6 Ways You’re Actually Making Your Bug Bites Worse

It takes a surprising amount of willpower to resist scratching those irritating, red bumps we call mosquito bites. Even then, sometimes you just have to give in and scratch, and scratch some more, until your heart’s content. Unfortunately, though, the relief that scratching provides is short-lived, and may even make the itchiness worse in the long-run (bummer!).

And why are mosquito bites so itchy anyway? It isn’t because of mosquitoes’ suckers, and it definitely isn’t because of the bite itself, it’s actually due to your own immune system. 

Turns out, when a female mosquito bites you—because male mosquitoes don’t bite humans—they inject saliva into your blood stream to prevent clotting. But our bodies don’t exactly like their protein-filled saliva, so in response they produce histamines. Which is why you’re left with an itchy, red bump just hours later.

Once the itchiness fully settles in, what are you supposed to do? Since scratching isn’t exactly an option. Maybe the ole standby—topical creams—will help? Or maybe a few creative remedies will do the trick? It’s tough to say. Unfortunately some of the most popular options out there may actually make the itch even worse (yikes!). Things like:

1.    A soothing soak.

While there’s no doubt that a nice warm bath with your favorite bath bomb or a calming hot shower is the perfect way to end a stressful day, it’s just going to irritate your mosquito bite. That’s because hot water strips the moisture from your skin, and dry skin equals itchy skin.

2.    Applying antibacterial treatments.

This is definitely a no-brainer when it comes to an injury, like a cut or scrape, but antibacterial treatments aren’t designed to do much for a mosquito bite (except clean it). Plus, common options, like rubbing alcohol, will further dry out the skin and amplify itchiness.

3.    Using a lot of topical cream.

As effective as antihistamines can be in minimizing the symptoms of allergies—including bug bites—you can have too much of a good thing. So the next time you have a mosquito bite, don’t just lather on the antihistamine cream as you may develop a sensitivity to it (causing more itchy, red bumps).

4.    Trying some alternative options.

People definitely get creative when it comes to treating mosquito bites. Everything from putting saliva on them to making “x” indentations have been said to work, but chances are you’ll just end up making yourself more susceptible to infection. After all, scratching or making indentations may puncture your skin, and using your saliva could be bad news since it isn’t exactly bacteria-free.

5.    Going all natural.

Essential oils, honey and other botanicals continue to become more and more popular, but it’s important to use them with caution. For instance, honey has been shown to have antibacterial properties, but not antihistamine or anti-inflammatory properties (which is what you need for mosquito bites). Furthermore, essential oils or herbs (like basil) can help to minimize itch, but the results vary from person to person.

6.    You assume it’s a mosquito bite.

If you have a new itchy, red bump—and it’s summer—it’s safe to assume that it’s a mosquito bite—right? While that’s a fair guess, there are a ton of other causes that you may be overlooking, like eczema, heat rash, contact dermatitis, sun allergy, staph, another type of bug bite or something else entirely.

So if you try a cold compress and/or a topical steroid cream (i.e. cortisone)—some of the best ways to combat the itchiness of a mosquito bite—and it doesn’t get any better, or you notice additional symptoms, like nausea, fever, headache, weakness or shortness of breath, it’s time to see a healthcare provider. That's why the experts at ChoiceOne Urgent Care are available seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., to get you through all of summer’s illnesses and injuries. 

6 Healthy Ways To Bounce Back After A Decadent Getaway

The same things that make the 4^th of July holiday so magical—stuffing your face with tasty, grilled foods; soaking up the sunshine for hours and staying up far too late watching dazzling fireworks—are the same things that are making you drag post-celebration. Now don’t get us wrong, we all love fireworks and patriotic-themed treats as much as the next person. But the bottom line is its just tough—if not impossible—to bounce back to 100% after days and nights of celebrating—right?

So, if your Independence Day celebration has you feeling low on energy, extra bloated and a few pounds heavier, you aren’t the only one. But not to worry, there are simple ways to get back on track with your healthy habits—and feeling better than ever—post-holiday.

1.    Grab a cold one. Chances are that in the midst of your holiday fun, drinking water probably wasn’t at the top of your to-do list. And who could blame you? Fresh juice or soda pairs well with a burger.

Unfortunately, though, eating salty foods, consuming sugary drinks and/or alcohol, and spending ample time in the sun, compounds dehydration. So grab a cold bottle of water to fight off fatigue, remove toxins, improve concentration and mood, deter headaches, ease constipation and boost your metabolism. And remember, you should be getting at least 8 glasses daily.

