“If a patient has a suspicious finding on a screening, we move rapidly to make sure everything possible is done to get answers for them,” said Joseph Flynn, D.O., MPH, FACP, chief administrative officer, Norton Medical Group, and physician-in-chief, Norton Cancer Institute.

With two locations, Norton Cancer Institute Downtown and Norton Cancer Institute – Brownsboro, the center combines four multidisciplinary components to fight lung cancer: prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment.

Lung cancer prevention: Smoking is the single biggest lung cancer risk factor, so smoking prevention and cessation are key. For anyone who smokes, the sooner you quit, the lower your lung cancer risk becomes. Norton Healthcare continues to expand smoking cessation options for patients and the public.

Lung cancer screening: Early diagnosis of lung cancer is critical. Low-dose CT scans, which can detect even the smallest tumors, are used to screen for lung cancer in individuals who meet established age and smoking history criteria. The center’s integrated screening component delivers two important benefits for patients:

• A navigator to assist patients through the screening process with education and resources
• Rapid access to a team of specialists if a suspicious finding is detected

Lung cancer diagnosis: The Comprehensive Lung Center works with patients and their primary care team to develop a treatment plan specifically for each patient’s physical and emotional needs. Fortunately, not all nodules identified by CT scan are cancerous, but when lung cancer is diagnosed, patients see a team of highly trained specialists who work together toward the common goal of a cure.

The Comprehensive Lung Center has specialists in cardiothoracic surgery, radiation, medical oncology, pulmonology and other disciplines, who are available to see the patient in one visit. This provides convenience for the patient and is important to the specialists who work together to develop a comprehensive care plan.

Lung cancer treatment: No cancer patient should have to wait to start the journey toward a cure. The Comprehensive Lung Center combines compassionate, whole-patient care with advanced technology and treatment. Customized treatment plans may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and targeted molecular therapies for certain subtypes of lung cancer.

Patients have access to numerous clinical trials through Norton Cancer Institute’s research program.

Therapeutic and supportive care services include yoga, massage, art and music therapy, nutritional counseling, and support groups — all available from day one.

In recent years, research has demonstrated up to a 20% decrease in lung cancer mortality for people at high risk who undergo lung cancer screening with low-dose CT scans.

“As with all forms of cancer, the earlier lung cancer is detected and the earlier treatment can begin, the better the chance for positive outcomes,” Dr. Flynn said. “Should you be diagnosed with cancer, we know you will have many questions and want answers right away. That’s why we offer same-day appointments with a cancer specialist.”

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Oaks Day honors women who have survived or are in treatment for breast or ovarian cancer. You’ll see this year’s 151 honorees walking the turf track in the Survivors Parade prior to the running of this year’s Oaks race.

This day also is an opportunity to talk about prevention and early detection of these cancers that affect nearly 300,000 people a year in the United States. Breast cancer alone is one of the top causes of cancer death in women — second only to lung cancer — according to the American Cancer Society. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show Kentucky’s rates of breast and ovarian cancer as similar to those of the entire nation: More than 133 women out of 100,000 women are expected to receive a new diagnosis of breast cancer in Kentucky this year, and 10 out of every 100,000 will get ovarian cancer.

Thankfully, high-profile events such as the Kentucky Oaks help call attention to these issues. However, they do more than that: They raise funds critical to bringing down these statistics. Churchill Downs will donate to two organizations, one of which is Norton Cancer Institute, the leading provider of breast cancer care in Louisville and Southern Indiana. Funds specifically benefit the Derby Divas Breast Health Center. In fact, Churchill Downs has donated more than $1 million in support to charities over 16 years to fund cancer screenings and care for underserved women.

We know that the breast cancer death rate has been on the decline since 1989. While there are constant innovations in cancer treatment, awareness and screenings have increased thanks to events such as the Kentucky Oaks — and the funding it raises.

If you’re taking a trip to Churchill Downs for this year’s Oaks, enjoy your day. But also be sure to recognize the importance of the pink (and teal) that you will wear. And know that just by being there, you are part of saving lives.

