Dr. Joel Schlessinger

The Skin Cancer Foundation recently lodged a formal complaint against the Federal Trade Commission about the television show, Jersey Shore. The Skin Cancer Foundation claims that this television show is a “health-hazard” because the “still available episodes of the show promote tanning, especially in tanning beds, which encourages young viewers to engage in a cancer-causing habit.”

Jersey Shore is a reality television that follows eight housemates spending their summer at the Jersey Shore. In the show, the eight stars consistently use tanning beds to darken their skin.

The Skin Cancer Foundation would like to see the Federal Trade Commission look into this claim while MTV puts warning labels on all reruns and online episodes. They would also like to see warning labels on all products, advertisements and games tied to the television show, warning of the dangers of tanning.

Dr. Joel Schlessinger is very passionate about this issue and supports The Skin Cancer Foundation’s efforts.

“Shows like this end up encouraging young people, including children, to take up a habit that has been shown to cause cancer,” said Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

“Just like television and the film industry essentially toned down the appearance of smoking in their movies and shows, this can do the same for tanning.”

MTV has responded to the request, saying that while it does not plan to include warnings on the show, it does applaud the organization’s “efforts to bring attention to these issues, which are important to our audiences and the public health.”

Dr. Joel Schlessinger hopes to see a change in the portrayal of tanning beds on television.

Dr. Joel Schlessinger has high hopes for this complaint as he sees this as a serious issue in our society today.

“I hope it succeeds and wish Dr. Sarnoff and the Skin Cancer Foundation success!”

Dr. Joel Schlessinger is passionate about stopping the spread of skin cancer, especially in adolescents. Learn more about Dr. Joel Schlessinger’s involvement in the fight for skin cancer.

Do you think Jersey Shore leads to more tanning bed use? Tell us your opinions in the comments.

Click here to read the article “‘Jersey Shore’ still promotes tanning, group says,” featured in USAToday. 

Joel Schlessinger MD shares his thoughts on airplane safety and asking for doctor help on board so you can be prepared.

When we usually think of airplane safety, we think of buckled seatbelts, floatation devices and oxygen masks. But what happens when there’s a medical emergency when you’re 32,000 feet in the air? If you’ve ever been on an airplane when the flight attendant asks if there is a physician on board, you know how terrifying it can be.

Joel Schlessinger MD was recently featured in an LA Times article, In-flight first aid: What’s a passenger to do?, where here shared his thoughts on the topic as a frequent-traveling physician who has aided in medical airplane safety.

You can help struggling passengers. Here’s how.

“If a passenger notices another struggling person on an aircraft, it is very important to remain calm and summon for help. It may be difficult, but it is the best way to get the attention of another person and receive doctor help,” said the doctor.

Once a flight attendant is aware of the situation, he or she will usually make an announcement over the intercom system asking for the help of a physician.  This is both for airplane safety and for the safety of the passengers.

How can a doctor help? Joel Schlessinger shares experiences.

Although many physicians may have emergency room training, the doctor says that some physicians “don’t have the knowledge to manage a complex and critical medical problem.”

“There are many different skill sets in physicians,” said the doctor, “and some tend to shy away from acute care/management due to their personalities.

“In the time since I have been a doctor, there have been three instances where I have been called upon to give help to a passenger.”

Joel Schlessinger MD said one of the most concerning times was when a passenger lost consciousness right before landing. It was unclear if the passenger was having a stroke or not. After the passenger was sent to the hospital, it was discovered that the passenger had a seizure condition and had not been taking medication.

“The passenger was released without any further problems, but it was difficult during the time that we didn’t know about the condition. We had no background information on this passenger, making it very difficult to treat.”

Have you ever been called upon to help a passenger? Tell us about your experience in the comments.

Spotlight on: the Dr. Joel Schlessinger media blog

One of my favorite things to do is to talk with media so that large numbers of people can receive quality information about skin care. To help spread the word even further, I’ve created a Dr. Joel Schlessinger media blog.

Articles that I’ve highlighted include:

• “Slow the Signs of Aging: Turn back the clock with the right skin care routine for your years,” found in the November 2011 issue of Woman’s Day
• “Clearing Up Dark Spots on Your Face,” found in the October 2011 issue of Whole Living
• “2011 Emmy Awards Gifting Suites,” found on Huffington Post in September 2011
• “Thinking About Botox? Read This First” found in the July 2011 issue of Prevention
• “The 2011 Genius Awards” found in the March 2011 issue of Elle

(more…)