2.    Catch some rays. Before you pack your beach tote, we aren’t talking about planting yourself next to the pool all day long. Instead, we are talking about getting some sunlight first thing in the morning.

Not only will this help to reset your sleep-wake schedule, it will also help to boost your mood and energy levels, while also lowering your blood pressure.

3.    Be kind. Overeating and under-sleeping is a dangerous combination—one that would leave just about anyone feeling crappy. And while we all know that indulging doesn’t do your health any favors, there’s no need to beat yourself up about it.

After all, this will only make you feel worse than you already do. Make sure to give yourself time to reset after all the stress, energy and effort that went into celebrating this festive day. Don’t worry, the gym will still be there tomorrow.

4.    Fill your tummy. While it might sound counterintuitive to continue eating when you feel bloated and full from that delicious 4^thof July menu, it’s important to replenish your body with whole vitamins and nutrients.

Eating unprocessed foods—lean protein, fruits and veggies—will help to reset your digestive tract. Even better, reach for fiber-filled foods, like oats, beans and berries, to continue moving things through your bowel. And try eating earlier in the night to ensure that a full tummy doesn’t interfere with a sound night’s sleep.

5.    Snooze it up. The best part of the 4^th of July happens after dark. Unfortunately, this translates into much later bedtimes for most of us. So, if you’re tired from a late night (that was totally worth it) this doesn’t necessarily mean that a siesta is in order (bummer!).

Instead, you’re likely better off waiting until your routine bedtime so you’re tired enough to sleep through the night. And set up your room to be sleep friendly: cool (ideally 68 degrees or less), free of any electronics (blue light impacts sleep pattern), quiet (or a white noise machine) and an extra comfy, supportive mattress.

6.    Get Moving. One of the best ways to revive yourself after a day (or two) off of your healthy routine is to get moving again. Thankfully, it doesn’t take much to boost your metabolism and perk-up your energy and mood.

If you’re just itching to get outside for a sweaty exercise session, make sure to watch for signs of heat cramps (pain/spasms in legs, excessive sweating and flushed skin), heat exhaustion (dizziness, nausea, headache and cold/clammy skin) and heat stroke (confusion, slurred speech, rapid heartbeat and breathing).

If you notice any of the above symptoms that could be result of a heat-related illness, make sure to seek immediate medical care. At GMC, our emergency departments and Children’s Emergency Center, are open to care for you and your family 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and are staffed by expert doctors and nurses specially trained in emergency care.

While heat-related illnesses can be an emergency, if you’re experiencing other minor illnesses and injuries, you can count on the experts at ChoiceOne Urgent Care. With care available seven days a week, 8 A-M to 8 P-M, they can provide comprehensive care that’s close to home.

7 Things You Should Probably Know About Sunshine, But Don’t

Summertime is filled with long days of sunshine, sweet sunshine. But as delightful as it is to spend the whole afternoon soaking it up, all those UV rays can come back to bite you—does anyone have aloe? So, while you all know the importance of applying ample sunscreen (at least 1 ounce), 20 minutes before you head out—don’t skip those ears or toes—there are a few quick facts you may have missed.

1.    What time of the day are UV rays most intense?

The short answer is 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. So, if you’re out and about during these peak hours, make sure that you’re bringing your A-game in terms of sun protection. And don’t forget that UV rays can reflect off of surfaces, including water, cement and sand.

2.    What’s the best form of UV protection?

If you hear that lovely summer weather calling your name, get out there and enjoy it. But make sure that in addition to sunscreen—which is essential—that you have a wide-brimmed hat (which can be super cute), sunglasses (that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays) and don’t skip the lipscreen.

3.    Speaking of sunscreen, how does it work?

Most of us just lather on this magic lotion, spray or gel without giving much thought to how it protects us from all those damaging rays. So what exactly does sunscreen do? As long as it’s broad spectrum—meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays—it works by absorbing, reflecting and scattering UV rays.

4.    How high of an SPF do you really need?

While the answer to this question depends on who you ask, the truth is that SPF 30 is the recommended minimum—and it’s hard to beat. That’s because SPF 30 blocks 97% of the suns UV rays, and SPF 50 blocks 98.5% of the suns UV rays. So the SPF decision is up to you, but make sure that it’s at least SPF 30.

