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 When at the pool or lake we all lather up with sun screen to protect our skin from the harmful rays of the sun. But do we remember to apply sunscreen to our feet? Many don"t realize skin cancer can occur on the feet from unprotected sun exposure, and overlook applying sunscreen to the area. But, physicians from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons warn skin cancer of the foot is prevalent and can even be fatal if not caught early. While all types of skin cancer,
including squamous cell and basal cell carcinoma, can be found on the foot, the most common is the most serious form, melanoma. Symptoms can be as subtle as an abnormal-looking mole or freckle found anywhere on the foot, and often go unnoticed without routine foot exams. According to foot and ankle surgeon Thanh Dinh, DPM, FACFAS, early diagnosis is key to effective treatment for the condition. But because people aren"t looking for the early warning signs or taking the same precautions they do for other
areas of the body, often times skin cancer in this region is not diagnosed until later stages. "I advise my patients to regularly inspect their feet, including the soles, in between their toes and even under their toenails, for any changing moles or spots and to have any suspicious areas promptly examined by a foot and ankle specialist," Dr. Dinh explains.
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The number of people killed by individuals suffering from mental illness in England and Wales increased between 1997 and 2005, figures show. The rise occurred in people who were not under mental health care and was not found in mental health patients. The annual report by the National Confidential Inquiry into Suicide and Homicide by People with Mental Illness also found: * a fall in suicide by mental health patients overall and a continued fall in suicide by in-patients
* suicide following absconding from the ward remains a serious problem * however, few serious incidents occurred following absconding from secure units The University of Manchester research, funded by the National Patient Safety Agency, examines suicide and homicide data for people with mental illness for England and Wales. The figures relate to 1997-2006 for suicide and 1997-2005 for homicide. The report found that there had been an increase in the number of homicides committed by people with mental illness
at the time of the offence from 54 in 1997 to over 70 in 2004 and 2005. There was also a rise in the number of homicides by people with schizophrenia - from 25 in 1997 to 46 in 2004 and an estimated 40 in 2005.
Abortion coverage could become the next "sticking point" in debates over health reform between the House leadership and conservative Democrats, the Los Angeles Times reports. During most of the battle over a health care overhaul, abortion-related issues have taken a "back seat" to clashes between House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Henry Waxman (D-Calif.) and fiscally conservative Blue Dog Democrats over the cost of the House bill (HR 3200). However,
reproductive health issues are increasingly coming into play, with some other conservative Democrats threatening to withdraw support for the bill if coverage of abortion services is not explicitly excluded from receiving federal funding. Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.) and 18 fellow Democrats in June wrote a letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) stating that they "cannot support any health care proposal unless it excludes abortion from the scope of any government-defined or subsidized health insurance
plan."
Senate Finance Committee members negotiating a sweeping health care reform package are close to dropping a requirement that employers provide health insurance for employees as well as a government-run public insurance plan to forge a compromise, The Associated Press reports. "After weeks of secretive talks, three Democrats and three Republicans on the Senate Finance Committee were edging closer to a compromise that excludes a requirement many congressional Democrats
seek for large businesses to offer coverage to their workers. Nor would there be a provision for a government insurance option, despite Obama"s support for such a plan, officials said." Senate leaders "stressed that no agreement has been reached on a bipartisan measure, and said there is no guarantee of one, with numerous key issues remaining to be settled. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity, saying they were not authorized to discuss matters under private negotiations."