by 75 percent!  Most of the tanning salon patrons are girls and women between the ages of 16 – 29.  Melanoma is not the only risk for indoor tanning as a direct link has been found between squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma.  The answer to the above question than is obvious:  protect yourself from the sun and do NOT use tanning beds.  Remember having a tan is a sign of skin damage and not health.  Having a healthy tan is a myth as there is no such thing. 

Even if you are not an outdoor enthusiast everyone should always wear a sunscreen with a SPF of 15 every day.  Be sure to apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and remember to reapply every 2 hours.  A broad brimmed hat and long-sleeves helps prevent sun damage to skin along with avoiding the sun or staying in the shade during the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM.  For more researched based information check out the Skin Cancer Foundation at www.skincancer.org  The site provides wonderful information regarding skin care and the prevention of skin cancer.

Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system
©2007 Minnesota West Community & Technical College
Copyright & Privacy Information