Butler VA Health Care System

Preventing Skin Cancer

Relaxing in the sun may feel good. But it isn’t good for your skin. In fact, the sun’s harmful rays are the major cause of skin cancer. This is a serious disease that can be life-threatening. People of all ages and backgrounds are at risk.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. But there are things you can do to help prevent it or lower your risk.

Protect your skin when you go out during the day. Take safety steps whenever you go out to eat, run errands by car or on foot, or do any outdoor activity. There isn’t just 1 easy way to protect your skin. It’s best to follow all of the steps below:

1. Choose protective clothing. Wear tightly woven clothing that covers your skin such as a long-sleeved shirt and long pants. Put on a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, ears, neck, and scalp. Look for clothing with an ultraviolet protection value (UPV) which offers extra protection.

2. Protect your eyes, too. Wear wrap-around sunglasses to protect your eyes and the skin around them. Make sure your sunglasses have 99 to 100% UVA and UVB (ultraviolet A and B) rays protection.

3. Watch the clock. In the U.S. stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. That's when the sun's rays are strongest.

4. Head for the shade or make your own. Use an umbrella when sitting or strolling.

5. Be careful near reflective surfaces. Know that the sun’s rays can reflect off sand, water, pavement, and snow. This can harm your skin. Take extra care when you are near reflective surfaces.

6. Watch out for cloudy skies. Keep in mind that even when the weather is hazy or cloudy, your skin can be exposed to strong UV rays. UV light can pass through clouds even when visible light doesn't.

7. Protect your lips. Use lip balm or lipstick with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher.

8. Shield your skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least 30 SPF. Also use sunscreen on your children’s skin. Keep babies younger than 6 months old out of the sun.

Be sure to check back on Friday for helpful tips on how to use sunscreen effectively.

Asking for help is a sign of strength. You can start by taking a self-screen to learn if your thoughts and feelings may be related to PTSD. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/screen

Mark your calendars and come out and see us the week of June 29th - July 2!

Congratulations to our newest Whole Health Sunflower Award recipient, Dawn Wilson. Whole Health Sunflower Awards are presented to VA team members who “shine” for Whole Health—bright, sunny, and uplifting, spreading seeds of wholeness, happiness, purpose, and health, and always turning on the light for others. Dawn embodies this spirit in every aspect of her work.
As a valued member of our mailroom team, Dawn plays a vital behind the scenes role in supporting our Veteran reproduction needs. Her reliability, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence ensure that essential materials reach the right hands quickly and accurately—work that significantly impacts the quality of service we provide to Veterans. Dawn approaches each task with care and pride, understanding the importance her role plays in the larger mission.
Dawn is also an enthusiastic and consistent participant in our Employee Whole Health offerings. Whether she’s engaging with wellness programs, showing up with encouragement for colleagues, or helping spread awareness of Whole Health opportunities, Dawn radiates positivity. She leads by example, reminding those around her of the importance of well being, connection, and taking moments to care for ourselves. Congratulations!

Learn more at: https://www.va.gov/wholehealth/

Today we observe Juneteenth, a nationally recognized holiday, commemorating the historic day in 1865 when the last enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned of their emancipation—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation took effect. This moment, long delayed yet profoundly significant, marks a powerful milestone in our nation’s ongoing pursuit of freedom and equality. Texas later became the first state to formally recognize Juneteenth as an official holiday, helping ensure that this important chapter of our history is honored and remembered.

It Starts With Mom: Military Baby Shower

The March of Dimes, one of our Veteran Community Partners, will be hosting their annual Military Baby Shower on Saturday, August 22, 2206, at the 316th Sustainment Command (99 Soldiers Lane, Coraopolis, PA 15108).

Register at https://forms.gle/ogBBtaFx48bKC7sr7. For questions about the Women Veterans Program at the Butler VA call 878-271-6956.

Staff, Veterans, and volunteers celebrated Flag Day a little early (observed annually on June 14) last week on June 12. Thank you to the Center for Development and Civic Engagement (CDCE) for hosting. We are honored to serve all Veterans and we thank you for choosing the VA as your health care provider of choice.

Due to significant water damage at the Lawrence County Community Based VA Outpatient Clinic, and out of an abundance of caution for the safety of Veterans and staff, the clinic is temporarily closed effective immediately. Veterans with scheduled appointments are being contacted to reschedule. At this time, the length of the closure is undetermined pending an assessment by the building owner. For questions, please contact the Michael A. Marzano VA Outpatient Clinic, Mercer County, at 724-346-1569.

For your awareness, we have been made aware that the following flier is circulating on social media outlets. This is a scam. Please do not call the numbers listed and do not email the address listed on the flier. Veterans who suspect that they have experienced fraud can find out more and report scams to the appropriate agency at VSAFE.gov or by calling (833) 38V-SAFE.

We encourage you to learn more about how you can protect yourself and your family. More information about spoofing fraud and to file a complaint can be found here: https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/stop-unwanted-robocalls-and-texts?fbclid=IwY2xjawSeRD1leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFCWTlFY001elZWUmRVcURQc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrsmmzEDmUaEVWyw_jJHTdOcpLmGGkZGqQi9CH1nQLawPtgIHIIkCo03QPIe_aem_J3kcFXGwSuShteLCY2JJWA