Benefit/Auction for Diane Minton

The funds from the following Auction/Fundraiser will help offset costs involved in Diane Minton's battle against cancer. Minton, who is employed by Owensboro Dermatology, is a resident of Owensboro.

Henderson Dermatology Celebrates Expansion

Henderson Dermatology, located at 1413N. Elm St., Suite 202 in the Atkinson Medical Building, recently expanded the office, hours of operation, and services to provide comprehensive dermatology care to the area. Staff members and the Henderson Chamber of Commerce celebrated with a Ribbon Cutting/Open House on December 1 in the newly remodeled office.

More photos and a video of the event will be appearing soon on our Facebook Page or our Henderson Dermatology website.

Eau Thermale Avene Products Won Allure Best of Beauty Award 2010

Eau Thermale Avene skin care products, sold at Advanced Aesthetics Medical Spa, won the prestigious Allure Best of Beauty Awards in 2010. To read more about the products and the awards click on this link.

Advanced Aesthetics offers the latest and most effective procedures, techniques, technology, and skin care products to help you improve the health and beauty of your skin. Under the direction of Board Certified Dermatologists, Michael Crowe, M.D. and Artis Truett, III, M.D., the spa offers skin care products that receive public and industry acknowledgement of excellence helping to insure effective and lasting results. For more information about the medical spa or to make an appointment call (270) 685-4785.

Benefit Held for Diane Minton

A benefit for Diane Minton will be held on Monday, November 22, 2010 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Beef O'Brady's located at 3189 Fairview Dr. in Owensboro, KY.

Everyone is invited to dine in or carry out during that time, and 10% of all food purchases will be donated to the fund for Minton that will help offset her medical expenses in her battle against cancer. Minton who is employed by Owensboro Dermatology is a resident of Owensboro.

Shade Structure Grants Available

Dermatologists often tell their patients to seek shade. Staying out of the sun can greatly reduce a person’s lifetime risk of getting skin cancer. Because shade is so important, the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) offers grants for permanent shade structures.

Each year, the Academy awards grants of $8,000 each for shade structures. The application for the 2011 grants is now available. To be eligible, an organization must be a non-profit organization or public school. It must primarily serve children and teens ages 18 and younger. And, it must have an existing sun-safety or skin cancer awareness program. To learn more about these grants, visit: Shade Structure Program.

Text Messages May Improve Teen's Eczema

Here is an article that appeared in EczemaNet Spotlight, an online information resource provided by the American Academy of Dermatology:

Do you wish your tween or teen would just use that eczema treatment as prescribed? If so, you may want to send daily text messages.

A study conducted at the Harvard Medical School found that patients respond to text messages. The text messages worked so well that most patients:

• Stuck to their treatment plan more days per week

• Had less eczema in 6 weeks

• Wanted to keep receiving text messages

All of the patients in this study had atopic dermatitis, the most common type of eczema. The patients were 14 years of age or older. Every patient received a daily text message for 6 weeks. The messages reminded them to use their medicine and gave them educational information about atopic dermatitis.

Most patients (90%) said the education information was helpful. And, 85% said the texts reminded them to treat their skin.

WRU W8ing 4¹? A text message just might be what your teen or tween needs to stick to that treatment plan.


¹ Text message shorthand for “What are you waiting for?”

Reference:
Pena-Robichaux V, Watson AJ, Kvedar JC. “Text messages as a reminder aid and educational tool in adolescents and adults with atopic dermatitis: A pilot study.” Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2010; March:62(3)suppl 1:AB10.

Commercial support: None identified

Proceeds from GloGloss for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A portion of the proceeds from the sales of GloGloss by Glominerals will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Foundation BCF. Click here to find out more about the product and how you can help your purchasing power count!

Breast Cancer Patients Are at Higher Risk for Melanoma

(An article from the Skin Cancer Foundation www.skincancer.org)

