How To Check Your Skin For Signs of Skin Cancer

Is skin cancer a real risk for those living in the cloudy Pacific Northwest? You bet it is! You'd think a place with significantly less sun than Florida and Texas would have the lowest reported number of cases in the country. Oddly enough, Washington and Oregon have among the highest rates in the country.

To detect skin cancer early, examine your skin all over your body and watch for changes over time. By checking your skin regularly, you’ll learn what is normal for you. The best time to check your skin is after a shower or bath while using both a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror in a room with plenty of light.

Check yourself from head to toe:

• Look at your face, neck, ears, and scalp. You may want to use a comb or a blow dryer to move your hair so that you can see better. You also may want to have a relative or friend check through your hair. It may be hard to check your scalp by yourself.
• Look at the front and back of your body in the mirror. Then, raise your arms and look at your left and right sides.
• Bend your elbows. Look carefully at your fingernails, palms, forearms (including the undersides), and upper arms.
• Check the back, front, and sides of your legs. Also check the skin all over your buttocks and genital area.
• Sit and closely examine your feet, including your toenails, the soles of your feet, and the spaces between your toes.

Learn where your moles are and their usual look and feel. Check for anything new, such as…

• a new mole (that looks different from your other moles)
• a new red or darker color flaky patch that may be a little raised
• a change in the size, shape, color, or feel of a mole
• a sore that doesn’t heal
• a new flesh-colored firm bump

Write down the dates of your skin self-exams and make notes about the way your skin looks on those dates. You may find it helpful to take photos to help check for changes over time.

Seek medical attention if you find anything that you think might resemble skin cancer. Get help as soon as possible; consider calling your local clinic and making an appointment for the next day. When skin cancer is concerned, it's always better to be safe than sorry.

Tips for Organizing a Neighborhood Block Party

Block parties are an easy and fun way to build a sense of community and meet new people. With these simple block party tips, you and your neighbors can host a fabulous block party without being overwhelmed by a lot of work!

1. Set a theme

Setting a theme gives direction to the event and aids in planning the party. Determine whether you want to have a day or evening block party, or one that spans across both. Do you want to have families wear distinctive colors to make members easily identifiable or feature a beach flair? Your theme can set the tone of the party, and then the remainder of the planning will center around that.

2. Location, location, location

The best place to have a block party is at a house in the middle of the block. It is also helpful to choose a house with a driveway in the front or one that has a circular drive to make it easier to watch the grill and restock ice.

3. What is allowed?

Check with your local city or town hall to learn if you need a permit, and/or to ask about the regulations with regard to blocking off access to your street. Many municipalities will provide barriers for the street that can be picked up the day before or of the party. Others may prohibit the use of a grill on public property, easements, etc., so it's always best to ask first and avoid a potential snag or fine.

4. Set limits

It's important for all guests to know the safety rules and plans for the area. Not tossing trash into a fire pit or barbeque or staying out of the yards of neighbors not attending the party ensures everyone enjoys the block bash. You will also want to set a time limit for the party to prevent the block party from getting out of hand or from becoming a nuisance to neighbors trying to sleep or otherwise ignore the festivities.

5. Delegate duties

Avoid stress and assign party planning duties to the neighbors. Ask one person to make the invitation flyer, others to bring yard chairs and folding tables, someone to manage the store run, and one or two people to dedicate use of their grill. Many neighborhoods opt for each family to bring their own beverages (although some will provide soft drinks) and often ask every family to donate a set amount to offset the cost of the meat, prizes for the kiddies and entertainment.

6. Ensuring safety

The concern of accident liability has many steering clear of allowing the BBQ grill or bounce house on their property. How to handle this worry? Have everyone sign a waiver to protect homeowners and reduce potential neighborhood tension. And even if everyone's signed the waiver and you have homeowner's insurance, still take the time to minimize any tripping hazards (loose stepping stones, uneven pavement, hoses or sprinklers in the way) and ensure any dogs and/or other pets are safely out of the way if there is any tendency whatsoever to bite or scare people. It is also a good idea to inform everyone on the street of the details of the party -- regardless of whether or not they're coming to the gala. In the event they're not going to be home or attending, they can take precautions to not park vehicles on the street or leave out any potentially hazardous items -- such as tools, garden equipment or baby pools -- in the yard.

7. Cleanup - before, during, after

Before the party, make sure each of the residents in the party area checks their front yard for any trash, doggie debris and even things like dead birds and anthills. You will want to be sure that you station trash and recycling bins throughout the area where you're holding the block party -- and also make certain that at least a few people will stay after the event to help clean up whatever's left behind.

8. Fun activities

Bicycle decorating contests, searching for candy hidden in a pile of straw and water balloon tosses are just a few activities that will keep younger party goers entertained. You can never have too many activities waiting in the wings. Plan a few activities geared at introducing those at one end of the block to their counterparts on the other end. Even silly games such "egg toss" can help start the party off with a festive bang.

9. Lights and sirens

Ask local police or fire department if they would stop by the party to conduct a mini hands-on seminar for the kids. The chance to honk the horns, hold a fire hose or talk over the loudspeaker will create fond memories as well as give children a chance to brush up on safety tips.

