For the May 2023 blog recap, learn about back and neck pain, and how you can find relief. With the arrival of summer that means more time outside. Learn how to prevent and identify skin cancer. We also paid tribute to EMS professionals during the 49th annual National EMS Week. Finally, learn how to access your medical records with MyChart, St. Mary's new electronic medical record system.
Back or Neck Pain? You Are Not Alone!
As anyone who experiences chronic back pain can tell you, the importance of a healthy spine cannot be overstated. The spine provides support for your entire body and contains the nerve bundles that connect your brain to nearly every part of your body. When the spine is not right, it affects everything you do and every aspect of your life. The numbers don’t lie. Most people – 80% – experience back pain at some point in their life. Approximately half a million lumbar spine surgeries are done in the United States each year. Neck surgeries make up about a quarter of a million surgeries annually. With so many people experiencing neck and back pain, it may be time to look at ways to keep your back healthy.
The 3 Major Types of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells and can develop over time when the skin is exposed to the sun. But, skin cancer can also form in areas that are not typically exposed to sunlight. A way to limit the risk of skin cancer is by limiting exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which is a normal part of sunlight and is also used in tanning equipment. It is important to check the skin for changes to help detect skin cancer at its earliest stages. The earlier skin cancer is detected, the higher your chances of treating it successfully.
Mole or Skin Cancer? Knowing the ABCDE Rule
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that is particularly dangerous because it can spread to other parts of the body. Identifying it early is important in increasing your chances for successful treatment. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or sources such as tanning beds is the leading cause of melanoma, but it can arise anywhere on the body. Look for moles or spots that are new, changing, or different on both sun-exposed and sun-protected areas of the skin. In women, melanoma is most common on the legs. For men, the trunk is the most common area for melanoma to develop.
EMS Week: Honoring Dedicated Professionals on the Front Lines of Care
This week, May 21-27, marks the 49th annual National EMS Week. This year's theme is “Where Emergency Care Begins.” Because St. Mary’s is an organization committed to people-centered care, we invite the community to join us as we extend our appreciation for the great work these men and women do day-in and day-out in our communities. EMS serves as the initial point of contact with many of the patients we serve – especially those in most urgent need of care – which means the EMS team plays a vital role in care delivery and patient experience. We want them to know they are valued members of our healthcare team.
MyChart: Access Your Medical Record
St. Mary’s now provides unprecedented access for patients to your own health information. MyChart is part of our new electronic medical record. It allows you to do everything from scheduling visits with your doctor to checking on test results. Want to ask your doctor about a medication you’re taking? You can use MyChart! Want to see when you had your last mammogram and schedule your next one? You can use MyChart! MyChart gives you access to your complete St. Mary’s electronic health record and health care team.