july 2011

Healthy Summer Skin

Wellness Update

bcbsfl.com

Healthy Summer Skin

Fireworks Safety

Fresh & Healthy Recipe

Ask the Coach

Your Healthy Pregnancy

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. Although it’s not usually deadly, skin cancer can cause serious problems and can also increase your risk for developing other cancers later in life. There are many things you can do to protect the skin you’re in.

Skin Scanning: Get to Know Your Skin

Take some time to get to know your skin by checking it regularly for moles or scabs that bleed or don’t heal. In a well-lit room, use a full-length mirror and a hand mirror to look over your entire body. Be sure to check areas that rarely see the sun, like between your toes and inside your ears!

Be on the lookout for any unusual skin markings. You may want to map your moles on a piece of paper to reference the next time you do a scan, which should be every few months. Over time, you will be able to spot any changes in size, texture, color or shape.

The most common areas for skin cancer to develop are those that get the most sun, namely the head, neck, back, chest and shoulders. Still, skin cancer can strike anywhere, so don’t ignore the rest of your body.

Skin Cancer: Know the Difference

There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common of the skin cancers and melanoma is the most dangerous. Typically these cancers look different. Melanomas, for example, are usually brown or black and sometimes look like or start out as moles.

Non-melanoma skin cancer may be a little more difficult to spot. These cancers look like firm, pearly or red bumps, and sometimes have depressed centers. They can also cause red or scaly spots that bleed easily. The key is to be aware of any skin changes that do not heal.

Take Extra Care of Your Skin

Most forms of skin cancer can be prevented by limiting your exposure to the sun and other sources of ultraviolet light. But you don’t have to hide from the sun! Consider some of these tips to keep your skin healthy in every season:

• Stay away from tanning booths and sunlamps

• Limit the time you spend outdoors, particularly in the mid-afternoon hours

• Wear protective clothing, such as long sleeves and wide-brimmed hats

• Wear sunglasses that block ultraviolet light

• Use sunscreen every day, and make sure it has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15

If you spot a mole or skin change that you think could be cancerous, have your doctor look at it. Most likely it is benign, but piece of mind is priceless. Enjoy your summer!

Health Dialog - April 2011

To learn more about the health topics addressed in this newsletter, log in to MyBlueService from www.bcbsfl.com. Go to the Living Healthy tab and select A-Z Health Topics from WebMD. You can also click the Living Healthy tab to access timely health information, online tools and calculators, symptom checkers, informative videos and tips for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

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JULy 2011

Independence Day is a wonderful time to spend with friends and family, grilling outdoors and celebrating our freedom with fireworks and sparklers. But sadly, every year fireworks cause injury and even death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that in 2008, seven Americans died of fireworks related injuries, while 7,000 were treated in Emergency Rooms for hand, eye, face and ear injuries. Worse yet, more than 4 out of every 10 of those injured were children!

Sparklers can be harmful. Sparklers account for three-quarters of all fireworks injuries in preschool children. Sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit – several times hotter than boiling water (212 degrees Fahrenheit), burning wood (575 degrees Fahrenheit) and even melting glass (900 degrees Fahrenheit).

The best way to protect yourself and your family and friends from fireworks injury is to leave it up to the professionals and not use them at all. If you must participate in the long-standing tradition of lighting the sky on the Fourth of July, then remember these safety tips:

• Keep a safe distance from the fireworks display

• Know and follow the fireworks laws and ordinances in your area

• Wait to touch spent fireworks because they can still be active

• Do not let children pick up fireworks

• If a child is injured, immediately go to the hospital

• Keep your pets indoors to avoid potential accidents

Fireworks are meant to be enjoyed, so stay safe and end the night with great memories of fun, not an Emergency Room visit.

Happy Independence Day!

Fireworks Safety

www.cdc.govwww.webmd.com

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JULy 2011

A Let’s face it. Kids just want to PLAy, not exercise. So it can be challenging to find alternatives to exercise that will

provide the recommended 60 minutes of daily physical activity, particularly if your child doesn’t participate in organized sports or you’re between seasons.

