Sunscreen: What to Buy and Why It Matters
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., but regular sunscreen use can cut the risk of squamous cell carcinoma by 40% and melanoma by 50%.
Choosing the right product matters:
• SPF 30 or higher
• Broad-spectrum protection (UVA + UVB)
• Water-resistant lotions work best
• Mineral-based formulas are great for sensitive skin
Check out these helpful guides:
• Consumer Reports Sunscreen Ratings
• Wirecutter’s Best Sunscreens
• EWG’s Skin Deep Database
And remember—sunscreen is just one part of sun safety. Hats, shade, and avoiding peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) are just as important.
Vaccine Updates: What’s New in 2025
Forget Dementia? The Shingles Shot Might Help
Recent research published in JAMA has shown that people over age 50 who received the shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine had a lower risk of developing dementia later in life.
Another study published in Nature supports the idea that viral infections may contribute to cognitive decline. While more research is needed, this is another reason to stay current with recommended adult vaccinations.
Shingles (Herpes Zoster) Vaccine
Recommended for all adults aged 50 and older to prevent shingles (the painful rash that results from reactivation of the chicken pox virus you had as a kid). Safe, up to 97% effective, and like we mentioned, it’s now shown to have possible benefits beyond shingles prevention.
Pneumonia Vaccine: PCV20 vs. PCV21
Adults aged 50+ who have never received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine should now get either Prevnar 20 or the new Prevnar 21. Both offer excellent protection from pneumonia, a leading cause of death in older people.
• CDC guidance allows either vaccine as a single dose.
• PCV21 includes 8 more serotypes than PCV20, offering slightly broader coverage.
No need to follow up with PPSV23 (Pneumovax) if you receive either of these vaccines.
Flu, Covid, and RSV Vaccines
We’ll offer updated flu, Covid, and RSV vaccines this fall as updated formulations and guidelines become available.
Taking Medications Past Their Expiration Date
We get a lot of questions about what to do with medications past their expiration date. Many medications remain safe and effective long after the printed expiration date. The primary concern is reduced potency, not danger.
One big exception? Tetracycline and related antibiotics, which can degrade into harmful compounds. These should be discarded after expiration.
If you need to dispose of unused medications, many can be taken back to the pharmacy for disposal. If you do not have a safe take-back option available to you, consult the FDA’s drug disposal tool to find out when to safely throw away or flush your medicine down the toilet.
When in doubt, ask us if you can retain or use an out-of-date medication –we’re happy to help.
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As always, we like to leave you with a treat for reading this far. This skit had us in stitches Medcast – SNL. While your Baskin Clinic physical may not be quite as fun as Saturday Night Live, at least we don’t post them on the internet.
Stay well and enjoy the season,
Baskin Clinic