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Vicki’s nursing career began as an licensed practical nurse at St Joseph Infirmary. In 1981, the same year Vicki earned her registered nurse degree, she and her fellow nurses became employees of what is now Norton Audubon Hospital when it opened. Vicki worked there for 29 years Most of her time was spent caring for patients after they had orthopedic surgeries. When she retired in 2009, Vicki found hobbies to fill her time. These hobbies centered on her love for the Lord and caring for others through ministry in her church. She and Joe, her husband of 62 years, were enjoying retirement and spending time with family and friends.

The (retired) nurse becomes the patient

Because she had Crohn’s disease for most of her adult life, Vicki was familiar with colonoscopies. Her gastroenterologist reminded her in 2019 that it was time for a  “scope,” and she almost said no. But thankfully, she didn’t!

The colonoscopy showed a grape-sized malignancy, and within a few weeks, Vicki was at her old stomping grounds, but this time as a patient having part of her colon removed.

“I was fortunate that the cancer was removed and I didn’t have to do any additional therapy,” Vicki said.

It was during her stay at Norton Audubon Hospital and in talking with Ingrid Smith, patient navigator, Norton Cancer Institute, that Vicki saw an opportunity to care for others. Pillows to help protect her surgery site were very comforting to Vicki, and she knew of a group who would be willing to help.

Vicki and her friends at Summit Hills Baptist Church in Pioneer Village, Kentucky, just south of Louisville, quickly got to work. As part of the mission project, they have sewn nearly 1,400 pillows, delivering them to the Norton Cancer Institute Resource Center about three times a year. The port pillows they make help patients who need a cushion between the seatbelt and their access port while riding in the car, and abdominal pillows help protect a patient’s surgery site when the patient coughs or sneezes.

“The port pillows are a special design that include Velcro to help stabilize while riding in the car,” Vicki said. “We collect donations of fabric and purchase a few things here and there, all in the name of caring for others through ministry.”

These gifts bring smiles

“Every time I gift the pillows to patients after surgery, their faces light up with a smile,” Ingrid said. “That is where I came up with the nickname of “Sunshine Ladies” for Vicki and her church group. They bring a ray of sunshine to these people who are facing cancer diagnosis and treatment.”

Vicki and her church ministry group make enough pillows that almost every post-surgical patient receives one across most Norton Cancer Institute Resource Center locations. The group’s generosity has even inspired several patients to find ways of their own to give back.

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At any of these stages, you likely have questions about your results, diagnosis and more.

Norton Cancer Institute lung screening patient navigator and nurse Connie Buckley, R.N., AE-C, is dedicated to coordinating your lung cancer screening, providing follow-up, answering your questions and scheduling any additional care you may need. Here are four common questions she receives from patients about lung cancer screenings.

Guidelines and risk factors for lung cancer screening

Lung cancer screening can’t prevent lung cancer, but it can detect the disease before symptoms appear. Often lung cancer patients don’t have symptoms until the cancer has advanced or even spread (metastasized).  Earlier detection means improved health outcomes.

RELATED: A low-dose CT scan could help you find lung cancer early

Norton Cancer Institute uses high-speed, low-dose CT scanning, which can detect even the tiniest lung nodule. The screening scan — which is painless and noninvasive and takes just a few minutes — is offered to individuals at high risk for developing lung cancer. Lung cancer screening is recommended for those who are at high risk due to cigarette smoking. You may be a candidate if you meet all the following criteria:

• Ages 50 to 80
• Are a current cigarette smoker or quit within the past 15 years
• Cigarette smoking history of 20 pack-years (Multiply typical packs per day by number of years. For example, two packs per day for 10 years is 20 pack-years.)
• Family history of lung cancer

Studies have shown that early diagnosis with screening tools like CT scans can reduce the risk of lung cancer death by up to 20%. If you are at higher risk for developing lung cancer, ask your doctor about an annual lung cancer screening.

What is the screening process?

You will begin the process by talking with your primary care provider to ensure you qualify for a  screening. Your primary care provider’s office then will order and schedule the lung cancer screening. After your screening, a board-certified radiologist will review your scan. If an abnormality is found, your physician may recommend you see one of the lung specialists with the Norton Cancer Institute Comprehensive Lung Center.

