Words of Wisdom - by Mario Calanna
Hello Club Members,The year is coming to an end very quickly. As we recap events of the past year, it is becoming more and more imperative that any changes to our community can only come from each individual committed to taking the time to “look inside” as it were and decide that “I can make a difference” - together with others - in my house, my street, my workplace and my social connections.
The importance of “one” has been clearly demonstrated in Local and Federal voting decisions during the year. So, one cannot say: “What good will my little effort do?” or “How can I effect a better change in the community?”
The power of many “ones” makes the difference. We each need clear goals and a clear plan to achieve this difference. We need to believe in our self and have the hope and the faith, the optimism and the belief, the personal accountability and responsibility - that if it is to be it up to me and all the other me’s I know.
Taking a look in the mirror can be daunting – but it must be done. We each need to know what our purpose in life is and who we need to become to achieve this purpose and the legacy we are meant to leave.
Bob Johnston says: “The most important words are the words we say to ourselves, about ourselves when we are by ourselves”
I recommend two web sites:
If we ignore the importance of our self it will be as G.K. Chesterton said: “…..sometimes the self is more distant than a star”
Let November 2011 be the month we look at ourselves and believe in ourselves……….Mario
Skin Diseases | Lupus
Systemic lupus erythematosus (Lupus) is a disease of the immune system, which affects more than 17,000 Australians. Symptoms can be vague and vary from person to person, and consequently diagnosis can be difficult. However, once diagnosed, a combination of prescribed treatment and lifestyle adjustments enables most people with lupus to enjoy a normal life.
Lupus can affect the joints and almost every major organ in the body, including the heart, kidneys, skin, lungs and brain. The cause of Lupus is unknown but a person’s risk of developing lupus appears to be determined by genetic (hereditary). However, the onset of the disease may be triggered by environmental factors such as infection, sunlight, or stress. In autoimmune disorders such as lupus, the immune system, which is designed to protect against infection, mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues and organs.
The major hallmark of this autoimmune attack is inflammation. The course of lupus varies and is characterised by alternating periods of flares (increased disease activity) and remissions. Some people with lupus experience only mild lupus symptoms and have few complications. Others experience frequent flares that lead to moderate or even severe complications.
Lupus is most common in women (90% of cases) and the majority develop the condition between 15 and 45 years of age. When lupus occurs in children it is usually diagnosed during puberty.
Unfortunately, the warning signs of lupus can mimic the warning signs of other diseases. Common symptoms of lupus include persistent low-grade fever, extreme fatigue, and painful or swollen joints. The so-called “lupus rash”, which often manifests as a butterfly-shaped reddish or purplish rash across the bridge of the nose and cheeks, is another common medical sign.
There are blood tests that a doctor can use to help diagnose lupus, but none of these tests are definitive and diagnosis can take years to determine as the symptoms can vary so greatly.
There are different treatment options for Lupus. The aims of treatment for lupus are to reduce inflammation in tissues and to improve quality of life. Treatment must take into account of the severity and symptoms of the disease in the individual.
Skin Diseases | Melanoma
Melanoma is a form of cancer that begins in melanocytes (cells that make the pigment melanin). It may begin in a mole (skin melanoma), but can also begin in other pigmented tissues, such as in the eye or in the intestines.
Australia has the highest incidence of melanoma in the world (QLD having the highest number in Australia), with over 10,430 new cases being identified each year. Over 1,450 people die from melanoma in Australia each year.
Melanoma is the third most common cancer in Australia for both men and women. Melanoma is a young person’s disease – being the most common form of cancer in Australia for people aged between 15 – 44 years.
Melanoma is more common in people with fair complexions as they have less skin pigment to protect them against UV radiation from the sun than people with darker skin. People with dark or olive skin have more protection against skin cancer because they produce more melanin than fair skinned people, however, because UV radiation is so strong in Australia dark and olive skinned people still need to protect their skin appropriately.
Risk factors also include family history, exposure to the sun, repeated sunburn and certain types of moles. Early melanoma is often curable, whilst later stages are typically fatal. Regular skin checks are essential in the Far North.
Protect yourself in five ways:
SEEK - Seek shade to avoid exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm). Remember that reflection of UV radiation off surfaces like concrete, sand and water causes you to burn, even if you think you are protected. Use sun shelters or shade whenever possible (eg trees, umbrella, buildings).
SLIP - Try to cover as much skin as possible with clothing. Wear protective shirts which cover the back of the neck. Choose clothing with closely woven fabric to keep you cool.
SLOP - Use a sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) of 30+, which is also broad spectrum and water resistant, no matter what type of skin you have. Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going out and reapply every 2 hours, after swimming or any activity that causes you to sweat.
SLAP - Wear a broad brimmed hat to protect your face, head, ears and neck from the sun. Caps do not provide adequate protection.
SLIDE - Protect your eyes with sunglasses that meet Australian Standard AS1067.
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