WINTER 2000

In this issue • Families find strength in grant-funded program • Task force takes on youth and family issues • Des Moines Initiative offers new learning opportunities • Fight fire with fire -- for better firefighter training • Journey into new agriculture ventures • CIRAS works on quality control in agriculture • "Speaking of skin cancer" -- A cooperative success • Conferences examine transitions in agriculture • Dairy laboratory is "center of excellence" __________   The Extension Connection Winter 2000 homepage __________ Previous issues Fall 1999 Summer 1999 Spring 1999 Winter 1999 Fall 1998 __________ ISU Extension homepage

"Speaking of skin cancer" -- A cooperative success For three days in September in a field near Amana, professionals and physicians from the University of Iowa, a Cedar Rapids medical clinic and the 109th ASMB, Iowa Army National Guard, joined with Iowa State University Extension to provide free skin cancer screenings to the public. The event was part of ISU Extension's exhibit at the 1999 Farm Progress Show. Dr. John Wollner examines Roger Ginder during skin cancer screening at the Farm Progress Show. "This event offered the opportunity for public education about sun protection, self-skin examinations and patient identification of suspicious skin changes or growth, which is central to early and hopefully curative treatment of potentially life threatening skin cancers," said volunteer Thomas Ray, M.D., professor of dermatology at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics. "The Farm Progress Show was an excellent opportunity to reach farmers when it is convenient for them." Volunteering to help with the screening was personal for one ISU Extension staff member. Bill Bogue had skin cancer and knows the importance of early detection. "I was raised on a farm and know the added risk that comes to farm families because of the high exposure to sunlight over many years. My situation made it easier for me to encourage those passing through the ISU Extension tent to take advantage of the screening." Extension's "Speaking of Skin Cancer" display attracted 776 people who were screened during the three-day Farm Progress Show. According to Iowa Army National Guard First Lieutenant Greg Kelly, "One of the most gratifying things was the large number of people who initially went through screening and later brought back a spouse, parent, child or friend to be screened." Over the three days, 776 people were screened, reflecting a wide range of ages. This was important to First Lieutenant Jan Syata. "Starting prevention at a young age is important. The young people were very responsive and willing to be educated on tanning beds, sun screen and signs and symptoms of skin cancer." For Dr. Ray, the numbers only partially defined the success. "The cooperation, hard work, time and effort of the volunteers, and the sincere interest that everyone brought to this event, is reassuring and comforting. Iowans do care about Iowans. It is about the special sense of a larger community that makes Iowa such a wonderful place to live and grow."