How long will it take to get my results?

Your physician or the lung screening navigator will give you the results of your scan, usually within five days. If you have an abnormal screening, you will be notified by phone, and immediate arrangements will be made for a doctor specializing in lung cancer treatment to meet with you. If you have not received your results after 10 days, please call your physician.

Lung cancer screening questions to ask your doctor

Being ready with questions to ask your oncologist (cancer specialist) can help you feel back in control after hearing the news of a cancer diagnosis.

Understanding your disease and how it’s treated is important, so don’t be shy about asking straightforward questions about your oncologist’s subspecialty, experience and access to clinical trials. Treating lung cancer takes time and many appointments — and you may not be able to drive yourself all the time — so understanding how convenient your oncologist can make your treatment is important.

To get started, here are some questions to ask your oncologist. Feel free to take notes when you speak with your health care provider, and if there is anything you don’t understand — stop the conversation and ask for an explanation.

If you are a smoker, the most effective way to reduce your lung cancer risk is to stop smoking. If you aren’t sure how to do that, talk to your doctor. You can ask:

• Can you suggest ways to help me quit smoking?
• What else can I do to lower my risk of lung cancer?

Other questions include:

• Am I at risk for lung cancer?
• Do you recommend that I get screened for lung cancer? Why or why not?
• Should I have an annual screening for lung cancer?
• What kind of screening will I have? How do I prepare?
• Does the screening have any risks or side effects?
• How long will it take to get the results?
• If results show that I may have cancer, will I need more tests to be sure?

Should I get a second opinion?

Yes. Your oncologist won’t be offended. The goal is to get you the best care available, and multiple viewpoints can only help.

Also ask if your oncology provider holds “tumor boards” or multidisciplinary consultations. These are built-in processes where every cancer patient’s case is reviewed, analyzed, debated and discussed by numerous specialists. Similar to a second opinion, the result is a treatment plan that benefits from collaboration among a team of physicians and other providers.

How easily can I get an appointment, and how far away will it be?

Cancer disrupts your life and those closest to you. Getting an appointment — even the same day if you’ve been newly diagnosed — and setting up a treatment routine at a location that’s convenient for you and others who are helping you can make it easier.

What stage is the cancer?

Cancer can be categorized by stages to describe the size and how far, if at all, it has spread.

• Stage 0 refers to cancer that hasn’t spread to nearby tissues and often is highly curable.
• Stage 1 cancer is typically a small cancer that may be affecting nearby tissues, but hasn’t reached lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
• Stage 2 cancer is larger or may have spread to a few nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage 3 cancers are larger tumors that have spread more extensively.
• Stage 4 refers to cancers that have spread to other parts of the body.

What kind of cancer do I have, exactly where is it located and how much experience do you have treating it?

Advancements in cancer treatment have spawned a number of subspecialties both in the types of cancer and the treatment approaches, including radiation and biopsy procedures.

Understanding what type of cancer you have, where it is in your body and your oncologist’s experience treating your type of cancer specifically is important.

Types of lung cancer include small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.

Has the cancer spread from where it started?

You may have heard the word “metastasize” before. This refers to cancer spreading from its initial location to other parts of the body. The first cancer is considered the “primary” cancer. Places affected by its spread are “secondary” cancers.

Should I think about taking part in a clinical trial? Do you offer any for my diagnosis?

Clinical trials give patients the opportunity to take part in experimental treatments. A cancer program with a history of conducting clinical trials is also a sign of deep experience with the newest Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment options.

What support services do you offer?

Cancer doesn’t just happen to you or one part of your body. If affects how you feel, your outlook and that of those close to you. It’s often referred to as a journey, and it’s a journey that requires support.

Some oncology providers devote nurses to helping patients find their way through a new world of complex insurance filings, new treatment options and simply arranging transportation to and from doctors’ appointments.

What are my treatment options?

Not all oncology providers have access to the same treatments. Whether your care plan includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy or other approaches to treating cancer, you should ask about your treatment options all along the treatment journey.

What’s the goal of my treatment?

Making sure you and your oncologist share the same goal for your treatment will make for a smoother course of action and a freer exchange of information about your care.

