By Lily H-A
From PHN Issue 58, Fall 2024
Dear Prison Health News,
I am writing to ask how I can get the new HIV one-shot (monthly) medication? And
can you do an article about how the shot is given and cost compared to the pill?
–R
Tag: ask phn
ASK PHN: SKIN CANCER
By M. Ali and Leah Owen-Oliner
From PHN Issue 57, Summer 2024
Dear Prison Health News,
Could you please send information about topics such as skin cancers?
—Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
Thank you for this great topic suggestion, as skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Skin cancer most often occurs due to exposure to sunlight (UV radiation), and it involves an abnormal growth of skin cells. Sunlight is necessary for the production of vitamin D by our bodies. However, too much sun exposure, especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when UV radiation from the sun is the strongest, can cause sunburns and be harmful long term (even if you don’t get sunburned). Skin cancer affects
people of all skin tones, including those with darker complexions, so it’s important to lower your risk by limiting direct sun exposure, using sunscreen (SPF 30 or greater) when possible, and checking your skin regularly for changes. Catching skin cancer early gives you the best chance for successful treatment. While there are a few different types of skin cancer, here are the three
major ones:
Ask PHN: HEMORRHOIDS
By M. Ali
From PHN Issue 53, Summer 2023
Dear Prison Health News,
I was wondering if you could do an article on the topic of hemorrhoids. Some points of interest might be:
What causes hemorrhoids?
Is bleeding a common occurrence?
What are the treatments for them?
– Sincerely, Pete B.
Dear Pete B.,
What are hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that can develop inside the rectum and around the anus. There are two types of hemorrhoids: external hemorrhoids, which occur beneath the skin around the anus, and internal hemorrhoids, which occur inside the rectum. The symptoms depend on the type of hemorrhoid.
Ask PHN: Hernias
By Olivia Duffield
From PHN Issue 51, Winter 2023
Dear Prison Health News,
Intestinal hernias is a topic you could write an article on. Some points you could cover:
· What causes a hernia?
· How common are they?
· Other than discomfort, are they a problem if there are no complications?
· How often do complications occur?
· Is it possible (or safe) to live indefinitely with a hernia?
– Jon Tillman
Dear Mr. Tillman,
Thank you for this excellent suggestion. Hernias occur because of a tear or a weak spot in the tissue surrounding an organ. The muscle and tendons of the abdominal wall from the ribs to the top of the legs form a corset that holds the intestines in place. Some places in this corset tend to be weaker than others, and those places are typical sites of hernias. Inguinal (groin) hernias are the most common type. Researchers estimate that about 27% of men and 3% of women will develop an inguinal hernia at some point in their lives (NIDDK).
Prison Health News 