5.    What is the UV index? And how does it apply to you?

The UV Index was developed in 1994 by the National Weather Service and the Environmental Protection Agency. It gives a forecast of the expected risk of exposure to UV rays and recommends what degree of caution you should take when outdoors. The range given now follows the Global Solar UV Index: from 1 (low risk of exposure) to 11 and higher (extreme risk of exposure). It’s never a bad idea to check your local weather and see what the UV index reading is for your area.

6.    Is there anything that makes sunburns more likely?

If you’ve got all the sun-protection bases covered, make sure you don’t overlook everyday things like citrus juice, perfume and medications like Ibuprofen, Doxycycline and sulfa medications, all of which can make your skin more susceptible to sunburn.

7.    Besides your skin, can the sun harm your health?

When it comes to the sunshine, the top health concerns are skin cancer and sunburns. While you may just brush off sunburns as no big deal, did you know that just 5 sunburns in your lifetime can double your risk of melanoma? And despite this serious risk, only 14% of American men and 30% of American women regularly use sunscreen when outside for more than an hour (yikes!). So, it’s time to get serious about sun protection, for your skin—and your lips and eyes.

However, in the event that you’re battling a severe sunburn, it’s important to find relief. And sometimes the aloe, ice packs, cold baths and hydrating foods just don’t cut it. That’s where the experts at ChoiceOne Urgent Care come in. With care available seven days a week, 8 A-M to 8 P-M, they can provide comprehensive care for all of summer’s illnesses and injuries.

Get Your Glow On With These Superfoods

Gorgeous, glimmering, supple skin? Yes please. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was some way to capture summertime radiance without baking in the sun for hours or spending a small fortune on assorted lotions, creams and serums? Oh wait, there is. And the best part is you can enjoy tasty foods while you nourish your skin—and the rest of your body—at the same time.

It seems like that old saying of true beauty starts from within is absolutely true in this case. That’s because your skin thrives with nutrients like vitamins A, B, C, E, K (basically the whole alphabet), collagen, fatty acids and more. And because it’s difficult—if not impossible—to find a magic lotion with all of these ingredients, why not go straight to the source instead?

Sheila Warren, RN, GMC’s Wellness Navigator, shares the key skin-loving nutrients you should be eating (and what foods you can find them in).

1.    Antioxidants (aka: vitamins C & E, plus Selenium): If pesky free radicals are your skin’s top enemy, then antioxidants are basically superheroes. That’s because antioxidants help to protect your skin from damage, toxins and aging factors.

To keep everything from wrinkles and dry skin to hyperpigmentation at bay, stock up on: blueberries, green tea (it’s most potent when hot), citrus fruits, spinach and sweet potatoes.

2.    Vitamin A (aka: beta-carotene, retinol): While you’ve probably heard of retinol as one of the most popular anti-aging ingredients in lotion, you may not know that it’s also something you can eat. Well, sort of. Beta-carotene, which the body converts into retinol, helps your skin with cell turnover and renewal, as well as luminosity.

To keep your complexion clear and your glow game strong, make sure to eat: carrots, bell peppers, blueberries, apricots and sweet potatoes.

3.    Fatty Acids (aka: Omega-3, 6 and 9 Fatty Acids): You’ve likely heard the most about omega-3 fatty acids, but omega-6 and -9 fatty acids are no slouches, either. Omega fatty acids can help with everything from lowering cholesterol and reducing joint pain to helping strengthen and hydrate your skin, as well as fight off inflammation.

To give your skin that youthful, dewy look, enjoy: tuna, avocados, salmon, walnuts and safflower oil.

4.    Collagen: As the most abundant protein in your body, collagen is essential for muscles, bones, digestion, skin and more. Unfortunately, though, as we age collagen production continues to slow down (womp, womp) and eating sugary foods doesn’t help that process.

To give your skin a boost of elasticity and plumpness, try bone broth—which may sound weird, but it’s full of collagen.

Summer-proof your skin. Now that you have a menu fit for goddess-level skin, let’s not forget the importance of healthy habits, like washing your face, using a balanced lotion and staying hydrated. However, despite your best efforts to have a normal skin routine and eat all the blueberries and sweet potatoes you can, if you’re still having trouble (bug bites, sunburn, dermatitis…etc., or all of the above) ask an expert for help.

Whether you’re in search of medical information, preventative care or recommendations for diagnostics and treatment, GMC’s Wellness Navigator is there to offer support at every stage of your health journey. Remember, there is no health concern too small.

