A study conducted by Michael Steger, a psychologist at the University of Louisville in Kentucky, suggests that perhaps engaging in meaningful activities, such as helping others, listening to friend’s problems or pursuing one’s life goals can actually help a person to feel happier.

In the study, Steger and his colleagues asked a group of 65 undergraduates to complete an online survey each day for three weeks that assessed how many times a day they participated in hedonic (pleasure-seeking behaviors), versus meaningful activities (helping others). The survey asked participants how much purpose they felt their lives had each day and whether they felt happy or sad. Participants also completed two sets of questionnaires at the beginning and end of the study to assess how they felt about their lives more generally. The study found that the more people participated in meaningful activities, the happier they were and the more purposeful their lives felt. Pleasure seeking behavior did not make people happier.

“A lot of times we think that happiness comes about because you get things for yourself,” said Richard Ryan, a psychologist at the University of Rochester, who was not involved in the study. But “it turns out that in a paradoxical way, giving gets you more, and I think that’s an important message in a culture that’s pretty often getting messages to the opposite effect.” Perhaps you can make a difference in the life of someone around you and, in return, feel more satisfied with your own life. Feeling like you’ve made a difference in the world can be a powerful tool of encouragement. Take some time today or in the future to help someone along their path, and perhaps find purpose and satisfaction in your own life. 

Source: via www.livescience.com

Hello My Friend,

If you have ever felt red faced you are probably not alone.  In fact a high percentage of people have redness on the face which can be intermittent or constant.   The redness can be an early sign of rosacea.

What is Rosacea?  It is a chronic condition often felt to be similar to acne.   Most people with Rosacea have one of the following:  1) red bumps and pus bumps on the face, 2)  redness of the face  which can be worse after some foods or aggravating factors, 3) blood vessels on the nose or face called telangiectasias, 4) eyelid or eye irritation and/or 5) swollen or thick skin.   

One or all of the items listed can be found in people with rosacea.    The problem can be one which is embarrassing and frustrating.   Fortunately the condition is often treatable.   This means if you or someone you care about suspects rosacea, come on in and let us evaluate you.   It is much easier to treat the rosacea than what many people have thought in the past.

I wish you much success, peace and happiness.   As well as great skin!

Enthusiastically,

Roger Moore, MD

A cyst is very similar to a blister. It is a closed capsule or sac-like structure that is typically filled with liquid, semisolid or gaseous material. They can occur on any part of the body. They can be microscopic to very large in size. Some cysts have been known to be so large that they displace internal organs. There are many different causes for cysts including: tumors, genetic conditions, infections, a defect in the cells, blockages of ducts in the body, a parasite, impact injury that breaks a vessel and more.

Cysts can be either benign or malignant. This means they have the potential to harmful. Most cysts are benign and are therefore harmless. However, some cysts may be tumors and are formed inside tumors and are potentially malignant. There are several different treatments for cysts depending on how large it is and where it is located. If it is a significant cyst, it may need to be removed surgically. Cysts may also be drained to relieve pressure. If the cysts become inflamed, it may be injected with a cortisone medication.

If you have a cysts that is of concern to you, come in to have it evaluated. A biopsy may be performed. It is always best to have a cyst evaluated. Call our office today at 574-522-0265

  If you’re considering having a cosmetic procedure done to enhance your natural beauty and reduce the signs of aging, your first reaction may be to contact a plastic surgeon’s office or perhaps go to your local spa. While these places can provide excellent treatment, there is no better option than having a board-certified dermatologist perform your cosmetic procedure. Here at DermacenterMD, Dr. Roger Moore, a skin care expert, will personally evaluate your needs and perform your procedure.

There is no other medical profession that is more highly trained in the skin than dermatology. A dermatologist has dedicated their life to the study and care of the skin, hair and nails. When you come in for a consultation with Dr. Moore, you will not only be able to express your desire for a specific cosmetic procedure, but also you can express any other skin, cosmetic or aging concerns you may have. Dr. Moore can lead you in the right direction to get your skin looking youthful, fresh and beautiful.

You can change your image and the way people perceive you thought the innovative cosmetic procedures offered here at DermacenterMD. Dr. Moore offers treatments such as Botox and Dysport, fillers, laser facial rejuvenation, photo rejuvenation, laser hair reduction, microdermabrasion, ProFractional laser therapy, laser vein therapy and more. Many of Dr. Moore’s patients travel from all over the Michiana area, including South Bend, Goshen, Mishawaka and Michigan to receive the professional and expert care they know they will receive at DermacenterMD. So, if you’re considering cosmetic procedures to improve your appearance there is no better option than choosing a board-certified skin expert like Dr. Roger Moore.

We welcome you to give our office a call at 574-522-0265 to schedule your consultation today.

This week's blog post comes from the Skin Cancer Foundation. 

The Major Cause

Both long-term sun exposure over your lifetime and occasional extended, intense exposure (typically leading to sunburn) combine to cause damage that can lead to BCC. Almost all BCCs occur on parts of the body excessively exposed to the sun — especially the face, ears, neck, scalp, shoulders, and back. On rare occasions, however, tumors develop on unexposed areas. In a few cases, contact with arsenic, exposure to radiation, open sores that resist healing, chronic inflammatory skin conditions, and complications of burns, scars, infections, vaccinations, or even tattoos are contributing factors. It is not possible to pinpoint a precise, single cause for a specific tumor, especially one found on a sun-protected area of the body or in an extremely young individual.

Who Gets It?

Anyone with a history of sun exposure can develop BCC. However, people who are at highest risk have fair skin, blond or red hair, and blue, green, or grey eyes. The tendency to develop BCC may also be inherited. Those most often affected are older people, but as the number of new cases has increased sharply each year in the last few decades, the average age of patients at onset has steadily decreased. The disease is rarely seen in children, but occasionally a teenager is affected. Dermatologists report that more and more people in their twenties and thirties are being treated for this skin cancer.

Men with BCC have outnumbered women with the disease, but more women are getting BCCs than in the past. Workers in occupations that require long hours outdoors and people who spend their leisure time in the sun are particularly susceptible.

Risk of Reccurence

People who have had one BCC are at risk for developing others over the years, either in the same area or elsewhere on the body. Therefore, regular visits to a dermatologist should be routine so that not only the site(s) previously treated, but the entire skin surface can be examined.

BCCs on the scalp and nose are especially troublesome, with recurrences typically taking place within the first two years following surgery.

Should a cancer recur, the physician might recommend a different type of treatment. Some methods, such as Mohs micrographic surgery, may be highly effective for recurrences.