May 2012 Health Tip: Skin Cancer Prevention

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This month's health tip from the Massachusetts Medical Society, the statewide association of physicians, is on preventing skin cancer.

Too much sun can be hazardous to your health. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Two types, basal cell and squamous cell, are both highly curable, but the third, melanoma, can be deadly if not detected early. A new study from the Mayo Clinic has reported a dramatic rise in melanoma in young people 18-39 for both men and women. The primary cause of all skin cancers is excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun.

Protection from the sun is the best prevention. Use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30. Wear protective clothing, like hats, long-sleeve shirts, and sunglasses, and avoid tanning beds. Protect young children. Remember the sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Most important: Check your skin regularly, as early detection is crucial.

To learn more, visit the American Academy of Dermatology at www.aad.org or the Skin Cancer Foundation at www.skincancer.org.

Tags: cancer,   health tip,   

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Multiple Departments Respond to Lanesborough Structure Fire

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — Multiple fire departments responded to a structure fire off Narragansett Avenue on Wednesday afternoon. 

The Fire Department received a call from the owner of 6 Bangor St. reporting a smoke and flames at around 1:44 p.m.

Firefighters arriving on scene reported heavy smoke emanating from the the 1940s single-family ranch home in the thickly settle neighborhood.

The blaze was brought under control in less than an hour and there were no civilian or firefighter injuries. 

"The homeowner was outside doing some work, evidently, opened the door when she came back in the house, and there were flames and smoke, so she backed out and called us, and that's all we know right now," Deputy Fire Chief Glen Storie said around 2:35 p.m. 

The fire was out at that time, and first responders observed "quite a bit of damage" to the home. The cause is still under investigation. 

Lanesborough, Cheshire, and Pittsfield departments responded to the scene, and Hancock covered the station during the call. 

"The first crew in knocked the fire right down with the first engine," Storie said. 

Smoke could be seen coming from the back of the home. Part of Narragansett Avenue and Bangor Avenue were blocked off while firefighters battled the blaze. 

 

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