The Basics of Sunscreen
By Kayla Watts
Watts is a student in the Pharmacy School at KU and is currently an intern at AuBurn Pharmacy in Garnett.
Summer has begun and for most people that means spending as much time as possible enjoying the sun. However spending a lot of time in the sun can be dangerous and I think it is important to know the basics about sun protection.
The first thing to look at when choosing a sunscreen is to make sure that it is labeled broad spectrum or UVA/UVB. Broad spectrum means that the sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays. An overexposure of either type of sun ray can cause skin cancer.
The next thing to look at is the SPF or sun protection factor is the sunscreen. There are a lot of different products with high SPFs but the highest SPF does not necessarily guarantee any better protection than products with lower SPFs. A product with an SPF of 15 blocks 94% of UV rays while a product with an SPF of 45 blocks 98% of UV rays. No product out there can guarantee 100% protection from UV rays.
A third area to look at when choosing a sun protection is making sure to get one that is effective even after getting wet. Waterproof or very water resistant sun protection needs to applied 80 minutes after getting wet while water resistant sunscreen must be reapplied 40 minutes after. Finally when applying sunscreen you should apply at least 30 minutes prior to going into the sun.
If you are going to be outside for an extended period of time it is important to reapply every 2 hours. By taking a little extra time and care to protect yourself from the sun you can look forward to a burn free summer.
Anderson County Hospital
encourages greater
understanding of stroke risk factors & warning
signs
As one of the world’s leading stroke centers, Saint Luke’s
Brain and Stroke Institute in Kansas City understands that efforts
to control risk
factors to prevent stroke, and early recognition of symptoms, can potentially
save lives.
A patient with an ischemic stroke (clot) who gets to Saint Luke’s
Stroke Center in time is 10 times more likely to receive stroke reversal
treatment
than the national average. The center treats more than 700 people with
strokes annually,
many of whom come by helicopter or ambulance from more than 60 hospitals
in the region.
As a member of Saint Luke’s Health System, Anderson County Hospital patients
needing treatment for stroke have immediate access to care protocols established
by the renowned Saint Luke’s Brain and Stroke Institute. When patients
arrive at Anderson County Hospital , treatment is initiated using the same models
of care that have earned Saint Luke’s worldwide recognition for
innovative, life-saving care.
“National Stroke Awareness Month in May is the perfect time to educate
yourself and others about the risk factors and signs of stroke and to learn to
call for medical assistance immediately if you or someone you know experiences
any,” said neurologist Marilyn Rymer, M.D., medical director of Saint Luke’s
Brain and Stroke Institute.
“Learning to recognize the warning signs and acting quickly when they occur
can mean the difference in surviving a stroke and minimizing long-term disability,
or being physically and mentally devastated or dying from it,” said
Dr. Rymer.
Know Stroke Symptoms
Many people don’t know that if you can recognize the symptoms
of a stroke, you can save not only your own life, but also the life
of someone
else. Treatment
exists to minimize the effects of stroke; however, it must be given
within the first few hours of the first symptom. To recognize the symptoms
of
stroke,
know
the F.A.S.T. acronym:
Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Does the speech sound slurred
or strange?
Time: If you observe any of these signs, then it’s time to call
9-1-1.
Control Blood Pressure to Prevent Stroke
High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for stroke. Yet, nearly 60 million
Americans have high blood pressure, and of those, nearly one-third do not know
that they have it.
· Have your blood pressure checked at least once a year, and more often
if you have a history of high blood pressure, have had a heart attack,
are diabetic or are overweight.
· Know your family medical history – if high blood pressure runs
in your family, it’s important that you ask your doctor about
how to control your blood pressure.
· If you currently have high blood pressure, follow the recommendations
of your doctor, which may include changes in diet, regular exercise
and the use of medication.
Manage Cholesterol to Prevent Stroke
Next time you think about burgers and fries, think about this: There
are many things – including foods high in saturated fat – that can cause arteries
to become blocked through the gradual build-up of cholesterol, called plaque.
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy fat (lipid) that is made by the body. It is found
in the bloodstream and in all of the body’s cells. While your
body needs some cholesterol, too much plaque build-up in the arteries
can
block normal blood
flow to the brain and cause a stroke.
· It’s important to understand your cholesterol numbers – they’re
key measurements of your stroke risk.
· For most people, total cholesterol should fall below 200.
· “Bad” cholesterol (LDL) should be below 100 for most people
and below 70 if a person has diabetes or heart disease.
· Maintain a healthy cholesterol level by eating a diet low in saturated
fats and incorporating exercise into your daily routine.
· Ask your doctor how you can improve any numbers that are not in normal
range.
Manage Diabetes to Prevent Stroke
Approximately 21 million Americans have diabetes. People with diabetes are up
to four times as likely to have a stroke as compared to those without diabetes.
· Ask your doctor if you are at risk – it may be necessary for you
to be tested regularly.
· If you have diabetes, it is important for you to monitor your blood
sugar and weight gain, including A1C levels.
· Take medicine as directed (including insulin). Follow the treatment
guidelines of your doctor and ask your doctor any questions you may
have.
· Manage your diet and exercise to control blood sugar levels.
Make Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Stroke
Stroke is one of the most preventable of all life-threatening health problems.
By making simple lifestyle changes, you can reduce your risk of stroke.
· Get moving, stay active and incorporate exercise into your daily regimen.
· Don’t smoke! If you are a regular smoker, make a resolution to
quit. It may be one of the very best things you can do for your health.
· Eat a well-balanced diet that is low in fat and sodium and rich in fruits,
vegetables and whole grains.
· Drink alcohol only in moderation.
For more information about Saint Luke’s Brain and Stroke Institute, visit
saintlukeshealthsystem.org.
What you need to know in 2011 about
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
Click
here to download the Medicare PDF