With newer video gaming systems like the Wii, Wii Fit, Nintendo Dance Revolution, Xbox 360 Kinect and others that provide instant feedback on performance, the possibilities for physical activity are endless!

The reality is, playing these physically interactive video games is much better than sitting around, and it’s fun. While they may not be as beneficial as playing the real sport (such as baseball and tennis), these games do burn more calories than playing a sedentary video game or watching TV. What’s more, some games like dancing and cycling are very comparable to the real activity, reaping nearly the same physical benefits.

The bottom line: fitness-related video games do not replace conventional physical activity, but they can offer variety and even motivate someone who is physically inactive (or who may not be ready to participate in group sports) to get up and move. That’s never a bad thing!

Ask the Coach

Q My child plays video games and doesn’t exercise much. I’m worried he’s putting on weight. Can newer video game systems help with fitness?

Recipe of the Month

Directions:

In a large bowl, combine the first 11 ingredients. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Just before serving, sprinkle with peanuts.

yield: about 8-1/2 cups.

Nutritional analysis per serving:

Per 1/4 cup serving. Calories: 22; Fat: 1g (trace saturated fat); Cholesterol: 0g; Sodium: 2mg; Carbohydrate: 3g; Fiber: 1g; Protein: 1g.

Watermelon Salsa

Looking for delicious, healthy recipes the whole family can enjoy? Check out our Healthy Recipes from WebMD! Simply log in to MyBlueService from bcbsfl.com and access the Living Healthy tab. Click on My Health Manager and under Healthy Fun, select Healthy Recipes.

Ingredients:

4 cups seedless watermelon, diced

1 cup green pepper, diced

1 cup sweet red pepper, diced

1 cup red onion, diced

1 cup fresh carrots, sliced

2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and cut into rings

2 Tbsp. rice vinegar

1 Tbsp. canola oil

1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

2 Tbsp. fresh mint, chopped

2 Tbsp. fresh basil, chopped1⁄4 cup unsalted peanuts, chopped

www.acefitness.orgwww.acsm.org

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Want more information on how to have a healthy pregnancy? Check out our A-Z Health Topics from WebMD. You'll find access to a handy due date calculator, pregnancy newsletters, health quizzes, development trackers and more! Simply log in to MyBlueService from www.bcbsfl.com and access the Living Healthy tab. Click on A-Z Health Topics and then Pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a time of great joy for the entire family. You want the best for your baby so you eat well and take care of yourself.But some women, despite their best efforts, suffer from unexpected medical problems.

For example, about 1 in 10 pregnant women develops high blood pressure and 1 in 20 develops a form of diabetes. While these conditions are not usually difficult to handle, they do need a doctor’s attention and may require lifestyle changes. That’s why it’s important to have regular doctor visits when you are pregnant.

High blood pressure and gestational diabetes can both cause problems for the fetus. If you develop either condition, your doctor will probably ask to see you more frequently. While medication may not be appropriate right away, your doctor will want to watch for changes, so make sure to keep all your appointments. Also, do your best to follow the doctor’s instructions about what to do at home. Staying physically active and eating right can help get high blood pressure and gestational diabetes under control. Health Dialog - March 2011

YourHealthy Pregnancy

A Program for Expecting ParentsEvery expectant mother wants the best for her baby. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida has found some great ways to help you give your baby the best health care available, even before he or she is born.

Our Better You from Blue Healthy Addition Prenatal Program works with you and your health care provider to help you have a healthy pregnancy. We send you educational materials that help you make informed decisions and the right choices for you and your newborn. You also learn by speaking with our Healthy Addition Nurse Educators throughout your pregnancy.

Call Today to Find Out MoreThe earlier in your pregnancy you join Healthy Addition, the sooner we can help you on the way to a safe, worry-free pregnancy. We know your doctor or midwife is the best person to answer questions related to your pregnancy, but our Healthy Addition staff can also be a valuable resource. We are eager to help you give your baby the very best start in life. Please call 1-800-955-7635, option 6, or email us at healthyaddition@bcbsfl.com.