New sunscreen labels: How to read the fine print Story Highlights Sunscreen labels must follow new FDA rules Claims must be backed by testing Sunscreen alone won't save your skin At first glance, the sunscreen bottles, tubes and canisters on store shelves this spring may not look much different from what consumers have seen in the past. But look closer. Gone are misleading terms such as "waterproof" and "sunblock." Added are warnings that some products don't protect against wrinkles and skin cancer and that others do so only as part of a larger sun-protection plan. These changes and others are the result of new labeling rules from the Food and Drug Administration. The long-delayed rules cover all sunscreen products shipped by large manufacturers since mid-December. Although consumers may still spot some old products, shipped before the deadline, most of the 4,500 or so relabeled products should be on shelves now or very soon, says Farah Ahmed, who represents sunscreen makers for the Personal Care Products Council. The switch is a huge undertaking, she says, because it includes not only beach and sport products, but every makeup, moisturizer or lip balm that carries an SPF (sun protection factor) number. But will the new labels help consumers better protect their skin from sun damage? They will, skin health experts say — if consumers take the time to read the fine print and then choose and use the products wisely. Labels inform consumers that sunscreens help reduce the risk of skin cancer, according to a 2011 final rule.(Photo: FDA) Here's what you need to know: • SPF numbers still matter. This is the number that tells you how well a product protects you from sunburn, caused by ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. The numbers range from 2 to 100 or more. For a good margin of safety, choose products with SPFs of at least 30 to 50, says Henry Lim, chief of dermatology at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Keep in mind that you get the promised protection only if you apply the product liberally and often (at least every two hours). • Low SPFs now come with a warning. Products with SPFs below 15 must carry warnings that they protect only against sunburn, not skin aging or skin cancer. Such products, often sold as "tanning lotions," are not recommended by dermatologists but "there's definitely a market of people in sun-tanning denial who are still using them," says Ellen Marmur, a New York City dermatologist and spokeswoman for the American Academy of Dermatology. • Broad spectrum claims are backed by testing. Dermatologists have long recommended broad spectrum sunscreens, those that offer significant protection from both UVB and UVA rays. Both kinds of rays contribute to wrinkles and skin cancer. Now products must pass a standard test before they make that claim. • Water-resistant does not mean waterproof. Labels can no longer say that sunscreens are waterproof or sweat-proof, because all of them wash or wear off. The new labels can claim water resistance, but must tell consumers how often to reapply the product when swimming or sweating — every 40 minutes or every 80 minutes. Those claims also must be backed by testing. • Sunscreen is never enough. Broad spectrum sunscreens with SPFs of 15 and above now carry labels that say they "can reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging" if used as directed — in combination with limiting your time in the sun, especially at midday, and wearing long sleeves, pants, hats and sunglasses. Those additional measures are probably more important than any sunscreen, says Sonya Lunder, a senior analyst with the Environmental Working Group. The watchdog group, which will update annual sunscreen recommendations in May, has been critical of what it says are hyped sunscreen claims and unproven safety. It also wants FDA to approve sunscreen ingredients available elsewhere in the world that it says are more effective. The FDA, the industry and many dermatologists, including Lim and Marmur, say the products on the market are safe and effective but that the advice not to rely on sunscreen alone is important. "Sun protection is a total package," and includes shade, broad-brimmed hats and "common sense," Lim says. "We're not anti-sun," Marmur says. "You can go out there and have fun. But there are ways to make it safer." Kim Painter, Special for USA TODAY7 a.m. EDT April 27, 2013 April 29, 2013 General SPF, Sunblock, Waterproof, Sunscreen 0 0 Comment Read More »
ACA: Medicaid Primary Care Rate Increase FAQ Under the provisions of the Federal Affordable Care Act (ACA), state Medicaid programs (Medi-Cal in California) are required to pay primary care physicians at Medicare rates for primary care services for two years. The increase is fully funded by the federal government. The requirement began January 1, 2013 and ends December 31, 2014. The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) submitted their state plan amendment (SPA) to implement the rate increase on March 29, 2013. Approval of the SPA is required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) before the state can implement the rate adjustment. It is unclear when the rate adjustment will be approved by CMS and implemented by DHCS. In previous communications, DHCS has indicated that they expect implementation will begin in July 2013. However, the rate adjustment will be retroactive to the beginning of the year. Review answers to frequently asked questions about implementation of the rate adjustment as outlined in the SPA. Please note these provisions are subject to change pending approval by the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). April 19, 2013 Managed Care, Medi-Cal, Medicare ACA, Affordable Care Act, Medicare, Medi-Cal 0 0 Comment Read More »
Invitation to Exhibit at Loma Linda Sickle Cell Symposium What: Sickle Cell Symposium When: September 13, 2013 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Where: Loma Linda University Centennial Complex - Chen Fung conference rooms. Call for Exhibitors Exhibitor Agreement A movement for patients, who suffer from Sickle Cell Disease, is developing at Loma Linda University Medical Center (LLUMC) East Campus. Our vision is to set a new standard of excellence in health care delivery to an underserved adult population through several key care components tailored to this disease, including: Personalized and compassionate care Clinical pathways Pain management Facilitation of the pediatric to adult transition Education of healthcare professionals Peer support In order to provide this spectrum of care to the Inland Empire sickle cell population, it is vital we bring community partners together to engage in this effort. We invite you to exhibit at this conference to inform this professional audience of the services your organization provides. We expect 120 healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, social workers, and chaplains. This is an opportunity to education those who extend care to these patients of the valuable resources available within our community. April 17, 2013 General Community Partners, Sickle Cell 0 0 Comment Read More »
