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South Shore Skin Center and Spa Physicians Diagnose 17 New Cases of Skin Cancer During Recent Free Screening Clinic

South Shore Skin Center and Spa providers alert South Shore and Plymouth county residents of the growing number of skin cancer cases in the area and urge precaution.

At the free Skin Cancer Screening Clinic held at Jordan Hospital Club Cancer Center (held in May, which is National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Awareness Month), Ramzi W. Saad, M.D., board certified dermatologist at South Shore Skin Center and Spa discovered two potential cases of melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer and 15 cases of basal cell carcinoma.

According to Dr. Saad, “The incidence of skin cancer is increasing in this area. During a free screening we held last year, we found four cases of melanoma. At this year’s screening we found two potential cases of melanoma along with a surprising 15 basal cell cases, which is evidence many people still are not taking the proper precautions against UV exposure. Sunscreen must be worn daily and tanning booths/beds should be avoided at all costs.”

He continued, “Melanoma can quickly spread to organs and other areas of the body. Early detection is imperative. Basal cell carcinoma is a less aggressive form of skin cancer that does not typically spread throughout the body, but can cause disfigurement if it is near the nose, eye or ear.”

Mohs Micrographic Surgery is often recommended in the treatment of skin cancer.

Dr. Saad explained, “Mohs Micrographic Surgery is special skin cancer surgery that is very precise and removes the least amount of tissue to rid the cancer with the highest cure rates – in particular near the eyes, nose, lips, fingers and toes. This type of surgery is used to treat basal and squamous cell carcinomas as well as melanoma. It is ideal for instances of recurring cancer, large or ill-defined areas of cancer and areas where growth is rapid.”

The skin cancer screenings that were conducted at the clinic included an assessment of sun spots and moles. Maryellen Maguire-Eisen, RN, MSN, founder and Executive Director of the Children’s Melanoma Prevention Foundation (based in Hingham) was on hand with the skin analyzer, which shows UV-damage to the skin that is not visible to the naked eye. Patients were also provided with sun safety and melanoma prevention tips. The free screening was supported by the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Cancer Society.

South Shore Skin Center and Spa’s physicians remind adults and children to follow these important measures in the prevention of skin cancer:

Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun.
Avoid sunlamps and tanning booths/beds.
Use ample amounts of sunscreen or sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even if it is cloudy.
Wear protective clothing and large framed or wrap-around sunglasses to protect the eye area.
Have your skin checked by a dermatologist regularly.
Note any moles or other spots on the skin that have changed. Have them checked by a physician as soon as possible.

About South Shore Skin Center and Spa

South Shore Skin Center and Spa is one of Massachusetts’ most progressive dermatology practices offering a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic services. Founded in 1984, South Shore Skin Center and Spa is a unique team of physicians, physician assistants, nurses, medical assistants, surgical assistants, and licensed aestheticians who are all specialists in dermatology and share a passion for excellence and a commitment to providing the highest level of care to both children and adults in the greater Boston area.

The practice has an on-site skin cancer treatment center at One Scobee Medical building in Plymouth. The Mohs Micrographic Surgery Center provides state-of-the-art treatment, early detection and prevention strategies for skin cancer and is led by Richard F. Eisen, M.D., board certified dermatologist and trained Mohs Micrographic surgeon.

South Shore Skin Center and Spa has been awarded South Shore Living’s Best of the South Shore in 2011 and 2012. South Shore Skin Center and Spa is located at One Scobee Circle, Unit 3, in Plymouth, Mass. (508) 747-0711 and at 223 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Suite 202, in Cohasset, Mass. (781) 383-3340. For more information, visit the website at www.southshoreskincenter.com.

South Shore Skin Center and Spa Physicians Diagnose 17 New Cases of Skin Cancer During Recent Free Screening ClinicRead More

Old Colony Elder Services, Jordan Hospital and Harbor Point Offer Caregiver Classes in September

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), Jordan Hospital and Harbor Point at Centerville (a Benchmark Assisted Living Community for the Memory Impaired) will offer a four-week course in September entitled “Powerful Tools for Caregivers”, which will teach caregivers how to take care of themselves.

As part of the national Caregiver Education Series, the Powerful Tools for Caregivers course is designed for individuals caring for older adults who are living at home or in a facility, or who are managing caregiver services from a distance. The four-week class will be held at JordanHospital in Plymouth from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on September 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th.

