FitSugar

Prevention Tips For Common Summer Health Risks

Heather Dale — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 04:07:00 PDT

Now that Summer is here, you probably want to throw caution to the wind and lap up the pleasures this season has to offer - not so fast. Before you go on your Summer joyride, keep in mind that you need to keep yourself protected from the elements. The last thing you want to be doing is spending your vacation days cooped up in a hotel room due to heat exhaustion. Here are five common health problems that tend to creep up on us during the Summer months and how to prevent and combat them!

5 Reasons to Wear Sunglasses

FitSugar — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 07:30:13 PDT

We're finally enjoying some warm, sunny weather here in San Francisco, but even when it's not Summer or incredibly sunny, sunglasses are a must-have accessory for your health. Here are five reasons you should absolutely wear sunglasses.

Avoiding sunburn. It is possible to sunburn your eyes, resulting in redness, irritation, and a gritty feeling similar to sand in the eyes. Ouch!
Maintaining long-term eye health. Overexposure to UV rays can lead to cataracts and glaucoma. Choose sunglasses that screen out 75 to 90 percent of light and block at least 95 percent of UVA and 99 percent UVB radiation. Wearing a hat doesn't hurt either.

For three more reasons to get shady,

Preventing wrinkles. Sunglasses keep you from squinting, and squinting can increase the wrinkles around your eyes .
Avoiding skin cancer. Sunglasses shield you from potential skin cancer of the eyelids. Just remember, the sun is even stronger in early morning and late afternoon.
Looking cool. Do you really need another reason?

Could You Be Tanorexic?

FitSugar — Wed, 26 May 2010 09:00:42 PDT

Over the weekend I was at brunch with a large group of women when one of them mentioned she used a tanning bed to prepare for a Caribbean vacation. I was totally shocked! While most of you admit to using a tanning bed in the past, I'm willing to bet that after realizing just how bad they are for your health, you stopped.

With vacation and bikini seasons looming ahead, I can see why it's tempting to jump in the tanning bed for a little color; especially if you're worried about burning in the sun. But the LA Times recently reported on "tanorexics" - people addicted to tanning. According to the article, one in four teens shows signs of tanorexia, a dangerous obsession that could lead to skin cancer. Researchers think that tanning may cause a rush of endorphins in the brain, which can in turn cause feelings of well-being similar to a runner's high. And judging by my brunch experience, teens aren't the only ones susceptible to these feelings.

While you may think a little glow makes you look healthier, a natural tan is actually your skin's reaction to UV exposure. And according to one FDA scientist, "any tan is a sign of skin damage. Recognizing exposure to the rays as an 'insult,' the skin acts in self-defense by producing more melanin, a pigment that darkens the skin." This leads to premature aging, and in severe cases, cancer. If you're chasing that natural glow, try an at-home tanner, or spray-on tan. While neither will provide a "base" for UV exposure, they'll give you the healthy glow you're looking for. And, of course, when you're out in the sun, wear sunscreen. In my opinion, the risks of UV exposure are not worth the reward.

Protect Your Peepers When on the Run

FitSugar — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 07:30:00 PDT

After a Winter of being cooped up indoors, daylight saving has arrived, the weather is warming up, and I can't wait to get outside for regular runs in the sunshine! But besides being dangerous for your skin, increased time in the sun can be bad for your eyes, too - UV exposure can lead to cataracts and glaucoma. I wear sunglasses while I'm walking to work or outdoors on the weekends, but I completely space when it comes to wearing them on a run. To tell the truth, I dislike wearing them when I'm out on a run - plus, a good pair can cost just as much as a good pair of running shoes! Besides, I wear contact lenses that advertise UV-A and UV-B protection, so I'm set, right?

Wrong. After a recent trip to the eye doctor, I found out my contacts aren't enough protection because they only protect the part of the eye they cover, leaving the rest exposed to the harmful rays. A closer look at my lenses' packaging revealed this:

"UV-absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for protective UV-absorbing eyewear such as UV-absorbing goggles or sunglasses because they do not completely cover the eye and surrounding area."

I wear a hat when I run on super-bright days, but since sun still gets in my eyes, I figure it's not providing me with 100 percent protection. Aside from running in the dark (which isn't the safest option), it looks like I'm resigned to learning to deal with sunglasses. And if you have a suggestion for a great pair to try, let me know!

Cool Healthy Gadget: Melanoma Bracelet

FitSugar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:00:00 PDT

It's not always easy to remember how long you've been exposed to harmful UV rays, especially if you're passing time playing at the beach, taking in an outdoor workout or hike, or chasing after your kids at the park.

These I Will Reflect bracelets change color (from white to purple) when exposed to harmful UV rays. Plus, I think they're kind of cute too! For $5, you can't beat the price and proceeds go to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Get yours at SpaFinder.com.

Watch Out For: Sun Poisoning

FitSugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 08:00:00 PDT

So you've been out in the sun and you wore sunscreen, but unfortunately you forgot to reapply. You ended up with a nasty burn on your face and as you take a closer look, parts of your cheek appear kind of blistery and yellowish in color. What you've got is a case of sun poisoning (also called Photodermatitis, for those who want to impress their friends). Not only does it cause this painful rash, but symptoms also include fever, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, chills, and headaches. The area may swell and will probably feel like it's on fire.

