Fall Vaccines Fight 3 Viruses
SEP 04, 2024We encourage all to get their flu and other vaccinations each year to avoid these and secondary issues or even hospitalization.
Read MoreAfter a long frigid winter, Midwesterners are eager to shed their coats and get outside. While we know that UV exposure from the sun damages the skin and causes skin cancers, many of us hang onto myths that put us at risk. Read on for facts and strategies to stay sun safe all season long.
Fact: One of the biggest misconceptions is that people with darker skin are protected from the risks of excessive sun exposure. People with lighter skin are certainly more prone to problems caused by UV radiation, but all people are susceptible to the risks.
Fact: Excessive sun exposure is linked to multiple problems including sunburn, a variety of skin cancers, and photoaging. Many people do not realize photoaging in particular is a problem. Many people assume that wrinkles and other skin changes are mostly related to age, but a major factor in skin changes as we get older is sun exposure.
Fact: Practicing daily UV safety can provide long-term benefits such as delaying skin aging and helping to prevent multiple types of skin cancers.
Fact: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, broad-spectrum coverage, and with water/sweat resistance. That sunscreen should be used during any outdoor work, sport, or recreational activity.
Fact: While using a good sunscreen is vital, other tips that can help keep you safe include wearing protective clothing like sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat, keeping track of the UV index and avoiding unnecessary outdoor activities at the highest times of the day – typically around noon and the early afternoon hours.
Though there have been safety concerns with some products, FDA-approved sunless tanning lotions, sprays, or creams are generally considered safe when used as directed. When buying a self-tanning product, just make sure it is one that is FDA-approved.
While it’s true the risk of melanoma increases as people age, melanoma is not uncommon even among those younger than 30. It’s one of the most common cancers in young adults and especially young women.
Keep in mind it’s the damage you do to your skin starting at a young age that ultimately leads to skin cancers – and wrinkles – later in life. So take care today for healthier skin in the years ahead. Your future self will thank you. If you have more questions, reach out to your primary care provider.
We encourage all to get their flu and other vaccinations each year to avoid these and secondary issues or even hospitalization.
Read MoreIf you’ve ever hesitated to ask your doctor a question because you were embarrassed or unsure, you’re not alone.
Read MoreThe good news is the same things you do to stay healthy throughout your life – exercising regularly, eating healthy, managing stress – still apply as you get older.
Read MoreWhen you need local health information from a trusted source, turn to the CHI Health Better You eNewsletter.