Skin Check-Ups and Self-Exams Are Critical Breast cancer is in the news these days, and women with the disease should be aware that they have an increased risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. In the US in 2010, there will be an estimated 29,260 new melanoma cases in women. Genetics may play a role, since women with abnormalities in the BRCA2 gene for breast cancer susceptibility have more than two times the chance of developing melanoma than those without mutations in the gene. Breast cancer patients and survivors are advised to: Beware of photosensitivity. Photosensitivity is an increased sensitivity or abnormal response of the skin to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or tanning machines. People with photosensitivity are at increased risk of skin cancer. Photosensitivity can be caused by certain medical conditions and treatments, and breast cancer patients should find out if their treatments could make them photosensitive. If so advised by their physicians, breast cancer patients should be especially careful to seek shade between 10 AM and 4 PM, when the sun is most intense; wear sun-protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses; and apply a sunscreen with a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) — people with photosensitivity should look for sunscreens with SPFs of 30+, and some combination of the UVA-screening ingredients avobenzone, ecamsule, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide. Be screened. The Foundation recommends that everyone undergo an annual full-body skin screening by a physician. Doctors may advise people at high risk of melanoma and other skin cancers to be screened more frequently. Perform self exams. Performed regularly (monthly is ideal), self-examination can aid in the early detection of skin cancer. Because skin cancers can vary in appearance, it is important to be on the lookout for early warning signs. Melanomas, for instance, often resemble moles. Look especially for skin changes of any kind, and do not ignore a suspicious spot simply because it does not hurt. Skin cancers may be painless but dangerous all the same. See a physician, preferably one who specializes in diseases of the skin, if you notice any of the warning signs. Know the signs. Be careful to take note of the following, when you perform a self exam. Click here to learn how to properly perform a self exam. A skin growth that increases in size and appears pearly, translucent, tan, brown, black, or multicolored. A mole, birthmark, beauty mark, or any brown spot that: changes color increases in size or thickness changes in texture is irregular in outline is bigger than 6mm or 1/4”, the size of a pencil eraser appears after age 21 A spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, crust, scab, erode, or bleed. An open sore that does not heal within three weeks.

The Dark Side of Tanning Beds: One Woman's Story

SkinCancerNet Spotlight Article

From tanning-salon customer to skin-cancer patient in just four years, Kimberly Sanga's mission is to raise awareness of the health risks associated with indoor tanning.

"Before you slip into a tanning bed, think about your future and the damage you are doing." Kimberly cautions.

Photo by Kristin Despathy

Patient Profile

At age 14, Kimberly Sanga wanted a killer tan. Blonde and fair-skinned, she thought a tan would make her look more attractive, so she stopped by her local indoor tanning salon and signed up for unlimited sessions. The buzz about the dangers of tanning did not faze her. All of her friends were using tanning beds, so she figured, “How bad could it be?”

More than 20 skin-cancer surgeries later, Kimberly knows how bad it can be. Scars from these surgeries crisscross her entire body. She has had 40-plus suspicious lesions removed. One surgery required 25 stitches in her groin.

Some of these excised lesions were basal cell carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer. Others turned out to be squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer that can spread. Kimberly now worries that she could be diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Her doctor shares this concern.

Suffering Lifelong Consequences
While Kimberly has not slipped into a tanning bed for 13 years, new growths continue to appear at a rate that alarms her. Within the past month, over a dozen new moles have developed. Kimberly continues to see her doctor regularly. Sometimes it is once every 3 months; other times she needs monthly visits. Lately, a routine has emerged. First she undergoes a full-body exam. Then suspicious lesions are removed.

While Kimberly knows what to expect, it does not make these visits any easier. Having lesions removed, she confesses, still disturbs her. “My doctor gives me a local anesthetic, but I can feel the tugging sensation as the scalpel moves across my skin.”

At least the skin-cancer surgery is quickly over. Waiting for the biopsy report, which provides the diagnosis for each excised lesion, is agonizing. “I try to visualize what I would say or how I would feel if the diagnosis comes back melanoma,” she says. “I think about what stage it would be and what the next step would be. I am always wondering how fast my dysplastic moles will change into cancer.”

To increase her chance of finding skin cancer in the earliest stage when the cure rate averages 95%, Kimberly examines her moles every other day. She is grateful to her husband, Shawn, who makes it his responsibility to examine her back. Between them, they look at the size, shape, and color of every mole on her body — current count 72.

Despite all she is doing to improve her chances, she still feels uncertain about her future. She feels cheated out of some of life’s simplest pleasures. There is no such thing as enjoying a day outdoors. This pained her most on her honeymoon. At Disney World, they had to plan their time so that they were indoors during the peak sun hours.

Reaching Out to Teens
Despite the challenges and a full-time career, Kimberly somehow finds the energy and time to raise awareness of the risks associated with tanning. She especially wants teenagers to know her story and about the dark side of tanning. “One of the scariest things I see is people under 20 crowding the tanning salons in my town year round.”

