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May Personal Best newsletter now online

The May issue of the Personal Best health newsletter is now online.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Skin cancer is the most prevalent of all cancers and it is estimated that more than one million Americans develop skin cancer every year. Occupational Medicine (HSR-2) is offering free skin cancer screening clinics this month. Learn about early detection, precancerous skin conditions, self-examination and the treatment of skin cancer. Workers will be seen by appointment only; call 7-7839 to schedule a visit.

"Signs of Arthritis" is the cover story in this month's issue. This article highlights the general patterns of pain associated with arthritis and two common forms of arthritis: osteoarthritis, a thinning of the joint cartilage; and rheumatoid arthritis, which involves inflammation of the synovial membrane.

Sleep deprivation can cause fatigue, depression, accidents and reduced productivity. To prevent these problems, the National Sleep Foundation says most adults need between seven and eights hours of sleep daily, though individual needs can vary. A special report, "3-step Plan For Better Sleep" includes some of the latest NSF recommendations for improving sleep or treating insomnia. Also, read some ideas to "Write Off Your Worries" and prevent the little things from keeping you awake.

Think you might be depressed? Take the Mental Health Assessment to find out if you should seek help. If you think you should be talking to someone about depression, contact the Lab's Employee Assistance program at 7-7339.

How do generic drugs compare to their brand-name counterparts? The "Guide to Generic Drugs" answers some common questions about generic drugs. Read the answers and more in the May issue of Personal Best.

High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is called the 'good' cholesterol because it can protect the health of the heart. When HDL is high (60 or greater), it is considered a negative risk factor for heart disease, meaning it can potentially cancel out a risk factor a person may have. Read more in this month's newsletter.

Safety Solutions this month reminds employees about eye safety and hazards in the yard. Stay safe whether working in the garden or garage, at play, or at work.

The nutrition focus for May is food labels. The federal Food and Drug Administration recently loosened labeling laws to allow food suppliers to make such claims - even when those claims are based on inconclusive or limited scientific evidence. Read about the effects of these changes and what can be done to reduce confusion about health claims.

The Recipe of the Month is red and green chicken salad.

Also in this issue: test your health smarts; benefits of routine exercise; safe sleep for baby; Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month; energizing with ping-pong; Huntington's Disease Awareness Month; varicose veins; Is BMI foolproof?

Personal Best is published by Scott Publishing in Edmonds, Wash., and is part of the Lab's Positive Health Directions program in HSR-2 and Benefits and Employment Services (HR-B).

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