As summer approaches, melanoma skin cancer may be far from your mind. However, before you step outside to bask in the sun’s warmth on the first nice day of the season, make sure that you’re taking the proper precautions to protect against this serious, potentially fatal, condition.  In recognition of May’s designation as National Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month, here’s what you need to know about melanoma, how to protect against this deadly skin cancer, and alternative options when it comes to getting a coveted tan this summer.  What Is Melanoma?  Melanoma is the deadliest skin cancer,...

As public health professionals, there is no one-size-fits-all messaging to reach different populations with key public health concepts and campaigns. Thoughtful deliberation about reaching diverse groups is essential for success in communicating information that will lead people to live healthier lifestyles. The goal is to engage communities with tailored communication about health promotion, disease prevention, and treatment. According to the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, inclusive communication is relevant to everyone, should be adopted at the individual, organizational,...

Although COVID cases have been dropping since January, we are starting to see another increase. The concern about new variants has continued to draw attention to the second round of COVID booster shots available for some individuals. Individuals aged 50 and older who have already received a COVID booster are now eligible to get a second. Some younger people who are immunocompromised can also get the booster. However, the decision to obtain a fourth COVID shot might not seem straightforward to some individuals. New Guidelines for the Second COVID Booster Last March, the U.S. Food and Drug...

A highly pathogenic bird flu virus (H5N1) has infected more than 40 wild bird species and is now sweeping through U.S. farms and chicken yards. It has spread to at least 30 states less than two months after the first outbreak was reported in a commercial flock. This strain of bird flu virus has turned up in everything from crows to pelicans to bald eagles. Nearly 24 million birds have died either because they died from the virus or were killed to prevent its spread. According to the Des Moines Register, some farms have had to kill more than 5 million chickens at a single site. The goal is to...

Immunization is one of the most effective medical interventions. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and its strain on medical care facilities have caused vaccinations to slow down. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 23 million children went without life-saving vaccines in 2020. Adults and children need regular immunizations to maintain their protection against disease. World Immunization Week (WIW) started April 24 and represents the collective effort among public health experts, citizens, and healthcare providers to promote vaccination for all ages. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease...