FitSugar

What's the Deal with: Polarized Sunglasses

FitSugar — Mon, 14 May 2007 03:00:00 -0700

Spending a lot of time outside is a MUST in the summer (with sunscreen, of course!), and wearing sunglasses is a great way to protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can lead to the development of cataracts.

Personally, I love to be near the water, on a boat or a beach, or poolside, and the water can make a killer bright glare when the sun reflects off of it.

If the glare bothers you (how could it not?), then you'll want to get a pair of sunglasses that have polarized lenses. These are great at getting rid of the glare, making your vision clear and crisp when you look through them. They act as a filter to absorb the light waves. Pretty cool, huh?

Here's the deal - just because sunglasses say they are "polarized" doesn't mean they protect you any better from the sun's harmful UV rays. Also, especially dark or expensive sunglasses aren't necessarily better either. Make sure they say that they provide 100% protection. Polycarbonate lenses automatically block UV rays, but others have a chemical coating on them, kind of like sunscreen. These from Revo are polarized and offer maximum protection from UV and infrared rays. They are also scratch and impact resistant - not bad for $89.97.

Fit's Tips: Just be aware - some people get headaches when they wear sunglasses with polarized lenses.

Get in Gear: Personal UV Monitor

FitSugar — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 02:30:00 -0700

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.

Protect Your Peepers With UV-Rated Shades

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:40:34 -0700

Sunshine in your eyes can do more than make you cry; UV rays, both A and B, can cause serious damage to your baby blues. Since you can't put sunscreen on your eyelids or cover your cornea with zinc oxide, you need to protect your peepers with quality shades that are UV rated. It is recommended that you wear shades the provide 99 percent UVB protection and 95 percent UVA protection, but many sunglasses offer 100 percent protection from both. When shopping for shades skip any labeled "cosmetic" - these darkened lenses are just for looks. Also note, that polarized glasses decrease glare and do not provide UV protection unless they specify that they do.

You don't have to spend a fortune to protect your eyes at the beach when biking. Here are some great picks ranging from $30 to $60.

Tifosi T-F900 Helo Aviator Sunglasses - $40.00	Tifosi T-F850 Scout Sunglasses - $30.00
S4 Mac 751S4 Aviator Sunglasses - $55.00	S4 Women's Samantha 793S4 Resin Sunglasses - $35.00
S4 Women's Elle 719S4 Oversized Resin Sunglasses - $45.00	S4 Kermo 733S4 Resin Sunglasses - $45.00
Tifosi T-V670 Tyrant Sunglasses - $60.00	Tifosi Envy T-G281 Sunglasses - $30.00

Get Your Butt in Gear: UV Rash Guard by O'Neill

FitSugar — Tue, 29 May 2007 10:15:00 -0700

Nothing is worse than snorkeling for hours on the first day of your vacation and spending the rest of your precious days in paradise dealing with a very sunburned back. What you need to pack for your sunny, swimmy vacation is a rash guard.

You may be saying to yourself "Fit, I am not worried about a rash. It is a sunburn I am trying to avoid." To this I will say, lightweight rash guards are made from fabrics with high UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) factors, to keep your skin extra protected for long hours in the water. They are like a sunscreen swimsuit for your upper body.

Originally developed for surfers to prevent rashes from the sand and surf wax combo, rash guards are designed to move and swim in making them a much better option than swimming in an old tee shirt. Obviously they provide much better sun protection and this one, designed by O'Neill has a UPF rating of 50 plus. It even has a utility pocket with a drain hole - they think of everything.

Buy one directly from O'Neill for $49.95. Rash guards come in both short and long sleeve styles so your forearms can stay protected too.

Are Base Tans Healthy?

FitSugar — Wed, 13 May 2009 08:00:00 -0700

It's a common belief that before heading to the beach or the tropics, you should take a trip to the tanning salon to get a base tan. Even though it seems like a good idea to prepare your skin for sun exposure by hitting the electric beach, according to the Mayo Clinic, there's no proof that a few sessions at the tanning salon will prevent an outdoor sunburn. Keep in mind that ultraviolet light, whether from the sun or a sunlamp, damages your skin. Any change in the color of your skin is a sign of damage from UV radiation. Repeated exposure increases the risk of premature skin aging and skin cancer.

So skip the tanning trips and once you head to warmer climates, be sure to protect your skin with a broad spectrum sunscreen, which will protect you against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply it at least 30 minutes before you head outside, and reapply it every two hours.

Avoid Sun Poisoning

FitSugar — Mon, 28 May 2007 02:30:00 -0700

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.

Source

Cool Healthy Gadget: Melanoma Bracelet

FitSugar — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 08:00:00 -0700

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 -0700

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 read more

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.

Source

Indoor Tanning Is Out

FitSugar — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:00:00 -0700

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 read more

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?

Tomatoes For Sunburn?

FitSugar — Thu, 01 May 2008 03:00:00 -0700

Tomatoes might just be my favorite "veggie that is really a fruit." And now I have yet another reason to love them. It appears that eating tomatoes can improve the skins ability to protect against UV rays, which can cause premature aging of the skin as well as skin cancer. Although the study was quite small, involving only 20 volunteers, the results are promising. Ten volunteers ate 55 grams (just shy of two ounces) of tomato paste with 10 grams of olive oil daily, while another 10 volunteers ate 10 grams of olive oil daily. After three months, the tomato group had 33 percent more protection against sunburn (like wearing a very low factor sunscreen) and considerably higher levels of procollagen, which gives the skin its structure and keeps it firm.

Researchers believe that the antioxidant lycopene gives tomatoes their healthy edge. Good news is that concentrations of lycopene increase when tomatoes are cooked. So bring on the red sauce!

Source