June 2016 
Struggling with a healthcare issue?
Call 484-684-8526 

Meet Rebecca Czarkowski, RN, DC21's Mobile Care Coordinator Nurse, who has more than 15 years of nursing experience.  She is working on your behalf to:
 
VISIT YOU IN THE HOSPITAL or at home to assess your care needs.

 

MAKE APPOINTMENTS

so you can be seen as quickly as possible.

 

GO WITH YOU to see doctors, to ask questions and to get answers.   

 

BE YOUR GUIDE, coach and advocate for any healthcare issue. 

 

IDENTIFY PROVIDERS

for all care needs and second opinions.

 

RESOLVE PROBLEMS

with billing, claims and health insurance.

 

GET THINGS YOU NEED

such as healthcare equipment.

 

PROVIDE DECISION SUPPORT when you are thinking about treatments or surgery

 

EXPLAIN A NEW DIAGNOSIS

to help you make more informed decisions.   

 

MCC RN services are confidential and no cost to members of  

DC21 and their eligible dependents.   

  

Call today for help! 

484-684-8526  

  
Hello DC21 Members! This month's issue of our e-newsletter is about protecting your skin this summer.    
  Mike Previtera, Administrator
DC21 Health & Welfare Fund
 
Protect Your Skin  
 
Easy answer.  Everyone. People of ALL skin colors get skin cancer. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in more than 2 million people are diagnosed every year. Many of these skin cancers could have been prevented with protection.  So forget using the "I don't get sunburn" excuse--wear sunscreen. 
  • If you are outside, EVERY DAY.  The sun never stops emitting harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays all year long.
  • Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun's harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin.
  • And heads up pool and beach goers:  Sand and water increase the need for sunscreen because they reflect the sun's rays.
  • The FDA requires that all sunscreens retain their original strength for at least three years.
  • Some sunscreens include an expiration date. If the expiration date has passed, throw it out.
  • If you buy a sunscreen that does not have an expiration date, write the date you bought it on the bottle. That way you'll know when to throw it out.
  • You also can look for visible signs that the sunscreen may no longer be good.  Any obvious changes in the color or consistency of the product mean it's time to purchase a new bottle.  
  • Make sure you choose a product labeled "broad spectrum." This means it filters out both UVA and UVB rays.

How do I treat a sunburn? 

As soon as possible. In addition to stopping further UV exposure, dermatologists recommend treating a sunburn with:  
  • Cool baths to reduce the heat.
  • Moisturizer to help ease the discomfort caused by dryness. As soon as you get out of the bathtub, gently pat yourself dry, but leave a little water on your skin. Then apply a moisturizer to trap the water in your skin.
  • Hydrocortisone cream that you can buy without a prescription to help ease discomfort.
  • Aspirin or ibuprofen. This can help reduce the swelling, redness, and discomfort.
  • Drinking extra water. A sunburn draws fluid to the skin surface and away from the rest of the body. Drinking extra water prevents dehydration.
  • Do not treat with "-caine" products (such as benzocaine).
If your skin blisters, you have a second-degree sunburn. Dermatologists recommend that you:
  • Allow the blisters to heal untouched. Blisters form to help your skin heal and protect you from infection.
  • If the blisters cover a large area, such as your entire back, or you have chills, a headache, or a fever, seek immediate medical care.
With any sunburn, you should avoid the sun while your skin heals. Be sure to cover the sunburn every time before you head outdoors.
 
For more information on sunscreen and general skin care, visit the American Academy of Dermatology website.   This information can be found in greater detail there.
 


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