Reduce Your Risk of Stroke-Free Screening Stroke is the fourth-leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of serious, long-term disability. What: Receive a free stroke assessment and learn what you can do to lower your risk and recognize the warning signs. (Due to time constraints, only the first 200 attendees will be screened.) When: Saturday, May 4, 2013, 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Where: Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, Main lobby, First Floor, 400 N. Pepper Ave., Colton, CA. Click here for English and Spanish flyer. April 17, 2013 General Free Screening and Assessment, Stroke 0 0 Comment Read More »
CSUSB Holding Healthcare Reform Seminar Healthcare law is suppose to be in full effect January 1, 2014. How will you implement it and what effect will it have on your business and you. Thursday April 25, 2013; 8:00 a.m.- 11:00 a.m. (Doors open 7:30 a.m.) Buffet Breakfast - Tickets can be purchased at :http:businessalliance.ticketleap.com/events/. Hear from experts in the legal, insurance and medical industries what they have to say Learn what you need to do to make sure you comply with the law Have your questions answered Moderator: John Wahlin, Partner at Best Best & Krieger LLP Panelists: Isabel C. Safie, Attorney, Best, Best & Krieger LLP John Gustafson, Area Director of Sales and Account Management, Kaiser Permanente Steve Shearer Director, Individual & Small Group Sales, Anthem Blue Cross Dora Barilla, Program Director, MPH in Health Policy and Leadership, Loma Linda University School of Public Health Download the flyer or for questions: sbrown@csusb.edu or (909) 537-5771. April 16, 2013 General CSUSB, healthcare reform 0 0 Comment Read More »
April is 'National Donate Life' month In honor of Donate Life month, the California Medical Association (CMA) and the CMA Foundation are encouraging physicians to talk to their patients about the importance of organ and tissue donation, particularly in underserved ethnic communities. Currently, more than 117,000 men, women and children are awaiting organ transplants in the United States, more than half of those being multicultural patients. That’s because some diseases of the kidney, heart, lung, pancreas and liver that are best treated through transplantation are found more frequently in these populations. For example, African Americans and other minorities are three times more likely to suffer from end-stage renal disease than Caucasians. Although it is possible for a candidate to match a donor from another racial or ethnic group, transplant success rates increase when organs are matched between members of the same ethnic background. Consequently, a lack of organs donated by multicultural populations can contribute to longer waiting periods for transplantation. Sadly, due to a lack of donors, many will die waiting for a life-saving transplant. In California, 21,000 patients are currently waiting for a second chance at life. Latinos make up 38 percent of those waiting for life-saving transplants; Asians/Pacific Islanders, 18 percent; and African Americans another 13 percent. Nearly 76 percent of those waiting for a kidney transplant are people of color. Nationwide, African Americans comprise 12 percent of the total population, but represent 34 percent of kidney transplant candidates. Eighteen patients in California die every day waiting for a transplant. What you can do: •Visit the Donate Life California website, www.donatelifecalifornia.org and sign up to become a donor yourself, if you haven't already done so. If you already registered via the Department of Motor Vehicles, you can also access/update your registry data. •Educate patients about the benefits of becoming a donor. Talk to them about the lifesaving importance of organ and tissue donation and encourage them to register to become an organ donor at www.donatelifecalifornia.org. Flyers and posters are available for download under "Ways to Help > Spread the Word." Donate Life California is the state authorized nonprofit organization responsible for managing California's Organ and Tissue Donor Registry. The registry is a confidential database of donation wishes to be carried out at the time of death. Visit www.donatelifecalifornia.org for more information on how you can get involved. April 9, 2013 General Organ Donation, Public Health 0 0 Comment Read More »
Encourage your patients to participate in 'National Prescription Drug Take Back Day' More than six million Americans abuse prescription drugs, this according to the 2011 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health. The study also revealed more than 70 percent of people abusing prescription pain relievers got them through friends or relatives, a statistic that includes raiding the family medicine cabinet. The California Medical Association (CMA) has long recognized that a comprehensive approach is needed to address this serious issue. Successfully preventing drug abuse requires a public health focus, promotion of physician education and public awareness, tools that physicians can use at the point-of-care to support medical decision-making, increased access to addiction treatment and recovery and appropriate enforcement. Another important strategy is proper disposal of unused prescription drugs, which helps prevent abuse and helps keep pharmaceuticals out of landfills and waterways. Fortunately, more than 280 locations throughout California will be accepting unused prescription drugs, including controlled substances, as part of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 27, 2013. The event aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposal, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of these medications. The last National Take Back event collected 488,395 pounds (244 tons) of prescription medications from members of the public across the country. Physicians can take action by encouraging their patients to participate. To find a Take Back Day collection site near your practice, click here. CMA has also produced a flyer to educate patients about proper disposal of prescription medication and National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, which can be placed in offices and waiting rooms. It is available here. CMA has a long history of working to address substance abuse issues and continues to work with policymakers, key stakeholders and the physician and health care community to identify and implement effective solutions to help prevent prescription drug abuse and diversion. Contact: Scott Clark, (916) 551-2887 or sclark@cmanet.org. April 8, 2013 General Prescription Drugs, Public Health 0 0 Comment Read More »
TRICARE Transition Guide On April 1, 2013, United Health Military & Veterans Services (UMVS) began providing managed care services to 2.9 million TRICARE beneficiaries in the 21 western states, including California. On that date, UMVS took over the contract previously held by TriWest. To help physicians understand the impact the transition will have on their practices, CMA has prepared a TRICARE Transition Guide. (members only; login required) April 2, 2013 General, Managed Care Managed Care Services, UMVS, TRICARE, United Health Military and Veterans Services 0 0 Comment Read More »