10. Feeding the masses

Ask guests to bring a favorite snack or side dish to share and ensure the party has a wealth of tasty treats. Assigning people to handle specific categories -- such as fruit salads, veggie crudites, other appetizers, side dishes, fruity desserts, chocolate desserts -- will make sure you don't have too many potato chips and not enough dip, or four apple pies and no brownies!  Tragic!!!

Whether wanting to swap recipes or socialize with the neighbors, block parties are time-honored traditions in neighborhoods all across the country. Why not host a block party with your neighbors this year?

Steps to Take After a Car Accident

A car accident can be a traumatic and scary experience, making it difficult to know what to do after it happens. It's important to act quickly to ensure that everyone involved is safe and that all legal steps are followed. Know how to take action after a car accident so you can be prepared in case of an emergency.

Determine the Extent of Damage or Injuries

Try to stay calm. Panic can make others panic and the situation worse. There needs to be a calm person to determine the extent of damage and to determine if there are any injuries that need immediate medical attention.

File a Car Accident Report with the Police

Even in a minor accident it is important to make sure there is a legal accident report. Do not leave the scene until the police file a full report.

Discuss the Car Accident Only with the Police

With everyone all shook up it can be hard not to talk about what just happened, but that can also lead to you not thinking clearly and accurately about what happened. It is important to limit your discussion of the accident and not to admit any fault or liability. You should talk about the accident with the police and your insurance agent only.

Get the Facts

This is the part most people know to do, but often forget to after the accident for one reason or another. It is important to get names, address, and phone numbers of everyone involved in the accident. A description of the car and license plate number can also be helpful, but make sure you also get their insurance company and the vehicle identification number of their car. Don't just assume the license plate number will do because most insurance companies only record the type of car and the vehicle identification number, not the license plate number.

Call Your Insurance Agent

Call MIM's 800-number immediately (800-762-4646), even at the scene with the police if possible. Sometimes the police officer can give us more accurate information rather than information you may not be recording properly because you are upset by the accident. This can save you a lot of time later waiting for your claim to be processed.

There are many ways to avoid a car accident but once one happens it is important that the right steps are taken. Obviously it is hard to think clearly after a car accident so it is important to know before you get into an accident what to do first and what questions may need answered. This checklist will help you know what to do after a car accident. It is best to review it now and then print it out and keep a copy with you in your car.

How to Survive a Heatwave - Tips for Seniors - Staying out of Danger as the Mercury Rises

You think it's been hot?  It's about to get hotter! Forecasters are calling for an extended heat wave with possible 100 degree days and high humidity, tomorrow through Thursday in the Portland Metro area.

Taking good care of yourself is important all year, but summer's high temperatures and sun exposure carry specific dangers for older adults. Many people have a harder time handling heat as they age, but remain unaware of their increased vulnerability. Don't put yourself at risk. Take these tips into consideration as the temperatures increase.

Keep Your House Cool

You may think that staying inside will help you avoid becoming dehydrated, but if you're sitting in a house without adequate air conditioning, you could be putting yourself at the same risk you'd face outside, if not worse. Getting overheated wherever you are, inside or out, can lead to dehydration. Lower your blinds and keep your home at a comfortable temperature. If you don't have air conditioning, go somewhere that does, such as a mall or a movie theater. And don't let the fear of high energy bills put your health in danger.

Exercise at the Right Times

Unless your doctor has advised otherwise, there's nothing wrong with exercising in the summer. What is wrong is doing it at the hottest time of day. If you're going to walk, for example, do it in the early morning or early evening, when the sun is not at its strongest. Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing, which lets air circulate; materials like polyester trap body heat.

Drink Water Wisely

You might assume that greatly increasing your water intake would be the solution for preventing dehydration, but too much water is not good for you, either. It dilutes the sodium in your body, which could lead to low blood pressure. Your best bet is to drink a mix of noncaffeinated, nonalcoholic fluids (water included) to keep your electrolyte levels up.

Eat Light

Experts also advise eating lighter meals than usual during a heatwave. The body has to work harder to digest heavier foods, like meat and cheese, generating more body heat. You may be doing this already; many people naturally prefer eating lighter in the summer.

Cover Up

Years of exposure to the sun may make your skin more sensitive than a younger person's, so protecting yourself is more important now than ever. Always use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. (Your sunglasses should also block both kinds of rays.)

When you're in the sun, wear a hat that lets skin breathe. Keep a close eye on any skin lesions you may have (older adults are more likely to get them) and check in with a dermatologist if you notice any changes in moles or markings.

Keep in Touch

It's important to know your body well, so that you are alert to any signs that you need some relief, or even medical attention. Lightheadedness, nausea or vomiting, abdominal upset, and weakness are all causes for concern. If you experience any of these symptoms, go to a cool room, put a cold compress on your head, drink fluids and call a friend or family member. If your symptoms are severe, do not hesitate to call 911 or your local emergency number.

In general, keeping in regular touch with a particular friend or relative could be crucial if something does happen. Checking in gives them the security of knowing that you’re okay, and it gives you the security of knowing that someone will be aware if you’re not.