Sun poisoning is your skin's reaction to UV rays. It's possible to become more sensitive than normal if you use certain meds such as antibiotics, beauty products that are used for acne, or sunscreens that contain PABA. Just like an irritating sunburn, the rash usually results in itchy, peeling skin, but eventually goes away on its own within 10 days. That's good to hear, but there's bad news too. To hear it

The more extreme exposure your skin gets to UV rays, the bigger your risk for skin cancer. So you want to prevent sunburns and sun poisoning at all costs. Make sure to avoid long hours of sunlight, especially during 10 am and 3 pm. Of course, slather yourself with broad spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or higher. It must be applied 30 minutes before you head out in the sun, and must be reapplied every two hours.

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Indoor Tanning Is Out

FitSugar — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:00:00 PDT

I've already talked to you about how harmful it is to use a tanning bed to get a base tan before the summer (or ever for that matter), but I'm not the only one trying to get the message out. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has just launched a series of Public Service Announcements with the motto, "Indoor tanning is out."

These PSAs are trying to make people aware that just like the sun, the rays from tanning beds also cause melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Current research shows that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetimes, and that UV rays are a known cause. Remember that UV rays from tanning beds can be as much as 15 times higher than midday sun. Choosing not to use tanning beds is a great way to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.

Many people go tanning because they think that darkened skin looks better. If vanity is inspiring people to lie in tanning beds every week, maybe it can prevent them from stopping too. Hopefully these PSAs will remind people that tanning not only causes deadly skin cancer, but it also causes premature aging, wrinkles, and sun spots. If people are tanning to look healthier, that plan is going to backfire majorly in the future.

Want to see their serious TV ad about the dangers of tanning beds? Then

Here's the TV ad you can expect to see running through the entire month of May, which is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month.

Do you think these ads are a good idea, or are they just reiterating the facts that most people already know but choose to ignore?

I Wear My Sunglasses at Night (and in the Morning)

FitSugar — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 14:30:00 PDT

I love my sunglasses as much as the next girl, but I typically don't start wearing them until lunchtime when the sun is at its strongest. Or so I thought....

New research conducted in Japan found that during Spring, Summer and Fall, Ultraviolet (UV) exposure to the eye during early morning and late afternoon was approximately double that of the mid-morning/early afternoon period that is most often thought of as peak sun exposure time.

Apparently it all has to do with the angle the sun hits your eyes at those times. Think about it, mid afternoon the sun is usually overhead, whereas in the AM and PM the sun can be at eye level, especially if you are driving due east or west.

So maybe check out FabSugar to find a cute pair of sunglasses, especially now that you know you may be wearing them a whole lot more.

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Get in Gear: Personal UV Monitor

FitSugar — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 02:30:00 PDT

There are two ways in which a lot of us don't get the most out of our sunscreen: We don't apply enough and we don't apply often enough. For the first problem, you should apply at least an ounce of sunscreen. For the second issue? Well, you should apply sunscreen at least every two hours of being in the sun.

Problem is that oftentimes I am usually doing so many things (gabbing with my friends, running after my girls, swimming laps, etc.) while I am outside, that I often forget when I need to reapply. The Personal UV Monitor ($29.95) from Oregon Scientific is just what I need. After programming in your skin type and your sunscreen's SPF level, this genius little device will alarm when you've hit your limit in the sun. The coolest part? The exposure time automatically updates with changes in UV intensity. While you may not be paying any attention to the time, it's good to know that something's got your back -- So strap it onto your bag or belt loop (or anywhere really). Cool right? You can buy one from OregonScientific.com.

Avoid Sun Poisoning

FitSugar — Mon, 28 May 2007 02:30:00 PDT

When you're out in the sun, which is bound to happen with all this gorgeous warm weather we're having, you've got to be careful not to get sun poisoning, or Photodermatitis, as it is scientifically called. Sun poisoning is a condition that develops when your skin over reacts to UV rays from the sun.

What causes it? Sometimes certain medications like antibiotics, certain skin products such as soap, sunscreens containing PABA, or certain fragrances may cause photosensitivity (increased sensitivity to UV rays). You should also be aware that just plain ol' overexposure to the sun is one of the main causes, so avoid staying out in the sun all day.

Symptoms of sun poisoning are fever, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, chills, headache, swelling, a burning sensation, a red itchy rash, small blisters, or peeling of the skin. When you're out in the sun for a long time, keep an eye out for these symptoms.

To avoid a skin reaction, stay out of the sun during the brightest sun hours, from noon to 3pm. Remember that just because it's cloudy, doesn't mean you are protected - so always wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when you are outdoors. Apply it to cool, dry skin 20-30 minutes before you go outside, and reapply it every 2 hours.

If you can stand being hot, you could also wear lightweight long sleeves, pants, and a hat to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Definitely avoid any chemicals that may trigger your reaction.

Fit's Tips: If you think you may have sun poisoning, definitely consult your doctor. If you know you have it, a cool shower or bath can help relieve symptoms. When you get out, lube yourself up with some aloe (I like to keep mine in the fridge for more of a cooling effect). Taking an anti-inflammatory such as aspirin may also reduce swelling, and help with nausea or headache.

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