What would I do if I have an issue after hours?

Ask about extended hours and same-day appointments to get treatment for side effects of your cancer treatment.

Norton Cancer Institute Prompt Care Clinic locations downtown and in St. Matthews are open until 8 p.m. on weekdays to get treatment quickly without an emergency department visit.

Will my insurance cover the cost of the screening?

Annual follow-up lung low dose CT scans are covered by Medicare and private insurance companies for people who meet the following criteria: 

• Ages 55 to 77 
• Current smokers or former smokers who quit less than 15 years ago
• Have no symptoms of lung cancer 
• Have a 30 pack-year history of smoking 

Check with your insurance company if you have any questions about your benefit plan.

Related content: Program provides comprehensive lung cancer treatment  

Lung cancer research has come a long way in the last five decades. Lung cancer mortality has dropped, and people are living longer, healthier lives with advancements in screening tests and treatments, as well as behavioral and lifestyle changes. Norton Cancer Institute Comprehensive Lung Center will be with you every step of the way, from screening to treatment and beyond.

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During flu season, everyone also needs to get their flu shot at least two weeks before meeting the new baby.

Adults need a whooping cough or pertussis vaccine (included in the Tdap vaccine) booster every 10 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Pregnant women can pass protection from whooping cough to the baby before birth by getting the Tdap shortly after week 27 of their pregnancy — and no later than week 36.

Infants can’t get their own DTaP vaccine, which also covers whooping cough, until they are 2 months old, so it’s important for everyone to form a protective cocoon around the newborn by making sure they’re up to date on their shots.

“Whooping cough is very contagious and can be deadly for babies,” said Crystal D. Narcisse, M.D., internal medicine/pediatrics physician with Norton Community Medical Associates. “It’s typically spread through coughing or sneezing, and adults can spread the disease without even knowing they have it.”

A baby with whooping cough may not cough, but instead may gasp for air or stop breathing.

Any of these people who may be around the newborn should get updated for Tdap:

• Parents
• Siblings (children under age 7 get the DTaP vaccine)
• Grandparents
• Babysitters and nannies
• Other caregivers

Infectious diseases addressed by DTaP and Tdap vaccines

Both the DTaP and Tdap vaccines help protect against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. The difference is in their formulation. The DTaP vaccine is for children under age 7, while Tdap is for older children and adults.

Tetanus, also called lockjaw, is caused by a bacteria that triggers muscle contractions. The infection often causes the neck and jaw muscles to lock, causing difficulty swallowing and opening the mouth.

Diphtheria is another bacterial infection that can lead to difficulty breathing and upset the heart rhythm, and can be deadly.

Pertussis may begin like a common cold, but unlike a cold, the coughing can last for weeks or months. Symptoms usually develop within five to 10 days of contact with the bacteria. After a week or two of symptoms, infected people may develop uncontrolled coughing fits that cause them to make a “whoop” sound once they’re finally able to get a breath. The severe cough can lead to vomiting and exhaustion.

While babies often don’t cough with a whooping cough infection and often appear to have a common cold, pertussis can cause them to struggle to breathe — and they can turn blue because of the lack of oxygen. This loss of oxygen is what can lead to death.

Teens and adults tend to have a milder pertussis infection, especially if they’ve had the Tdap vaccination. Those with a milder infection often don’t have the characteristic “whoop” at the end of a coughing fit.

Teens and adults can have severe whooping cough cases, especially those who haven’t been vaccinated. The severe cough can keep them up at night.

The whooping cough vaccine is effective, but doesn’t always prevent illness entirely. Those who are vaccinated, but still get sick usually aren’t as ill as those who aren’t vaccinated. 

Those who have the pertussis vaccination but still get whooping cough usually don’t have the cough as long, and coughing fits are less common. Difficulty breathing and experiencing cyanosis (turning bluish because of low blood oxygen) are less common in children who’ve had the whooping cough vaccine.

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If you have a mild headache, fever, nausea, muscle aches or fatigue after getting the flu shot, it’s because your body is doing what it should. The vaccine triggers your immune system to gear up to fight off a real infection and that can feel like you have a mild case of the flu.

