Sunscreen advice from a dermatologist to prevent skin cancer

www.prommafia.com

KevinMD, “social media’s leading physician voice” has a great guest post by a dermatologist at the MD Anderson Cancer Center about how to use suncreen and other measure to protect yourself from skin cancer.  What better way to celebrate the last week of May!

We’ve talked about the risks of skin cancer before, and we know that for most of you out there in the world of college and grad/professional school, cancer is a remote topic that is only relevant to old people.  So let’s put it in terms that may be more relevant for you.  Sun damage to the skin not only puts you at risk for skin cancer down the road, but in the short term, it will set you up for wrinkles and other signs of premature aging of the skin.  So it’s not just about your health, it’s about looking good too.

If you have any problems with your skin – moles that you’re worried about, rashes, bumps, you name it – come in and see us.  If we can’t figure it out, we can set you up with a dermatologist who can.

John A. Vaughn, MD
Student Health Services
The Ohio State University

Can a Toilet Give You Gonorrhea?

an aquarium you don't want to visit!

Clinical Correlations is a blog managed by the NYU Department of Internal Medicine.  I was perusing it this week and came across a great post about whether or not you can catch gonorrhea from sitting on a toilet seat.  The blog is written by medical students and physicians for medical students and physicians, so it’s a little heavy on the scientific details, but it’s actually pretty readable and since this is a topic that is always of interest around campus, it’s definitely worth a read. 

Check it out… and always remember to put the lid down when you’re done!   

John A. Vaughn, MD
Student Health Services
The Ohio State University

Enough with the manscaping, already!

blog.rivalus.net

Dr. Emily Gibson, Director of Student Health Services at Western Washington University, wrote a great story about the risks of frequent pubic hair removal in their student paper.  I agree with my esteemed colleague that the obsession with pubic hair removal on campuses nationwide has gotten out of hand – I encourage you to check out the article, and put the razor/wax/light saber away for a while.

John A. Vaughn, MD
Student Health Services
The Ohio State University

Are there different kinds of physicals?

Let's Get (a) Physical!

A couple of weeks ago, we talked about what tests and examinations are involved in a “routine” physical.  Last week we talked about what is typically covered as part of a routine physical.  And today we’re going to wrap up our series on physicals by discussing the 5 different kinds of physicals you may come in to see us for at the Wilce Student Health Center. 

  1. A physical examination for routine Preventive Medical Care (see our Should I get a Physical post)
  2. A physical examination to screen for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD’s)
  3. An annual physical examination for women (pelvic and breast exam, PAP smear, and STD screening)
  4. A Travel Physical to review your medical history, receive recommended immunizations before traveling to other parts of the world, and discuss ways to protect your health while you’re there.  If you need a form completed for that travel, then a separate visit will be required, which brings us to…
  5. A physical that is required to complete a form for a particular program or job, such as a study abroad program, or a work physical, or before starting an exercise or sports program, etc.  Some of these physicals (for example, the one for the Peace Corps) require additional lab tests and/or immunizations, so they may require two or more appointments.

Remember, these preventive visits are for when you don’t have a specific concern or symptom.  If you are having a particular problem or symptom, then you’ll need to make a separate appointment to address it.  Not only is there generally not enough time to address a separate symptom or concern during an appointment for a physical, but insurance companies view these types of visits very differently, and there’s a chance that one or the other might not get covered if they get mixed up in one visit.

When in doubt, contact your insurance company to find out what their policies are.  But no matter what, we are always glad to see you for whatever health care needs you may have.

Mary Jane Elam, MD
Student Health Services
The Ohio State University