FitSugar

Did You Get Sunburned This Memorial Day Weekend?

Heather Dale — Tue, 31 May 2011 11:35:48 PDT

Did you know that last Friday was "Don't Fry Day"? Created by health experts, the Friday leading into Memorial Day weekend has been dubbed this punny name to raise awareness about the hazards related to overexposure to sunlight, since the three-day weekend marks the "unofficial beginning of Summer."

The main cause of skin cancer is overexposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. And according to Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Air and Radiation, "Many people still do not realize that unprotected sun exposure can lead to skin cancer and other health problems." Skin cancer affects more than two million Americans each year. That's more than breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancers combined, says the EPA.

Knowledge is power so brush up on the four warning signs of skin cancer, and also note that the use of tanning beds before the age of 30 can increase your risk of skin cancer by 75 percent.

To protect yourself from harmful UV rays, you should try to stay out of direct sunlight during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; cover up by wearing hats, sunglasses, and long-sleeved-shirts; wear sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher; and stay in a shaded spot or take an umbrella with you to the beach. And if you do happen to get burned, in the latest issue of The Oprah Magazine, Dr. Oz says you can sponge your burn with cooled chamomile tea, since it contains great anti-inflammatory properties.

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?

Are You Down With Vitamin D?

FitSugar — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 07:00:01 PDT

D is for dairy, and for daylight, which also happen to be two good sources of vitamin D. Now that the days are getting longer and we're heading into Summer, it's even easier to get your daily dose of D. Just don't forget the sunscreen!

How much vitamin D do you really need, and where can you get it? Take my quiz and see if you can ace your D knowledge.

Take the Quiz

Sunscreen Smarts: Facts and Figures

FitSugar — Tue, 04 May 2010 04:30:58 PDT

I was shocked to read that only 20 percent of Americans wear sunscreen on a daily basis, which got me wondering what else I don't know about this Summer essential.

Whether you're hopping on your bicycle for a long ride or just taking a walk at lunchtime, it's crucial that you protect your skin from harmful rays. Find out how well you know your sunscreen facts and figures.

Take the Quiz

P.L.O.W. - Celebrate the Sun

FitSugar — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 03:30:00 PDT

In case you hadn't heard, on Wednesday the longest total solar eclipse of this century was visible from India and China. Although those of us in the US and elsewhere didn't get to witness it firsthand, you can't deny that it's a miraculous and rare event.

Even though there won't be a longer eclipse until the year 2132, now is the perfect time to celebrate our glorious sun. So this weekend, get outside for a run and enjoy these songs about our shining star. There are 30 minutes of upbeat songs to run to, and 10 minutes of calmer tunes at the end for a walking cool down.

To hear the playlist

Total Time: 41:43

Did I miss any songs about the sun? Tell me about them in the comment section below.

Sun Poisoning: Even Worse Than Sunburn

FitSugar — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:03:11 PDT

Whether you skipped the sunscreen because you wanted a tan, or you actually wore it but forgot to reapply, now you're left with an awful sunburn. As you take a closer look, you notice parts of your skin appear blistery, and slightly yellowish in color. That's not just a sunburn, it's sun poisoning, and it's even more damaging to your skin. Not only does it cause a painful rash, but symptoms also include fever, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, chills, and headaches. The area may swell and the blisters can open and lead to infection.

Sun poisoning is your skin's reaction to UV rays, and 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 UV exposure your skin gets, the more your skin is damaged, and the bigger your risk is for developing skin cancer. So you want to prevent sunburns and sun poisoning at all costs. Make sure to avoid long hours in sunlight, especially from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Always slather yourself with broad spectrum sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or higher whenever outside. It must be applied 30 minutes before you head out, and reapplied every two hours. If you're especially sensitive to sun, wear a hat and lightweight clothes to cover your skin, or just enjoy the shade under an umbrella.

Tell me, have you ever suffered from sun poisoning?

Photo by Kelly Sue

UVSunSense Bracelets Prevent Skin Cancer

FitSugar — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:30:10 PDT

Most forms of skin cancer are linked to sun exposure, so if you wear sunscreen, it's 100 percent preventable. The problem is, if you put it on before you head outside, it's hard to remember to reapply. So the UVSunSense Wristband wants to help you remember.

This recyclable plastic bracelet monitors UVA and UVB rays. All you do is put on the wristband, and then apply a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher to your skin and also to the bracelet. As your sunscreen loses its effectiveness, the bracelet changes color. When it turns tan, you know to reapply, and when it turns yellow, it's time to get out of the sun. A seven-pack costs $6, which is definitely worth it since it can prevent sunburn and sun damage that can lead to skin cancer. Skin experts want to urge you not to rely on this bracelet, and to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, even if the bracelet hasn't changed color yet.

Anything that encourages people to wear sunscreen is a plus in my book, but tell me, would you wear a UVSunSense bracelet?

Are UVA and UVB Rays Equally Harmful?

FitSugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:30:00 PDT

Sunscreen is a must for anyone who spends time outside. Your bottle probably mentions something about UVA and UVB rays. Since you care so much about your health, I thought I'd refresh your mind on the difference between the two.

UVA rays: These are less likely to cause sunburn than UVB rays, but they penetrate your skin more deeply. Watch out because UVA rays can go through windows, lightweight clothing, and even your car windshield. Prolonged exposure cracks and shrinks the collagen and elastin in your skin, which is why UVA rays are responsible for signs of aging including wrinkles, saggy and leathery skin, and suns spots.

UVB rays: These are responsible for tanning your skin, but they also cause sunburn. UVB rays are the main culprit when it comes to skin cancer. These rays also go through windows, and it doesn't matter if it's cloudy - you're still at risk for exposure.

Although both types are responsible for different health risks, they're equally harmful to your skin. So if you're planning on enjoying the day outdoors, lube up with a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays 20 to 30 minutes before heading out. Reapply at least every two hours.

Summer Sun Provokes Suicide?

FitSugar — Tue, 12 May 2009 03:30:00 PDT

You might think that suicide rates are highest in the dark, gloomy days of Winter, but recent studies found that too much Summer sunlight, like in the northern climes of Sweden and Greenland from April to August, can cause suicidal thoughts as well. Extended Summer days make sleeping difficult, disrupting the body's natural circadian rhythm where darkness triggers sleep. Quantity of sleep is connected to mental health, and continual sleep disturbances are linked to an increase in suicidal risk. Scientists found that in areas where the sun never sets for months, suicide rates increased dramatically, leading them to speculate that the imbalance of light and dark affects serotonin levels in the brain, the chemical linked to mood.

So as Summer approaches and the days become longer, be sure to follow your regular sleeping schedule. As you can see from this study, your physical and mental health depend on it.

Source

Roundup: Sunny Day

CasaSugar — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 07:00:00 PST

After months of a drought, San Francisco is finally getting a pounding of rain. I've had enough of it and all I want is a sunny day! So I thought I'd round up a collection of cheerful, sun-inspired furnishings to brighten my days indoors until the clouds go away. These Crate and Barrel Marimekko Tamara Guest Towels ($5.95) have a wonderful 1960s wood-block-print-inspired pattern, and their sunny yellow color is just what I need for a little warmth in my home. To see more beaming furnishings,