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What is "Mohs Surgery"
Mohs surgery is a specialized type of surgery that is used to remove certain types of skin
cancer
from the head or neck. When the initial biopsy of the suspicious growth shows
basal or squamous cell carcinoma (another name for cancer), the dermatologist may recommend Mohs surgery. This surgery is done by a specially trained dermatologist who will remove the cancer in layers. When the area has been anesthetized with a local anesthetic, one layer of tissue is removed. A nurse than maps out and marks the specimen for the pathologist, who will inspect all areas with a microscope. After this is done, the pathology report will indicate which areas are cancer-free
and which areas have cancer cells remaining. The procedure is repeated until
all areas are "clean" or cancer free. This might be accomplished in only one
layer removal or it might take numerous layer removals. The entire procedure
usually is done in one morning, scheduled in the dermatologists office. The surgical
wound may be allowed to heal naturally or it may be sutured. Skin
grafts or skin flaps may be used to cover the wound.
Everyone (Women and Men) are invited to attend
the Women's Fellowship Covered Dish Luncheon on Feb. 16th at noon, when Dr. Jeremy
Moss, a local dermatologist, will be speaking about the Prevention and Treatment
of Skin Cancer. Please sign up in the Church Hall, to reserve a place if you
plan on coming. Cost is $7 unless you bring a dish to share. See you then.
HOW TO STAY HEALTHY IN 10 EASY STEPS
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes
age, weight, and height. Let the doctor worry about them. That is why you pay him/her.
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull
you down.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer,
the cell phone, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle, "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you
gasp for breath.
6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move
on. The only person who is with us our entire life is ourselves. Be alive while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it is family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants,
hobbies,
whatever. Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health. If it is good, preserve
it. If it is unstable, improve it. If
it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the
mall, to another state, or a foreign country but not to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
PASTORAL COUNSELING CENTER OF TRUMBULL
Rev. John Sandel continues as Executive Director and Counselor of the Pastoral Counseling Center of Trumbull. He can be reached
at 203-386-9345 for information or confidential counseling.
COMMUNITY ONLINE MENTAL HEALTH SCREENING
Have
you been feeling irritated, tired. Or just not interested in your work or other activities that once engaged you? Has drinking, working, or some other activity started to serve as an unhealthy escape? If this describes you or someone in your life, depression may be the culprit. Depression affects both genders; however, a man’s experience of depression may
mirror these descriptions rather than the feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and excessive guilt that are traditionally seen
as symptoms. While it may not seem that depression can be a ‘man’s’
problem the National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 6 million men suffer from a depressive disorder every year.
The
Pastoral Counseling Center of Trumbull invites you to either screen yourself or to encourage
a friend or family member to screen themselves for a variety of common mental health conditions. The screenings are free, anonymous, and only take a few minutes.
To take a screening please visit our website www.thecounselingcentre.org and click on the listing
for depression/anxiety/alcohol screening. For more information you can also go
to http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/fact-sheets.shtml
HOW
TO HELP YOURSELF IF YOU ARE DEPRESSED
Depressive
disorders make one feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, and hopeless. Such negative
thoughts and feelings make some people feel like giving up. It is important to realize that these negative views are part
of the depression and typically do not accurately reflect the actual circumstances. Negative thinking fades as treatment begins
to take effect. In the meantime:
~Set
realistic goals in light of depression and assume a reasonable amount of responsibility.
~Break
large tasks into small ones, set some priorities, and do what you can as you can.
~Try
to be with other people and to confide in someone; it is usually better than being alone and secretive.
~Participate
in activities that may make you feel better.
~Mild
exercise, going to a movie, a ballgame, or participating in religious, social, or other activities may help.
~Expect
your mood to improve gradually, not immediately. Feeling better takes time.
~It
is advisable to postpone important decisions until the depression has lifted. Before deciding
to make a significant transition—change jobs, get married or divorced—discuss it with others who know you well
and have a more objective view of your situation.
~People
rarely "snap out of" a depression. But they can feel a little better day-by-day.
~Remember, positive thinking will replace the negative
thinking that is part of the depression and will disappear as your depression
responds to treatment.
~Let your family and friends help you.
Especially
for Women!
St.
Vincent’s Swim Women’s Imaging Center
Mobile
Digital Mammography Screenings 203-576-5500
Free and low cost Mobile Mammography Screenings
to those who qualify. Thanks to funds raised by St. Vincent’s Swim Across
the Sound, the SWIM Women’s Imaging Center offers free screening sites at various offices, community centers, churches
and synagogues and local government facilities throughout Fairfield county. Most insurances are accepted. Financial assistance is available
for those who are not insured and/or have financial limitations.
For those with insurance, mammograms are low-cost, subject only to deductible and co-pay.
Appointments
ARE necessary.
Evening
appointments are available.
Physician
order and insurance card (if you have one) must be brought with you to the appointment.
To schedule
an appointment or for more information, please call 203-576-5500.
Why get
a mammogram? Mammography gives a distinct advantage of early
detection of breast cancer. Fortunately, breast cancer is highly detectable through
digital mammography. The earlier it’s discovered and treated, the better
the chances are of survival.
What
are the American Cancer Society recommendations?
Women
over 40: get an annual mammogram, obtain an annual clinical breast exam by a healthcare professional,
and perform monthly breast self-exams.
Women
20-39: Obtain a clinical breast exam by a healthcare professional every three years, and perform
monthly breast self-exams.
Why switch
to digital? Digital mammography transfers images to a computer
so they can be electronically enhanced. Your doctor can zoom in, magnify and
optimize different parts of the breast tissue. It gives your physician
viewing options never before possible: better visibility at skin line, greater image flexibility,
faster results, shorter exam times, fewer call backs, and less anxiety. It takes
10 to 15 minutes … less than half the time of the traditional film-based mammography.
Go to www.stvincents.org/healthservices/womensimaging/mobilemammoschedule.cfm
for more information and upcoming screenings.
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