The immune response side effects only last for a day or two. Plenty of water and acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) can help relieve side-effects.

The flu vaccine uses dead viruses to spark the immune response. You can still get an influenza infection after your annual flu shot, but it’s less likely and with your immune system primed to fight it off, you are less likely to have severe symptoms.

The injected flu vaccine is made from dead flu virus or proteins from the flu virus. Neither can cause infection.

“Even a healthy person can’t predict how serious a case of the flu might be,” said Lacey A. Conway, APRN, a family medicine provider with Norton Community Medical Associates primary care in Bardstown. “Preventing the flu is the best way to keep from potentially winding up in the hospital, or perhaps the emergency department or an immediate care center.”

READ MORE: What is influenza B?

A severe allergic reaction to the flu shot is very rare. If breathing problems, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heartbeat, or dizziness occur it is usually within a few minutes or hours after receiving the influenza vaccine according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

An allergic reaction to the flu vaccine is unlikely, but you should let the medical provider giving you the vaccine that you have a history of allergy or severe reaction to the flu vaccine or a part of the flu vaccine, including an egg allergy.

Will nasal Neosporin protect me against the flu?

This untrue advice is a spin-off of another internet claim that advises putting an antibacterial such as Neosporin ointment in your nostrils before air travel to zap germs. Any protection offered by an antibiotic ointment would affect only bacteria. A virus causes the flu, so antibacterials are of no help.

Do young, healthy people need the influenza vaccine?

Current CDC guidelines recommend yearly flu vaccination against for almost everyone 6 months of age and older, including pregnant women. Flu complications can include severe illness and cause hospitalization or death among otherwise healthy children and adults of all ages.

Do antibiotics fight flu?

The influenza virus will not respond to antibiotics, which affect bacteria, not viruses.

Antiviral medications, such as Tamiflu, can help lessen the flu’s impact. Antivirals need to be taken within 48 hours of the first sign of symptoms. Additionally, over-the-counter fever reducers (such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen) and congestion fighters can offer some relief.

Can I prevent the flu by washing my hands regularly?

Frequent hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs, but hand washing alone cannot keep you from getting the flu. Influenza is spread through the air via saliva droplets that can land on you and get into your nose, mouth and eyes. The flu can live up to eight hours on surfaces, so you can pick it up by touching contaminated surfaces. Do wash your hands often with soap and water, but the No. 1 way to avoid the flu is to get the flu shot.

Common flu symptoms include fever, chills, fatigue, cough and muscle or body aches. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, however these are more common in children than adults.

“If you are mildly ill with flu symptoms, seeing your health provider or visiting an immediate care center are good options,” Lacey said. “The important thing is not to ignore flu symptoms, especially if they seem to be getting worse.”

Is it the flu or a cold?

The post Getting flu from the flu shot, Neosporin in nose and other flu myths appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

We often hear about the need to catch any number of conditions early before they get worse — your annual checkup is the time to do that.

It’s a time to take control of your health. Schedule your annual checkup now if you haven’t, and tell your primary care provider to schedule it at the same time every year.

Each age brings new priorities and risks to your health. Working with a primary care provider who knows you, your health history and your priorities will dictate the health screenings appropriate for men at every age.

“Your primary care provider is your medical home. Your provider expects you’ll get care when you need it and however it’s most convenient — whether Norton eCare online, a Norton Immediate Care Center or your provider’s office,” said Steven Patton, D.O., family medicine physician at Norton Community Medical Associates primary care. “Your primary care provider will get records of all your visits to keep an eye on your overall health and serve as a gateway to specialized care if it’s necessary.”

You can schedule your annual checkup today in your free Norton MyChart account. If your primary care provider’s schedule does not have immediate availability, you can ask to be put on the waitlist. That way if an earlier appointment becomes available, you can be notified through Norton MyChart.

Norton Healthcare providers accept Medicare, Medicaid and most major insurance plans.

