The lazy days of summer are officially in full swing, but now is not the time to let your guard down! The beautiful weather gives us the opportunity to get out and enjoy the outdoors, but as the saying goes, it’s important to enjoy it responsibly.
According to the American Cancer Society and the American Society of Clinical Oncologists, an estimated 3.4 million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in 2022. Here in Florida, we have to be mindful of the sun’s powerful rays year-round and especially during the summer months.
In this edition of Health News, we talk with dermatologist Dr. Alex Kennon and primary care physician Dr. Toni Adams-Pecoraro to learn more about skin cancer and detection. We also speak with Central Florida Health Care nurse practitioner Amelia Espinosa Villalobos, who underscores why it’s important for people of every skin tone, light or dark, to take cautionary measures to protect their skin from the sun.
Inside you can also learn more about a growing physician shortage in Florida and what actions the Florida Academy of Family Physicians and Florida Medical Association hope will ease the situation.
Plus, don’t miss our interview with Longwood’s Roy Reid to learn more about how his extraordinarily close call during an aortic dissection ended up being the best thing that ever happened to him.
On behalf of the Polk County Medical Association, I hope you have a safe and sunburn-free summer.