6 Super Easy Ways To Stop Brain Freeze—All Summer Long

When it’s hot, hot, hot, we’re all desperately searching for the best way to cool down—and fast! So, what’s your go-to option? Maybe it’s taking a dip in the pool. Or pouring a big glass of sweet tea and sitting in the shade. But what day is complete without a double scoop of cookies ‘n’ cream or a scoop of salted caramel in a cone? After all, ice cream just fits with summer—like peanut butter and jelly, salt and pepper, and maple syrup and pancakes.

However, as every experienced ice-cream eater knows, eating this tasty summer treat too fast can come back to bite you. When you experience brain freeze (aka: an ice cream headache), the sharp pain is enough to make you want to toss the rest of that rocky road (say it isn't so!). Now you're probably wondering what’s causing this annoying pain? After all, ice cream isn’t thatcold—is it?

What is brain freeze?

When you eat or drink something cold—a slushy, snow cone, milkshake…etc.—the roof of your mouth responds to the rapid loss of heat by sending a message to your brain. As a result, the blood vessels in your forehead start to widen, increasing blood flow. The nerves surrounding these blood vessels start to ache in response to the increased pressure. So no, your brain isn’t actually freezing.

How can you pump the breaks on brain freeze?

We get it, sometimes that strawberries ‘n’ cream milkshake is just too good to sip, so inevitably you get a brain freeze. Heck, nearly all of us will experience one at some point this summer. Here’s what you can do to get relief fast (and get back to devouring your cool treat):

·         Fold your tongue over and press it to the roof of your mouth (the bottom side of your tongue will help to warm up your palette)

·         Blow air onto your hands (the warm air as you exhale will help to warm up the roof of your mouth)

·         Reach for water, or another beverage that isn’t too cold, as this will help to warm up your palette

·         Tilt your head backwards for 10 seconds or more

To prevent brain freeze…

·         Eat slowly at first, to give the nerves in your mouth a chance to adjust to the cold temperature (and the deliciousness). After the first few bites, you can try eating faster

·         Take a break before you swallow (holding your frosty treat in your mouth before swallowing can help to minimize brain freeze) Who knew?

·         You can also try to keep cold foods towards the front of your mouth before swallowing as the nerve endings towards the back of your mouth are the sensitive ones

Get the scoop on headaches.

While a brain freeze can put a damper on enjoying summertime treats, the pain and discomfort is only temporary. Whereas frequent tension headaches, migraines and sinus headaches may not be. To help you better understand your unique condition, Gwinnett Medical Group Primary Care offers an extensive range of diagnostic services, treatments and resources. With GMG’s knowledgeable and personable experts, your care will always be our top priority. 

Happy World Oceans Day!

Ditch The Itch: 4 Plants You Should Definitely Avoid This Summer

We all know to steer clear of the three poison amigos—also known as poison ivy, oak and sumac. But have you ever really stopped to think about what these plants actually look like and how to avoid them? Chances are you aren’t the only one who may be drawing a blank here (did we miss the lesson on poison ivy 101?).

So in case you’re one of the many who doesn’t know the facts about poison ivy and oak by heart (does it always have 3 leaves or is it 5?), we thought it would be a good idea to provide a quick refresher on what these plants look like, where they grow and what other plants may cause some serious itching—besides these 3.

Here is your summer survival guide: plant edition

1.    What: Poison ivyis the notorious plant that inspired the old adage, “Leaves of three, let them be.” In addition to leaflets of 3 and its vine or shrub shape, you should watch for different colored leaves throughout the different seasons—reddish in the spring, green in the summer and yellow, orange or red in the fall.  

                                                 

Where:Thanks to the lovely climate of GA, and a variety of landscapes, you can find poison ivy just about anywhere—along the road, on a fence post, in a sunny setting or in the woods—you name it, it’s there.

Why: The dreaded rash that usually forms after touching poison ivy is due to oil in the plant sap—which is on its leaves and stems—called urushiol. The oil will typically cause a reaction (consisting of blistering, itchy rash) within 12-72 hours. And contrary to popular belief, this rash is not contagious, even if it seems to spread.

2.    What: Poison Oak, often mistaken for poison ivy, is a shrubby or viney plant that has three leaves with a classic oak leaf shape (but it’s unrelated to the oak tree). Poison oak usually has leaves that are a deep green (sometimes reddish), with a lighter underside. And if it has any berries, they will hang in clusters and be yellow-white.

Where: Poison oak isn’t nearly as common as poison ivy. So if you do spot some growing, it will likely be in a dry, sunny area.

