Safety Council

Engage Estero Safety Council is made of volunteers serving as a voice for the citizens of greater Estero on safety and transportation priorities and issues. We advocate for related solutions to Village, County, and State Government organizations.

Latest news…
Sign-Up for Property Fraud Alerts

Sign-Up for Property Fraud Alerts

Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comprtroller Kevin Karnes is now offering an alert notification system for Lee County property owners to reduce fraud. When you sign-up, if a deed, mortgage, or other non-Court official record is recorded in your name, you will be...

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Environment Council

Engage Estero Environment Council is a volunteer group focusing on improving water and air quality and mitigating and eliminating the effects of climate warming in greater Estero.

Latest news…
Landmark Victory for Florida’s Future

Landmark Victory for Florida’s Future

Landmark victory for Florida’s future will impact the proposed Bellmar and Kingston Developments, as they cannot receive their permit through Florida’s flawed program. By the Conservancy of Southwest Florida with permission to Engage Estero. February 16, 2024 Federal...

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Health Council

Engage Estero Community Health Council comprises health* and safety-minded volunteers who think about community health comprehensively with a common desire to improve the overall health of the citizens of greater Estero.

Latest news…
Let’s Make Estero A HeartSafe Community!

Let’s Make Estero A HeartSafe Community!

The facts Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming more than 300,000 lives annually. Approximately 95 percent of SCA victims die before they reach a hospital or receive medical attention. How Can We Help Reduce This...

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Wellness: What is it and Why is it Important?

Wellness: What is it and Why is it Important?

(Written by Lee Health for Engage Estero’s Health Council) Much has been mentioned on news programs and other media about Wellness. However, it is seldom explained or fully understood.  During a meeting of Engage Estero’s Health Council earlier this year when this...

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Education Council

Engage Estero mobilizes volunteers in our schools, sponsors scholarships, and promotes the involvement of the community through announcements and public forums.

Latest news…
Estero High Cambridge Students Recognized

Estero High Cambridge Students Recognized

By Mike Wasson, Director, Engage Estero The Village of Estero Council issued a Proclamation its Meeting on Wednesday, March 6th honoring 39 Estero High School Students who were presented the Cambridge Outstanding Learners Awards. In his remarks, Jon McLain, Village of...

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Updates on Issues of Impact

Engage Estero believes the best way to get a community involved is to make sure they are aware of the issues impacting their future, and know how to impact those decisions before they are made. We conduct and publish original research and articles aimed at getting residents Engaged.

Health:

Caring for the Largest Organ in your Body 

Know what it is?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(If you answered “the skin,” you go to the top of the class!)

So, what’s its function? There are many, but to mention a few it:

  • Prevents water loss
  • Regulates body temperature
  • Keeps germs out of your body
  • Protects you from environmental hazards

While we embrace the moderate winter climate in Southwest Florida, it’s also known that most skin damage arises from UV radiation (over a lifetime) from the sun and tanning establishments.  UV rays are mainly responsible for the three leading skin cancers:

  • Basal Cell (often appears as a small pink growth or shiny bump or nodule)
  • Squamous Cell (a persistent, scaly red patch with irregular borders that sometimes crusts or bleeds; A wart-like growth that crusts and occasionally bleeds)
  • Melanoma (having a mole with a variety of colors is a melanoma warning sign, but Amelanotic melanomas may appear as a pinkish-looking, reddish, purple, normal skin color or essentially clear and colorless!)

 

As you can see from the above descriptions, because of the similarity between these conditions, it is essential to get them checked; the sooner, the better. The earlier the treatment, the much better the outcome!

By age 70, 20% of us will experience skin cancer. Basil Cell, the most common, rarely spreads (but when it does, it happens more often in men than women) and usually appears on the head and neck. Squamous Cell is more dangerous because it spreads (metastasizes) more frequently than basil cells. Finally, Melanoma, by far the most dangerous, can and unfortunately often do, spread to anywhere in the body!

Sunscreen is an integral part of skin protection. The use of broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays. The frequent use of sunscreen delays the aging process, largely preventing pigmentation and decreasing the risk of skin cancer. Dermatologists recommend (SPF) 30 or above, which blocks 97% of the sun’s UVB rays.  It would be best to use sunscreen even on cloudy or rainy days because clouds do not block UVA. 

Wherever possible, it is worth avoiding the sun, staying in the shade, and considering wearing protective clothing, especially wide-brimmed hats.  

It is imperative to visit a dermatologist for skin screening at least annually. So please consider this an essential New year’s resolution!

“Better to be safe than sorry!”

The Engage Estero team thanks Dr. R.P. Belin, M.D., an Engage Estero’s Community  Health Council member, for his wise words.

“Be Informed, Get Engaged, and Make an Impact!”