May 19, 2009

Focus On: Skin Cancer and Sleep Medicine

Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students:

Did you know that even minor sunburns pose a risk to your long-term health? As we enter the summer months when the sun’s rays are the most intense, we’re reminded to be extra vigilant about protecting ourselves and our families from sun damage.

Sunburns are a primary cause of the kind of DNA damage that leads to skin cancer – the most common type of cancer in the U.S. Even a first-degree burn, which only affects the skin's top layer, can lead to the mutation responsible for melanoma.

This monthly Wellness Letter is one way for us to keep you informed about the incredible number of resources available to you as a member of the UHealth family – right on the UHealth/Miller campus – for everything from routine appointments and screenings to the most advanced cancer care.

UHealth’s Cancer Experts
Skin cancer experts at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery are available as a resource for your skin cancer questions, concerns, diagnosis and treatment. Led by one of the world's leading physician-scientists, James M. Grichnik, M.D., Ph.D., Sylvester's new Melanoma Surveillance and Detection Clinic offers leading-edge diagnostic and treatment options for this dangerous and life-threatening form of skin cancer. To make an appointment with a Sylvester skin cancer specialist, contact 305-243-7074.

Free Skin Cancer Screening
UM/Aetna medical plan members are eligible to receive one free annual skin cancer screening with a UHealth dermatologist. To take advantage of your free cancer screening and learn some of the steps you can take to help decrease the incidence of skin cancer, contact UHealth’s Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at 305-243-3729.

Sleep Well for Good Health
The National Sleep Foundation’s annual poll shows that about 30 percent of individuals in the U.S. are currently losing sleep over financial concerns. Lack of sleep can contribute to a number of other serious health problems, so whether it’s stress, summer travel and jet lag, or something else disrupting your sleep, it’s important to address the issue with a physician to determine the best options for improving your sleep.

The multidisciplinary team of specialists and technologists at University of Miami Health System Sleep Medicine Program provide expert evaluation and the comprehensive treatment of sleep disorders including sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia, and restless legs syndrome.

To raise awareness of the importance of sleep to your overall health, the UHealth Sleep Medicine Program has declared tomorrow (Wednesday, May 20) UHealth Sleep Awareness Day. UHealth Sleep Medicine Program experts will offer the following services tomorrow in the Schoninger Quadrangle from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• Free Mini Sleep Assessments
• Sleep Brochures & Handouts
• CPAP Product Demonstrations
• Sleep Specialist Q & A
• Giveaways
• Raffle Items

UHealth Sleep Medicine will also host a booth on the Gables campus in June for sleep screenings, demonstrations, and consultations with our sleep specialists. For more information about UHealth Sleep Awareness Day or to learn more about the UHealth Sleep Medicine Program, call 305-243-5195 or visit www.uhealthsleep.com.

The best of health to you and yours.

Sincerely,