Why: Just like its ivy counterpart, poison oak causes a reaction from urushioloil that can lead to a painful, itchy rash with blistering. Typically a rash will appear within 12 to 72 hours after contact and it will subside in just a few itchy weeks.

3.    What: Stinging Nettle, just like the poisonous trio, stinging nettle has a few relatives, like bull nettle, nettle tree and wood nettle, which can all cause painful, itchy reactions. With its bright green, jagged leaves, stinging nettle is sure to catch your attention. If its color doesn’t, you’ll likely notice its tall, single stem that grows upwards of 8 feet.

Where: While stinging nettle is common throughout GA, you’ll most likely notice it in dense, shady areas—in other words, the perfect place for a stream-side hike.

Why: This plant definitely got its name for a reason. With microscopic, stinging hairs that grow on the leaves, and sometimes on the stem, you’ll feel a painful, sting accompanied by burning/itching and sometimes blistering. These symptoms will appear as soon as you touch it, but they’ll likely go away within 24 hours—thankfully!

4.    What: Leadwort, while may sound like a made-up plant name, plumbagois actually more common than you might think. It’s often utilized in gardening because of its ability to provide ample ground cover, along with dusty blue flowers that grow all summer long—pretty right?

Where: Because plumbago is often purposefully planted, you are most likely to see it in gardens with part or full sun. While it’s most popular use is groundcover, you may notice it cascading down fences, along borders or in containers.

Why:Despite its frequent use in gardens for that pop of blue color, plumbago can be extremely irritating if you touch it. Often times, handling it will lead to redness, irritation and blistering on contact, so try to resist touching those eye-catching flowers.

I’ve touched one of these plants, now what?

In this instance, rubbing alcohol and water—seriously, a lot of water—are your best friends to help remove any oil or sap. If you can wash off the oil within 5 minutes, you may be able to avoid a rash—fingers crossed.

If the oil has been on the skin for more than 5 minutes, you should still wash your skin, just for good measure and to prevent the oil from spreading. And don’t forget to clean off any clothing, outdoor gear, furniture or flooring to prevent spreading the oil around.

And add oatmeal to your lukewarm (not hot) bath water and soak in it to help ease itching, especially with poison ivy. And while you’re at it, grab some calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream, or an over-the-counter antihistamine to get some relief. And if resisting the itch is getting to be too much—because it’s darn hard not to give in and scratch it—or you notice other symptoms, like a fever, swelling or discomfort, get the care—and itch-relief—you need, exactly when you need it. 

5 Summer Headache Triggers (And How To Avoid Them)

Headaches are pretty awful, just ask the millions of Americans who have suffered from one or more in the last year (or last week). But when your head is pounding, the prevalence of headaches is little consolation (especially when summer has only just begun). There are so many things to be out enjoying; sunshine, pool time, relaxation—pretty much anything other than a headache.

And while the warm weather is one of the most beloved parts of the season, it’s also one of the worst triggers for headaches of all types. In fact, according to a recent study, higher temperatures can increase both frequency and intensity of headaches. At least you’ll have an excuse to stay cool in the air conditioning all summer long—right?

In all seriousness, though, there are several headache hazards that you may encounter this season, high temperatures being just one of them. Pain-proof your summer by avoiding these 5 triggers:

1.    Hot Dogs: Whether you’re someone who enjoys your dog covered with mustard and relish or burned to a crisp, it makes no difference as hot dogs are full of nitrites (so are bacon and salami). While nitrates are present in many healthy foods, when processed meats are cooked at high temperatures (like grilling), they turn into nitrosamines, which are no good.

Helpful Hint: Opt for the other summer staple, a juicy, tasty (turkey) burger.

2.    Dehydration: Drinking water is always important—no matter the time of year—but since sweating is at an all-time high during the summer months, it bears repeating. Even being slightly dehydrated is hard on your body and will likely cause a headache sooner rather than later. Other subtle signs you may be dehydrated, include bad breath, lethargy and muscle cramps.

Helpful Hint: Try infusing your water with fresh fruit to add some flavor and nutrients. Also, enjoy snacking on seasonal favorites, like watermelon, that are full of water.

3.    Sunshine: Your skin isn’t the only thing that can get a sunburn. That’s right, overexposure to UV rays can cause damage to the surface of your eyes, similar to a sunburn. And if you aren’t sporting protective shades, this makes eye strain, fatigue and headaches more likely.