To reach local teens, Kimberly partnered with the chief of police in her hometown, a fellow cancer survivor, to create a forum at the local high school. They plan to hold the first forum this spring, just before spring break and prom season when teenage tanning bed use peaks.

To emphasize what can happen with just a few years of tanning, Kimberly will show photographs of her scars. She will tell these teens that she started using tanning beds at age 14 and was diagnosed with her first skin cancer after only 4 years of tanning. With heartfelt emotion, she will explain that the skin cancer removed from her breast at age 18 — a basal cell carcinoma — only develops with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Even people who spend their lives outdoors in the sun tend not to develop basal cell carcinoma until their 40s, 50s, or 60s.

She will point out that tanning beds have changed this. Today, young, healthy people are developing skin cancer.

Kimberly wants everyone to know that she is not the first teenager to use tanning beds and develop skin cancer. She mentions fellow skin cancer survivor, Brittany Lietz who was crowned Miss Maryland in 2006. Brittany started indoor tanning while in high school. It was not long before she found herself slipping into a tanning bed 4 times a week. At age 20, Brittany was diagnosed with stage II melanoma.

Like Brittany, Kimberly encourages teens to think first. “Before you slip into a tanning bed, think about your future and the damage you are doing,” she pleads. If she can reach them, Kimberly believes they will never know the life she now leads.

Free Skin Cancer Screening

What's the Difference Between Spa Facials & Facials in a Medical Spa?

Read more about the difference between facials done in a spa setting versus a medical spa. This short article appeared in Daily Beauty an eNewsletter by NewBeauty Magazine, "Medical Facials for more results."

Our licensed and certified skin-care specialists work under the direction of our Board Certified Dermatologists, Dr. Michael J. Crowe and Dr. Artis P. Truett, III. With years of ground-breaking experience in laser and cosmetic procedures, the physicians and their team of skin-care professionals can smooth out the wrinkles, erase the fine lines, fade the brown spots, and remove the unwanted hair and more.

To find out even more about the benefits of Medical Spa procedures and treatments, call Owensboro Dermatology's Medical Spa, Advanced Aesthetics, 270-852-4785 for more information.

Famous Country Singer Speaks Out about Battle with Psoriasis

LeAnn Rimes talks about her struggles with psoriasis. Click on this video link.

Self-Proclaimed Tanning Addict to a Statistic: Jaime's Story

Jamie Regen Rea wanted to be tan and popular. She went from a self-proclaimed tanning addict to a melanoma patient in just a couple of years and died just three weeks shy of her 30^th birthday. Because her family believes no one should die from a tan, some family members share Jaime's emotional story in the American Academy of Dermatology's TV and print public service advertisements (PSAs).

Click on this link to view her story: http://www.aad.org/media/psa/index.html

Did You Miss it and Were Sorry that You Did? Free Recorded Webacast: The Impact of Psoriasis on Relationships

The Impact of Psoriasis on Personal Relationships

Diana Kirschner, Ph.D. and Fran Cook-Bolden, M.D.
August 18, 2010

A recent survey distributed by the National Psoriasis Foundation found that nearly 80% of the surveyed population thinks that psoriasis has had a negative impact on their personal relationships. In partnership with Galderma Laboratories, the Foundation hosted a free webcast underscoring the impact of psoriasis on relationships, unveiling the results of the relationship survey and offering tips on how to have successful personal relationships while managing psoriasis.

Beer Linked to Psoriasis in Women

Long-term study finds that women are at a higher risk drinking regular brew, but not light beer or wine. Read more about this study as reported in HealthDay: News For Healthier Living.

National Psoriasis Foundation Hosts Free Webcast: Psoriasis and Relationships

NATIONAL PSORIASIS FOUNDATION

FREE Webcast: Psoriasis and relationships

Wednesday, August 18 | 5 p.m. PT/8 p.m. ET
Diana Kirschner, Ph.D. and Fran Cook-Bolden, M.D.

Have you ever felt that your psoriasis has an impact on your personal relationships? You are not alone!

Thank you to everyone who completed a survey recently distributed by the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF), in partnership with Galderma Laboratories, which found that nearly 80% of the surveyed population thinks that psoriasis has had a negative impact on their personal relationships.

Since August is National Psoriasis Awareness Month, NPF is hosting a free webcast, sponsored by Galderma Laboratories, underscoring the impact of psoriasis on relationships, unveiling the results of the relationship survey and offering tips on how to have successful personal relationships while managing psoriasis.