Men’s health screenings ages 18 to 29

Urgent care is there for you when you’re not feeling well, but a primary care provider is your partner for the long term. Test results at this age establish a baseline so that any changes later in life can be identified. Topics to discuss at your annual checkup at this age include:

• Your health goals, whether it’s your weight, nutrition, exercise or energy
• Any nagging symptoms that may be bothering you
• Alcohol or tobacco use
• Depression or anxiety
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and screenings (since many STIs have no symptoms)
• Hepatitis screening
• Immunizations, including a flu vaccine 

Men’s health screenings ages 30 to 39

Be sure to schedule time to prioritize your health and get an annual checkup on your calendar. A checkup is time dedicated to you and making sure all your health needs are being met.

Things you can discuss confidentially with your provider at your annual checkup:

• Your health goals, whether it’s your weight, nutrition, exercise or energy
• Any nagging symptoms that may be bothering you
• Alcohol or tobaccouse
• Depression or anxiety
• Sexually transmitted infections(STIs)and screenings (since many STIs have no symptoms)
• Hepatitis screening
• Skin cancer screening
• Blood pressure and cholesterol checks, along with other bloodwork, especially if you are at high risk for heart disease
• Immunizations, including flu and Tdap vaccines, particularly if you, a family member or friend is expecting a new baby

Men’s health screenings ages 40 to 49

Topics to discuss confidentially with your provider at your annual checkup in your 40s:

• Your health goals, whether it’s your weight, nutrition, exercise or energy
• Any nagging symptoms that may be bothering you
• Alcohol or tobacco use
• Depression or anxiety
• Sexually transmitted infections(STIs)and screenings (since many STIs have no symptoms)
• Blood pressure and cholesterol checks, along with other bloodwork, especially if you are at high risk for heart disease
• Colon cancer, hepatitis, diabetes and skin cancer screenings, especially if any of these run in your family
• Prostate cancer screening 
• Immunizations, including a flu vaccine 

Men’s health screenings ages 50 to 59

The list gets a little longer as you get a little older. Here are some concerns your primary care provider will discuss with you confidentially at your annual checkup:

• Your health goals, whether it’s your weight, nutrition, exercise, libido or energy
• Any nagging symptoms that may be bothering you
• Alcohol or tobacco use
• Depression or anxiety
• Sexually transmitted infections(STIs)and screenings (since many STIs have no symptoms)
• Heart disease prevention
• Hearing and vision tests
• Colon cancer, hepatitis, diabetes and skin cancer screenings, especially if any of these run in your family
• Prostate cancer screening 
• Immunizations, including flu and shingles vaccines  

Men’s health screenings ages 60 and older

Take time for yourself to talk to your health care provider about ways to enjoy better health and add years to your life. Schedule an annual checkup to make sure all of your health questions are answered.

Things you can discuss confidentially with your primary care provider at your annual checkup:

• Your health goals, whether it’s your weight, nutrition, exercise, libido or energy
• Any nagging symptoms that may be bothering you
• Alcohol or tobacco use
• Depression or anxiety
• Sexually transmitted infections(STIs)and screenings (since many STIs have no symptoms)
• Heart disease prevention
• Hearing and vision tests
• Colon cancer, hepatitis, diabetes and skin cancer screenings, especially if any of these run in your family
• Prostate cancer screening
• Immunizations, including flu, pneumococcal and shingles vaccines

The post Men’s health screenings by age appeared first on Norton Healthcare.

Itchy rashes, bug bites and sunburn can put a damper on summer fun. Summer rashes range from mild to severe, and last from a few days to a few weeks. Most of these are easily treated at home or in an immediate care center or clinic, but if left untreated, you could be at risk for something more serious.

The best way to handle a rash is by preventing it in the first place. That’s not always possible, so here are the top summer rashes and what to do about them.

What does summer rash look like?

“There are different kinds of summer rash, but they all have similar symptoms of redness, itching, blisters or bumps,” said Mary Rademaker, Mary Rademaker, M.D., medical director for Norton Immediate Care Centers. “Rashes such as these are common in the summer as temperatures climb, people get active outdoors more and humidity rises.”

Poison ivy

Poison ivy, and its siblings poison oak and poison sumac, are caused by an oily substance on the leaves that triggers allergic reactions. Poison ivy is the most common. Poison sumac is considered one of the most toxic plants in the country, but it is relatively rare. You get a poison ivy rash by brushing up against the leaves or by touching something that has brushed against the leaves, such as pet fur.