Helpful Hint: Make sure those stylish sunnies block at least 99% of UV rays. And to complete your summer ensemble, add a hat to block additional light.

4.    Sunscreen: This summertime must is often filled with various fragrances and scents, which is what makes it smell like summer in a bottle. But when paired with other scents found in bug spray, perfumes and other essentials, fragrant sunscreen can lead to smell overload and headaches.

Helpful Hint: When available, choose no-fragrance options or mild scents.

5.    Change in routine: All those lazy afternoons, fun late nights and exotic vacations are what make summertime so magical. However, lazy afternoons can lead to skipping meals, which make headaches more likely. And if that doesn’t do it, late nights and a lack of sleep certainly will.

Helpful Hint: There’s no denying that your health thrives with routine, that’s why it’s so important to stay up-to-date with routine primary care visits. As the health expert that knows you best, your primary care provider can help you avoid headaches with helpful tips—like safe summer exercises and storing your medications while traveling—while also tackling other summer bummers.

Find your healthy summer at GMC Primary Care & Specialty Center-Suwanee. With extensive services, helpful resources and personal support, you’ll be able to make the most of this special season. Peace of mind is possible with expert health care you can always count on.

6 Hidden Skin Cancer Symptoms You Can't See

Skin cancer—there’s no faster mood-killer when enjoying the summer sun. That’s probably because on some level, we all know that spending ample time in the sunshine, especially without proper protection, really isn’t healthy.

But because it feels so darn good to be in the warmth of the sunshine, most of us continue to soak up the afternoon rays anyway. Which is partly why skin cancer is consistently the most common type of cancer year after year, with millions of new, non-melanoma cases diagnosed annually.

Yet another reason skin cancer is so prevalent: people dismiss it as being minor, or not life-threatening, but this can lead to a late-stage diagnosis. While skin cancer diagnosed at a late stage is still treatable, it can be much more dangerous.

So, in addition to practicing safe sun protection, the best thing you can do is to learn the early warning signs and symptoms. In addition to the ABCDE ruleof skin cancer, you’ll want to remember that symptoms aren’t always just skin deep.

Here are 6 hidden signs you may be overlooking:

   1. Lumps. While skin cancer often appears as some type of bump on the surface of your skin (i.e., a mole or patch), this isn’t always the case. If you feel a lump under the surface of your skin, especially in your armpit, neck or groin, this may be a sign of skin cancer that has spread to your lymph nodes.

   2. Cramping. You may expect to have stomach cramping during that time of the month or after you eat something that doesn’t quite agree with you, but if you’re having diarrhea, constipation, cramps or pain (especially in the upper right side of your abdomen), this could be a sign of hidden melanoma that has spread.

   3. Breathing problems. Not unlike stomach pain, shortness of breath and/or a frequent cough could be the result of many common conditions—asthma, allergies, bronchitis or a cold—just to name a few. However, it could also be a sign that melanoma has spread to your lungs, but this is less likely.

   4. Aches and pains. Before you shrug off that achy joint as arthritis or overuse, it’s important to keep in mind that it could be something else, like melanoma. Often times, skin symptoms will heal over time, while spreading beneath the surface to lymph nodes and surrounding bones. Make sure to monitor unusual joint pain, especially if you don’t have a history of discomfort.

   5. Vision changes. Similar to skin symptoms, melanoma may produce early-stage symptoms in your eyes. Because of melanocytes, a specific type of cell that produces pigment, can be a primary source of skin cancer. If you notice any changes in your vision, like impairment or blurriness, this may be a warning sign of melanoma.

   6. Headaches. Yet another common symptom that could be the result anything from screen time and dehydration to stress and poor posture, persistent headaches may be a symptom of melanoma. In addition to headaches, melanoma may also lead to seizures or other cognitive problems.

On the bright side…

There’s no denying that skin cancer is scary, but the good news is: it’s preventable. That doesn’t mean you have to spend all of your time indoors, though; you can enjoy time in the great outdoors by remembering that sunscreen—even when you think you don’t need it—hats, sunglasses and shade are your best friends.

But if you notice any irregularities, whether they’re on your skin or not, it’s essential to work with your health care team. At GMC Health Park-Hamilton Mill, you’ll receive care catered to you. With a spa-like ambiance, convenient amenities and the latest treatment options, you’ll enjoy a comfortable, healing environment while you receive personalized care and services, including: primary care, OB/GYN, gastroenterology, cancer care, cardiology, orthopedics and comprehensive imagining.