The free webcast will take place on Wednesday, August 18 at 8:00pm ET/5:00pm PT and will feature relationship expert and best-selling author Dr. Diana Kirschner and New York City-based dermatologist Dr. Fran Cook-Bolden.

Register for the free webcast

bout the survey
The survey, "The Impact of Psoriasis on Personal Relationships," was conducted by the NPF in partnership with Galderma Laboratories and was designed to gain insights regarding psoriasis sufferers' perceptions of the impact of psoriasis on their personal relationships. The survey was fielded in July 2010 and was completed by 1,520 NPF members.

About Dr. Diana Kirschner
Psychologist and love expert, Diana Kirschner, Ph.D., is a frequent guest on The Today Show and has appeared on Oprah, Good Morning America and Nightline. Her bestselling book, Love in 90 Days, is the basis for her one-woman PBS Special, Finding Your Own True Love. Dr. Diana has been widely quoted as a dating and relationship expert in The New York Times, USA Today, Time and People magazines.

About Dr. Fran Cook-Bolden
Fran E. Cook-Bolden, M.D. is a board-certified dermatologist practicing in New York City. Dr. Cook-Bolden specializes in the practice of dermatology and dermatologic surgery, cosmetic and laser surgery, and is the Director of the Skin Specialty Group and the Ethnic Skin Specialty Group. Dr. Cook-Bolden lectures regularly at local, national, and international conferences. She is currently an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Columbia University in New York. She is the co-author of BEAUTIFUL SKIN OF COLOR: A Comprehensive guide to Asian, Olive and Dark Skin.

Make the Grade with Your Hand Washing Know How

School is back in session, and the kids sometimes bring home more than just homework. Cold and flu season is just around the corner and ounce of prevention may easily be worth a pound of cure. A great defense is proper hand washing. How you wash is as important as when you wash. You may think you're doing it well enough, but you could be skipping a step or two. Test your hand washing know how. Try this quiz to find out if you get a passing grade.

Dermatology Practice Clinches Both the Gold and the Platinum Reader's Choice Awards Two Consecutive Years!

In the second annual Messenger-Inquirer's Reader's Choice Awards, two awards were given in the categroy of Dermatology/Cosmetic Services, the Gold and the Platinum. Dr. Michael Crow won the Gold Award and Owensboro Dermatology won the Platinum Award. (In 2009 Owensboro Dermatology won the Platinum Award and Dr. Artis Truett, III won the Gold Award.)

The readers of the newspaper, the Messenger-Inquirer, could vote on their favorite local business in numerous categories. The Messenger-Inquirer is a daily newspaper serving Daviess, Hancock, McLean, Muhlenberg and Ohio counties in western Kentucky. It publishes seven days a week with a circulation of more than 27,000. According to Bob Norris, Publisher of the newspaper, 73,000 write-in votes were cast in the Reader's Choice Awards.

Below is the reprint of the article that appeared in the Greater Owensboro Reader's Choice Awards 2010.

Platinum Award Winner - Owensboro Dermatolgy

Our Owensboro and Henderson locations provide advanced and specific training and experience in the detection, treatment, and prevention of virtually any skin problem including skin cancer, moles, psoriasis, eczema, acne, birthmarks, rosacea, and other complex and common skin conditions. Plus, we offer today's technologically advanced equipment for prevention and treatment methods to help keep your skin healthy and younger-looking. Our Board Certified Dermatologists have extensive training and 26 years combined experience in MOHS surgery, an advanced skin cancer surgery.

We opened a medical spa, Advanced Aesthetics, in 2002 to offer procedures to help rejuvenate and beautify the skin as well as address skin conditions that affect people's quality of life emotionally and socially. Our licensed and medical aestheticians and clinicians offer: laser treatments for rosacea, sun freckles, blemished skin, blood vessels & age spots; hair removal (laser & waxing); Fractional Resurfacing; BBL; SkinTyte; Botox®; advanced skin care products and makeup; facials; makeup consultations; Microdermabrasion; chemical peels; Visia Skin Analysis; Arctic MicroLaserPeels; SilkPeel Dermalinfusion; and more. One of our ongoing goals is to deliver exceptional patient care from the moment you decide to entrust us with your dermatologic health. Thank you for voting us as your choice for dermatology and cosmetic care. We look forward being able to continue to meet and even exceed your expectations for many years to come.