Rashes from poison ivy and the like can range from mild to severe. In lighter-skinned people, the rash will appear red. Itching, swelling and small blisters are also symptoms. It may be more difficult to see redness on darker-skinned people.  

Heat rash

Also called prickly heat, this condition occurs in hot, humid weather. The rash might look like very small red bumps or one large lump that feels prickly or itchy. It is caused by folds of skin rubbing together such as in the armpits, elbow creases or under the breasts.

“When blocked pores trap sweat under the skin, a rash can happen,” Dr. Rademaker said.

Physical activity in a warm environment, tight or restrictive clothing, and bandages on the skin can contribute to heat rash.

Sunburn

Most people are familiar with this one — damage caused to the skin by exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Sunburn appears within a few hours of sun exposure. In fair-skinned people, it can be easier to see pink or red patches. In darker skin, it can be harder to see. Sunburned skin feels hot and painful to the touch. Depending on the severity of the burn, there can be swelling or blistering. In very severe cases, you may feel nauseated or dizzy, or have a headache. Sunburn can occur year-round on any exposed area of skin, but is most common on the neck, shoulders, face, head and ears.

Sun rash

Not to be confused with the above sunburn, sun rash is a sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) light. While a sunburn tends to be more uniformly pink or red, sun rash is blotchy and bumpy, and typically very itchy.

Bug bites in summer

Besides rashes, you may encounter insect bites and tick bites. Sometimes insect bites can become very swollen, itchy or painful. Ticks like grassy and wooded areas, but they can live in yards and neighborhoods. If a bull’s-eye-like rash develops around the tick bite, you may have the beginning stages of Lyme disease.

How to prevent summer rashes

Sun-related rashes are easily preventable.

“It’s extremely important to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen,” Rachel said.

Quality sunscreen offers protection from both ultraviolet A and ultraviolent B rays.

“Besides sunburn and sun rash, sunscreen prevents premature aging and reduces skin cancer risk,” Rachel said.

Other ways to protect your skin from the sun include:

• Wear sunscreen every day, year-round, and be sure to put enough on. Experts recommend one ounce (about enough to fill a shot glass) to cover your entire body and one-quarter teaspoon for your face.
• Reapply sunscreen according to the package instructions. If you are in the water or sweating heavily, you may need to reapply more often.
• Wear protective clothing such as hats with wide brims or long sleeves.
• Seek shade during the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are at their strongest.

Heat rash prevention

Since heat rash is caused by high levels of moisture trapped near the skin, it’s wise to wear loose-fitting clothing made of light fabrics such as cotton. Some other ways to prevent heat rash include limiting outdoor activities to early morning or evenings, and showering regularly, especially after strenuous outdoor activity.

Prevent poison ivy

• Check your yard for this itchy weed before doing anything such as gardening.
• If you intend to remove poison ivy plants, remember to wear heavy duty gloves and boots. Put the pulled plants into a plastic garbage bag and seal. Never try to burn poison ivy. The oily smoke is very dangerous if it is inhaled. Be sure to wash your clothing in hot water, and take a thorough shower to remove any possible oils.
• Shower thoroughly after yard work.
• Wipe off pets when they come inside. The plant’s toxic oils can travel on cat and dog fur and get on your skin.

How to get rid of summer rashes

Most summer rashes are annoying but treatable at home. You can alleviate most symptoms by:

• Taking over-the-counter anti-itch creams
• Taking over-the-counter antihistamines to relieve itching or swelling
• Placing cool compresses on the affected areas
• Applying aloe vera gel to sunburned skin
• Using gentle soaps and moisturizers
• Using sunscreen
• Spending time in cool, well-ventilated areas and using fans to circulate air.

When to see a doctor

“If your symptoms don’t seem to get better within a few days, it might be time to visit a health care professional,” Dr. Rademaker said.

Norton Healthcare has Norton Immediate Care Centers, Norton Prompt Care Clinics — some in Walgreens stores — and Norton eCare, so you can find the care you need fast.

