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Georgia
Man Warns Others
When Phillip
Hart of Odum, Georgia, was in his mid- 40s, he noticed a small,
unusual spot forming on the lower portion of his nose, near
his right cheek.
“It
was kind of white and flaky, but the skin underneath was very
red and it burned,” said Hart. He monitored the spot
for about 10 days, waiting to see if it would go away. When
it did not, he decided to see dermatologist Sidney Smith,
III, M.D., in Jesup. Hart was diagnosed with squamous cell
carcinoma, a fast-growing form of skin cancer. At first, he
didn’t believe the diagnosis.
“I
work indoors as an electrician. I’m not even outside
that much. But, the doctor said my cancer could have started
35 years ago, when I was growing up on a farm and was always
outside,” said Hart. The cancer was in Hart’s
nerves and needed to be removed quickly. The entire right
side of his nose had to be surgically removed. Hart was then
referred to Savannah Plastic Surgery Associates for reconstructive
surgery. He underwent nine surgeries over a period of four
years. Today, at age 50, he has made a full recovery and is
pleased with the results.
“I’m
thankful to be alive and to be doing as well as I am,”
said Hart. The father of two regularly reminds his children
to wear sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats when they’re
outdoors. He has similar advice for others.
“The
best thing you can do is to avoid getting skin cancer in the
first place. Use precautions and stay out of the sun. Even
in the winter months the sun can damage your skin,”
said Hart.
It is
sound advice from somebody who has experienced the damaging
effects of the sun firsthand. To protect your skin, limit
the amount of time you spend in the sun, especially between
the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and
tightly woven clothing. And, apply a sunscreen that contains
both UVA and UVB protection and has an SPF of at least 25.
Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your lips, ears,
and the backs of your hands. Most important, encourage young
children to exercise caution in the sun and avoid tanning
beds. Often, skin cancer is the result of damage received
during childhood. Finally, contact your doctor if you notice
any unusual moles or lesions on your skin, especially if they
itch, bleed, change shape, or grow quickly. With common sense
and caution, many skin cancers can be avoided.
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Rocky
wants to help you learn how to manage your money wisely and
to help you reach all your money goals. Choose the words that
best fit into the sentences below to receive a special message
from Rocky to you.
1.
Good places for kids to earn money on their savings.
a. zoos
b. bus stops
c. credit unions
2.
Your family members show that they love you by taking good
___________ of you.
a. book
b. care
c. scrub
3.
The storyteller told us a story __________ three little bears
and a curious little girl.
a. about
b. over
c. under
4.
We know it’s lot of fun to be ________________!
a. purple
people eaters
b. bowls of lima beans
c. kids
SPECIAL
MESSAGE:
| __________ |
__________ |
__________ |
__________ |
| 1. |
2. |
3. |
4. |
COMING
SOON!
Look for your Altamaha Federal Credit Union
Credit Card coming this fall. Applications will be mailed
soon! |
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