4 Healthier Alternatives to Energy Drinks

Make Healthy Snacks For Your Kids!

10 Ways to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

SUNSCREEN 101

Every time your skin tans or burns, it is damaged.

As the damage builds, you speed up the aging of your skin and increase your risk for skin cancer.

Using sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin from sun rays.

When choosing a sunscreen, knowing some basics will help.

Sunscreens contain filtering substances that reflect or absorb UV rays.

Sunscreens generally use both organic and inorganic ingredients for better blocking. Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Broad spectrum blocks UVA and UVB rays.

The FDA recommends using sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15.

Dermatologists favor SPF 30 sunscreens, which provide slightly more protection. Regardless, always apply sunscreen thoroughly and frequently when you’re in the sun, especially if you’re swimming or sweating. Sunscreens can be labeled “water resistant” if their labels instruct users to reapply after 40 or 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying, and at least every 2 hours.

Using sunscreen can reduce your risk of melanoma skin cancer.

Only broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher can claim to reduce skin cancer or prevent early skin damage.


Top Health May 2014

The Itchy Days of Summer

THE ITCHY DAYS OF SUMMER

                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Memorial Day is the start of Summer to most of us!

Summer brings sunny days and sometimes itchy days…

HEAT RASH, blisters or prickly red bumps that form in warm skin folds, where clothing causes friction or after exercise induced sweating. It’s most common in babies, appearing on the upper torso and in the armpits and groin. Prevent heat rash by wearing breathable, light clothing, remaining in air-conditioned or shaded areas, and minimizing sweating.

SUN ALLERGY, itchy raised red patches of sun-exposed skin. The rash may also appear as white or yellow bumps on a background of red skin, hives, blisters, and split or chapped lips. Symptoms often disappear once the affected area is protected from the sun.

POISON IVY, an extremely itchy rash caused by contact with the plant’s oils. Symptoms may worsen during the first week and last up to three weeks seek medical attention in severe cases.

SEABATHER’S ERUPTION, or “ocean itch” caused by touching the larvae of jellyfish and other marine life. If you get stung, take off contaminated swimwear (and wash and dry on hot setting), rinse with salt water and shower thoroughly.

SWIMMER’S RASH, due to certain parasites in freshwater snails and sometimes on waterfowl. During your swim, the parasites can burrow into skin and cause an itchy rash. Fortunately, parasites soon die and the discomfort disappears in a few days.

RELIEF IS AT HAND: Ice, antihistamines and over-the-counter anti-itch or cortisone creams can relieve discomfort while the rash clears.