Proud to Serve the Heart of Rural Wyoming

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and around the world. Understanding your risk and the importance of early detection can make a life-saving difference. About 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. Experiencing five or more sunburns can double your risk of melanoma. When caught early, melanoma has a 99% five-year survival rate. Skin cancer is diagnosed at a high rate across the country. In fact, more than 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed every day, and each year, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer than all other cancers combined. Nonmelanoma skin cancers are especially widespread, with over 5.4 million cases treated in more than 3.3 million people, still the most reliable estimate available. Additionally, actinic keratosis, the most common precancerous skin condition, affects more than 58 million Americans. Beyond the impact on health, skin cancer also carries a significant financial burden. The annual cost of treatment in the U.S. is estimated at $8.1 billion, including $4.8 billion for nonmelanoma skin cancers and $3.3 billion for melanoma. Knowing these facts is the first step in protecting your skin and scheduling regular screenings can help catch issues early, when they are most treatable.

¿Qué es Medicare?

Medicare is health coverage for adults 65+, but you may qualify earlier if you have a disability, ESRD, or ALS. Some people are enrolled automatically, while others need to sign up, it all depends on when you begin receiving Social Security benefits. You can have an annual Wellness visit to update a personalized plan for preventing disease or disability; this visit focuses on prevention, not a physical exam. Medicare Part B covers the cost for your annual visit.

Your Guide to Medicare Wellness Visits and Preventive Care

Understanding Diabetes: Symptoms, Testing, and Prevention

Understanding Intimate Partner Violence vs. Domestic Violence

Understanding the Flu Vaccine

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among both youth and adults in the United States. For every life lost, many more individuals make a plan, attempt suicide, or seek care in an emergency department. Mental health plays a major role. Nearly half of people who die by suicide have a history of a diagnosed mental health condition. However, many others may struggle silently, with no diagnosis at all. Access to timely mental health care can make a critical difference in reducing risk. It’s important to understand that suicide is complex. Factors at the individual, relationship, and community levels can all contribute. Veterans, for example, face higher suicide rates than the general population. Programs like the CDC’s Comprehensive Suicide Prevention program and the Make the Connection campaign are working to provide support, share personal stories, and connect veterans to resources. Youth mental health is also an urgent concern. According to the most recent data from 2023, 1 in 5 U.S. high school students reported seriously considering attempting suicide in the past year. This highlights the importance of open conversations, prevention efforts, and ensuring young people know help is available. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, you are not alone. Free and confidential help is available 24/7/365. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org .

Every Ingredient in a Vaccine Has a Purpose