I was looking on the net for educational resources when I happened upon this site, Basics of Computing or Computer Help for People over 50. The site is written by Shoban Shen who, according to the brief introduction, is 65 years old and started using computers around age 55.

The site covers all the basics of computers, from explaining computer terminology and how to save files all the way to tips for buying a computer. Written in everyday language, it never talks down to the reader. Lessons each have their own link and cover every possible question the reader may have, even instructions on how to click back to the main page. In the years since this site was started (2002) sister sites have been added with more information so that the site keeps pace with the savvy of the student.

The best feature of these tutorials is that they are all FREE! They are accessible whenever you want them, right on your own computer screen for no charge.

I highly recommend this site to anyone who has computer questions or just wants to know more about how their computer works.

The FDA has issued a warning about products containing high-strength Hydrogen Peroxide that are being sold on the web for medicinal purposes. Many of these products are being touted on websites as cures and preventatives for everything from AIDS to cancer. The FDA has issued warning letters to two firms that are illegally selling “35% Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide”.

The FDA warns that ingestion of 35% hydrogen peroxide is dangerous and can cause gastrointestinal irritation and ulceration.

“This concentration is not approved by FDA for any purpose,” said Dr. Steven Galson, Director of FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “No one has presented any evidence that hydrogen peroxide taken internally has any medical value. In fact, consuming hydrogen peroxide in the manner touted by these websites could lead to tragic results.”

To view the Warning Letters issued by the FDA, go to this site.

Anyone can get skin cancer but your risk increases with age and with the years spent unprotected from the damaging UVB rays of the sun. A good habit to fall into is regularly examining your skin for the signs of skin cancer.

Watch for changes in the skin. Not every spot or change means skin cancer but examine your skin regularly for new spots or changes and have any suspicious skin area checked out by a doctor. Although you cannot always detect skin cancers, you can be aware and report changes in skin to your healthcare provider.

The most serious form of skin cancer is melanoma. Know the A D C D’s of spotting melanoma:

* A: Asymmetry — one half is unlike the other half.

* B: Border irregular — scalloped or poorly circumscribed border.

* C: Color varied from one area to another; shades of tan and brown; black; sometimes white, red or blue.

* D: Diameter larger than the diameter of a pencil eraser.

If you see any of the warning signs of melanoma, consult your doctor immediately.

For more information on skin cancers and how to do a self-exam, go to:

this site.

For illustrations of the ABCD’s of melanoma, go to:

this site.

Protecting skin from the sun is something everyone should do from their youth on, but often the skin, although the largest organ of our body, is largely ignored by its owner. As we age, caring for the skin becomes more important as skin becomes thinner and more easily damaged.

The sun is the greatest cause of damage to the skin, and although we cannot undo the damage it has already caused, it is never too late to prevent further exposure. Try to stay out of the sun during its strongest hours, typically 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, and wear a sunscreen when you are out. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Over-exposure to the sun causes many of the skin conditions we think of as age-related, such as wrinkles and age spots. The sun’s rays contribute to the loss of elastin in our skin which leads to wrinkles and sagging skin. Dark discolorations result from years of sun exposure and make the skin appear mottled.

Dryness is another problem as the natural oily secretions of our skin decrease. This is only exacerbated by low-humidity due to air conditioning or dry climates. Moisturizing is important, but be careful about using oily bath preparations as they increase the risk of slips and falls. It is better to consistently use a moisturizing cream to prevent dryness from occurring. Dry skin is more prone to injury and may heal more slowly as we get older.

Caring for skin is a life-long job, but one that reaps rewards in the form of a younger and healthier looking you.