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April 23, 2013
HEALTH
Current in Fishers
www.currentinfishers.com
Treating skin pigment problems Commentary by Brooke Tetrault Treating pigment-related skin conditions like sun spots can actually be one of the most dramatic improvements DERMATOLOGY in the overall tone and youthfulness of skin. Skin cells called melanocytes produce pigment called melanin, which is the source of skin’s color and a key component of defense against UV exposure. This pigment production can also be the result of exposure to heat and hormonal shifts. When melanocytes no longer respond to the normal rules of growth and melanin production, perhaps from repeated UV damage, they can result in malignancy. It is important to consult with a physician to rule out any suspicion for abnormal lesions, such as melanoma, before undergoing any cosmetic treatment. A yearly dermatologic skin check and proper sunscreen is always recommended. Always be careful if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. For benign, unwanted pigment concerns, one can be fairly aggressive with laser treatments. IPL (Intense Pulsed Light), a flashlamp device, is probably the most popular procedure used for the treatment of pigment. It involves targeting and breaking down the melanin pigment in the
skin. Patients experience initial darkening of the pigment, which is then naturally exfoliated – or helped along greatly with medical-grade topical skin care during the course of the subsequent days. Medical-grade topical skin care can involve hydroquinone. Less effective treatments like soy-based and lower strength products overthe-counter are mostly recommended for maintenance at best. Hydroquinone has more than 30 years of use in skin care. It can also be misleadingly known as “bleaching” cream, but only inhibits the production of extra melanin. It is a substance that directly inhibits the key enzyme responsible for the final step of melanin (pigment) production, unlike less effective overthe-counter products. In prescription strength, medical-grade quality, over a limited body surface area and under the care of a physician, it is safe. There are so many ways to help treat unwanted skin pigment, and it is always best to seek the recommendation of your skin care physician for dramatic results. Brooke Tetrault is director of operations at ClarityMD and can be reached at 571-8900 or info@ ClarityMD.com.
Doctor William Capello honored
for university clinical affairs with the IU School of Medicine; Dr. Michael Meneghini, director of joint replacement at IU Health Saxony Hospital Dr. William Capello, an orthopedic surgeon, and assistant professor of orthopedic surgery; was honored recently at IU Health Saxony Hospiand more. tal for his accomplishments in the field. Fitzgerald brought up patient surIncluded in the ceremony was the veys, pointing out, among other high dedication of the Dr. William N. Capello numbers, that 100 percent of those who Education Center at the Saxony location, responded said Capello always treated 13000 E. 136th St. Community seminars, them with respect. classes and training will be held there. “Bill Capello is an extremely accomCapello’s 35-year career at the IU plished hip surgeon who positively imSchool of Medicine included a 20-year Capello pacted our specialty for generations to stint as professor of orthopedic surgery. There to give remarks were Daniel F. Evans, Jr., come,” Meneghini stated in a news release. Capello is internationally known and also is president and CEO of IU Health; Jonathon Goble, emeritus professor of the Indiana University president and CEO of IU Health Saxony Hospital; School of Medicine. Dr. John Fitzgerald, president and CEO of IU Health Physicians and executive associate dean news@currentinwestfield.com
DISPATCHES Spinal health walk – Indiana Spine Group is hosting the We’ve Got Your Back Race & Health Fair, an inaugural 5K, 1-mile fun run/walk and health fair on Saturday. The race steps off at 9 a.m. at 13225 N. Meridian St., Carmel, and the run/walk follows. Event proceeds will support the Spinal Research Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving spinal health care through research, education and patient advocacy. The event will also celebrate the achievements of patients who have overcome debilitating neck or back pain to regain their lives, such as honorary event chair Capt. Rita Burris, public information officer with the Indianapolis Fire Dept.
Crib bumper pads exchanged for sleep sacks – Each year, about 2,300 infants die from sudden infant death syndrome. To help families practice safe sleep habits, Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St.Vincent, St.Vincent Women’s Services and The Children’s Museum have joined forces to exchange crib bumper pads for a free sleep sack. From now through April 30, infant caregivers may bring crib bumper pads to the concierge desk at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, 3000 N. Meridian St., to trade for a free sleep sack, courtesy of St.Vincent. The bumper pads will be given to a local organization to recycle. While researchers are not sure what causes SIDS, soft bedding is a known risk factor.