Gold Award Winner - Dr. Michael J. Crowe

Dr. Michael Crowe, a Board Certified dermatologist, graduated from University of Southern California School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, and then completed his Residency in Dermatology from University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Dr. Crowe was a Research Assistant at UCLA Department of Dermatology. He has written numerous abstracts appearing in publications including American Journal of Contact Dermatitis, International Journal of Dermatology, Aging Arkansas and more. Dr. Crowe is a fellow of the American Society for Mohs Surgery and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. Dr. Crowe has been a featured presenter at the American Academy of Dermatology International Meetings.

“I have dedicated myself to researching and utilizing effective, state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment for all aspects of dermatology, medical and cosmetic,” Dr. Crowe said. “I make it a priority to strive to offer services and products that produce lasting and effective results. I am honored that you chose me to provide your dermatology care and especially grateful that you took time and voted for me for this award. Thank you.”

What does "board-certified" Mean?

The certification process is designed to assure the public that a certified medical specialist has successfully completed an approved educational program and evaluation, including an examination process designed to assess the knowledge, experience and skills requisite to the provision of high quality patient care in that specialty.

When a dermatologist is board-certified, it means that the dermatologist has:

• Completed a three-year residency in dermatology;
• Passed a rigorous two-part test administered by the American Board of Dermatology.
  

Protect Yourself & Your Family

The sun is shining brightly this week -- Are you protected? Learn some "Sun Safety" facts from the American Academy of Dermatology: http://www.playsmartsun.org/sun_safety.htm

Are Myths Putting You at Risk?

A survey conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology found that most people are concerned about skin cancer and want to reduce their risk of developing it. This survey also revealed that some common myths mislead people into believing that they are reducing their risk when they’re not. You can find out whether common myths are increasing your risk for skin cancer by taking this survey.

To help you boost your score, here are a few of the correct answers:

• Getting a base tan will not protect your skin from sun damage.

• A sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 does notprovide twice the protection as a sunscreen with an SPF 15.

“Suntelligence” Survey

Psoriasis and Relationships- Survey and Cetaphil Coupon

Related Link: http://www.elabs10.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=x8paec,1lwc,12z,44el,jlxv,9wty,m5fm&consumer+ID=22501

The National Psoriasis Foundation is asking people to share their thoughts (anonymously) about the effect psoriasis may be having on personal relationships with friends, family, romantic interests and significant others. Everyone who takes the survey will received a $2 coupon for Cetaphil Moisturizers!

Please take the survey and help them understand the impact of psoriasis on personal relationships. The Foundation stated that all answers will remain anonymous.

Click on the related link above to take the survey!

Owensboro Dermatology and Henderson Dermatology Patients Can Now Pay Online

Dermatology patients at Owensboro Dermatology and Henderson Dermatology now have the added convenience of paying their accounts online.

On each statement that patients receive will be a website link that they can key into their computer or for easier access they can use the www.OwensboroDerm.com or www.HendersonDerm.com websites and click under the About Us section and select the Billing and Insurance button.

The Patient Payments program does not require enrollment (no remembering user IDs or passwords) to pay medical bills. Patient enrollment or credit card information is not stored. Each patient statement will require the person to enter the patient statement ID and access code he or she received on the bill along with address and payment type information (ie: credit card, bank information) to complete the payment. Each transaction will be securely and quickly processed.

Owensboro Dermatology Recognized For Quality Laboratory Services

Owensboro Dermatology Associates, PSC has met all criteria for Laboratory Accreditation by COLA, a national healthcare accreditation organization. Accreditation is given only to laboratories that apply rigid standards of quality in day-to-day operations, demonstrate continued accuracy in the performance of proficiency testing, and pass a rigorous on-site laboratory survey. Owensboro Dermatology Associates, PSC has earned COLA accreditation as a result of a long-term commitment to provide quality service to their patients.

The six categories included in the testing include: overall rating; personnel and facility; proficiency testing; specimen and test management; quality control; and quality assurance. By successfully passing COLA’s evaluation and renewing accreditation, Owensboro Dermatology’s laboratory has proven safety, efficiency, and reliability of results, and regulatory compliance all of which help ensure excellent patient care.

COLA is a nonprofit, physician-directed organization promoting quality and excellence in medicine and patient care through programs of voluntary education, achievement, and accreditation. COLA is approved by the federal government and sponsored by the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine, and the American Osteopathic Association.