See a health care professional if you:

• Have worsening symptoms
• Have signs of infection
• Have an allergic reaction

Prevention is key when it comes to summer skin conditions: Wear sunscreen, stay hydrated and shower in cool water. If you see early signs of a summer rash such as pink skin, an itchy patch or red bumps, use over-the-counter medications as soon as possible. Norton Healthcare offers care everywhere you are. Schedule a visit from your Norton MyChart account or call one of our many locations.

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A colonoscopy is the best way to detect colon cancer and allows the surgeon to remove any polyps or tumors during the procedure. Cologuard and FIT are simple tests you can do at home and involve little more than your bathroom and mailing a package.

Colonoscopy alternatives like stool tests are only for people with an average risk of colon cancer. Colonoscopies are still recommended if you have a close relative who was diagnosed before age 60, have any family history of inheritable cancers or have inflammatory bowel disease.

Colon cancer is the third most common cancer and one of the most curable if caught early. Colon cancer screening age guidelines have been modified in recent years — people with no family history or other risk factors are now advised to start at age 45.

“Fecal colon cancer tests have made it easier to screen for colon cancer, and Cologuard catches about 92% of cancers,” said Michael F. Driscoll, M.D., medical oncologist with Norton Cancer Institute. “A fecal test is better than putting off a screening any longer.”

How colonoscopy alternatives like Cologuard or FIT work

Both tests look for signs of cancer in your stool.

Your health care provider will prescribe the test, which will arrive with instructions for collecting a sample and sending it back to the lab. In addition to Norton Community Medical Associates primary care providers, Norton Prompt Care Clinic providers can provide Cologuard prescriptions.

Cologuard looks for DNA mutations and other signs of possible colon cancer, possibly identifying colon cancer before symptoms appear. The FIT looks for hidden blood that could be from polyps or tumors.

Once you’ve collected your stool sample, you’ll place it in the return-mail package and send it off for testing.

Part of the sample collection kit includes a dish that goes under the toilet seat. Depending on the test, you’ll either use a stick or brush that comes with the kit to collect a sample. Some colonoscopy alternatives like Cologuard require you to send an entire bowel movement — however much that means for you.

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Diet, exercise and lifestyle have been shown to help reduce the risk for several diseases, including colon cancer or colorectal cancer (CRC).

Data from the World Cancer Research Fund International shows there is strong evidence eating whole grains, dietary fiber and dairy products decreases a person’s risk for colorectal cancer. Staying physically active also can reduce your risk for the disease.

On the other hand, eating red and processed meats, drinking alcohol and being overweight or obese increase a person’s risk for colon cancer.

READ MORE: What’s the right age to start getting Pap smear tests?

“If there’s a cancer that can be largely preventable, we should be doing everything we can to prevent it from happening in the first place, because really the best cancer to cure is the one that never happens,” said Michael F. Driscoll, M.D., gastrointestinal medical oncologist at Norton Cancer Institute. “We know that colorectal cancer is greater than 90% preventable, and often if people get their appropriate screenings on time, these maybe get found in the polyp stage before they progress on to an actual cancer.”

Along with diet and exercise, there are other factors that affect a person’s risk for colon cancer.

According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, smoking two packs of cigarettes per day increases risk for colon cancer by roughly 40% and nearly doubles the risk for death from colon cancer. Inflammatory bowel diseases, like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, also increase the risk for colon cancer.

More than one half of all colon cancer cases and deaths can be attributed to modifiable risk factors, like smoking, unhealthy diets, high alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and body weight.

“If people can stop smoking, we know that eliminates a very strong risk factor for developing colorectal cancer,“ Dr. Driscoll said. “Getting rid of those risks in your life, and then modifying your diet, getting more exercise, are sort of low-hanging fruit things that we can do to prevent, not only the risk for colorectal cancers, but other cancers as well.” 

According to the American Cancer Society, colon cancer is the third most-commonly diagnosed cancer and the third-most-common cause of cancer-related death in both men and women in the United States. Colon cancer is also the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men younger than 50 years old.

“About 140,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer ever year, and for a cancer that is over 90% preventable in the first place, people need to know their family history, need to be proactive at trying to decrease their risk and then get their screening colonoscopies on time,” Dr. Driscoll said.

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