Harbor Point will provide lunch and if needed, respite can be arranged ahead of time through Cozy Corner Adult Day Program in Plymouth.

The classes will be led by Saran Craig, who has a Master’s degree in Gerontology and is a trained and experienced Master Trainer. She has led 15 Powerful Tools classes for more than 200 caregivers. Rochelle Sugarman of the Family Caregiver Support Program at OCES who holds a Certificate in Aging from the Institute for Geriatric Social Work (IGSW) at BostonUniversity, will co-lead the classes.

The Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes are three hours long and designed to help caregivers build communication skills, lower stress, set goals, make tough decisions, and better communicate with family members and medical providers. Caregivers who attend will utilize relaxation and planning tools; learn to cope with feelings of anger or guilt and learn how to access community resources and solve problems.

To register for Powerful Tools for Caregivers, call Jordan Hospital Senior Behavioral Health Center at 508-732-8711. For more information about the Powerful Tools for Caregivers Class, contact Rochelle Sugarman of OCES at (508) 584-1561.

About OCES
Incorporated in 1974, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) is one of 27 private, non-profit Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

OCES serves elders, their families and caregivers in the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Brockton, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, Wareham, West Bridgewater and Whitman.

The organization’s mission is to provide services that support the dignity and independence of elders by helping them maximize their quality of life; live safely and in good health; and, prevent unnecessary or premature institutionalization.

The agency has 130 employees and operates more than 12 programs serving elders, their families and caregivers.  For more information call (508) 584-1561 or visit the website at www.oldcolonyelderservices.org.

Old Colony Elder Services, Jordan Hospital and Harbor Point Offer Caregiver Classes in SeptemberRead More

Doctors at South Shore Skin Center to Provide Free Skin Cancer Screenings at Area Hospitals in May

May is National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Awareness Month and the dermatologists at South Shore Skin Center will be providing free skin cancer screenings to the general public at two area hospitals.

On Thursday, May 7th from 5 to 7 p.m., Dr. Ramzi Saad, Dr. Richard Eisen and Dr. Katherine Ayers of South Shore Skin Center will provide skin cancer screenings at South Shore Hospital, 55 Fogg Road (Route 18) in South Weymouth. The screenings are free, but appointments are required. Contact South Shore Hospital at (781) 340-8239 to make an appointment or for more information.

On Tuesday, May 19th from 6 to 8 p.m., Dr. Ramzi Saad, Dr. Richard Eisen, Dr. William Stocker and Dr. Katherine Ayers of South Shore Skin Center will provide free skin cancer screenings at Jordan Hospital, 275 Sandwich Street in Plymouth. Call Jordan Hospital at

(508) 746-2000 to make an appointment.

“Last summer it was reported that some of the wealthiest communities on the South Shore have the highest skin cancer rates, in some cases more than double the number expected,” explained Dr. Ramzi Saad. “Malignant melanoma (skin cancer) can spread to other parts of the body, but it often may be cured in its early stages. Early detection is key.”

South Shore Skin Center advises folks to take these preventative measures:

· Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and other UVA/UVB sources, such as tanning beds.

· Use ample amounts of sunscreen or sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher every day, even if it is cloudy.

· Wear large framed or wrap-around sunglasses to protect the eye area.

· Have your skin checked by a dermatologist regularly.

· Note any moles or other spots on the skin that have changed. Have them checked as soon as possible.

South Shore Skin Center

Founded in 1984, South Shore Skin Center is one of Massachusetts’ most progressive dermatology practices offering a wide range of medical, surgical and cosmetic services.

South Shore Skin Center’s cosmetic services include Fraxel re:pair and re:store; Gentle YAG, innovative Laser, IPL (Intensive Pulse Light), Thermage and treatments for age spots, acne scarring, birth marks, tattoos and more.  The practice also offers a full range of affordable anti-aging services including Botox, wrinkle fillers, Microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing and chemical peels.

South Shore Skin Center offices are located at 223 Chief Justice Cushing Highway, Suite 202 in Cohasset, Mass. (781) 383-3340, and 45 Resnik Road, Suite 102 in Plymouth, Mass., (508) 747-0711.  For more information, visit their website at www.SouthShoreSkinCenter.com.

Doctors at South Shore Skin Center to Provide Free Skin Cancer Screenings at Area Hospitals in MayRead More