There is an increasing prevalence of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers in all countries world wide due to poor physical health. Establishing a healthy lifestyle is your primary and best prevention against many of these conditions. Experts say just 30 minutes of activity three to four days per week will help you stay healthier. Exercise will make you feel better, improve your health and help you perform at your best every day. Best of all, it is never too late to start.
The big question is: How do I do this?
There are many ways to exercise every day with out going to the gym or to a fitness club. Here are a few suggestions that are very easy and convenient to do:
1.Park farther away from work, the grocery store, or the shopping mall.
2.Take your dog for a 20-30 minute walk every other day.
3.Add exercise into your weekend plans.
4.Turn your coffee break into a walking break.
5.Use the stairs instead of the elevator/escalator.
And what are the benefits of exercising? Here are just a few:
1.The capacity of air taken to your lungs increases dramatically.
2.Your heart muscle grows stronger.
3.It promotes strong and healthy bones.
4.It increases intellectual capacity and productivity.
5.Antidotes for emotional disturbances particularly “stress”.
6.And most of all it is one of the more realistic way to lose weight.
The following are tips on how to maintain a healthier lifestyle and to prepare you to cope with the stress of everyday living.
1.Structure at least three to four days a week to include a minimum of 20 minutes of aerobic exercise.
2.Eat well-balanced meals, more whole grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables.
3.Reduce caffeine. This substance may aggravate anxiety, insomnia, nervousness and trembling.
4.Avoid alcohol and drugs. These substances may add to headaches and swelling, decrease coping mechanisms and add to depression.
5.Get at least 7 hours of sleep each night.
6.Spend time each day with at least one relaxation technique-imagery, daydreaming, prayer, yoga or meditation.
7.And lastly, go for a walk following the suggestions above.
Maintaining a healthy balance between eating patterns and activity levels are highly recommended by health professionals and medical experts. Therefore, another way to improve your healthy living is by way of healthy eating. Guide your food choices with the help from the “Food Guide Pyramid”. A well-balanced diet coupled with regular exercise is a successful combination to help keep your body fit. But changing personal behaviors and attitudes about nutrition and health can be challenging. The following World Wide Web sites may assist you in making some lifestyle changes:
www.eatright.org
www.webmd.com
www.healthfinder.gov
www.nutrifit.org
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Flu vs. Cold
There is a wide majority of people who unknowingly interchange this two type illness. Can you tell the difference between symptoms of flu and the common cold? If not, be guided on the following facts about flu and the common cold symptoms.
Symptom #1. FEVER. Fever is rare with a common cold. While fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of the flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for three to five days is associated with the flu.
Symptom #2. COUGHING. A hacking, productive (mucus producing) cough is often present with a cold. A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu. This is sometimes referred to a “dry cough”.
Symptom #3. BODY ACHES. A slight body aches and pains can be part of a common cold. While severe body aches and pains are common with flu.
Symptom #4. STUFFY NOSE. Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week. While this is not present in a flu symptom.
Symptom #5. CHILLS. Chills are very uncommon with a cold. And chills are fairly common in most flu cases. About 60% of flu cases include chills. Chills and shivering are a normal reaction to a cold environment, but unexplained chills can also be a sign of the flu.
Symptom #6. TIREDNESS. Tiredness is fairly mild with a common cold. Often one can do its daily chores and usually does not get tire easily. In a flu, tiredness is often moderate to severe is most of the cases.
Symptom #7. SNEEZING. Sneezing is commonly present with a common cold, while this is not common with the flu.
Symptom #8. HEADACHE. A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold. A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.
Symptom #9. SORE THROAT. Sore throat is commonly present and associated with a common cold and is not commonly present with the flu.
Symptom #10. CHEST DISCOMFORT. Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold. Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.
Symptom #11. SUDDEN SYMPTOMS. Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days. The flu has a rapid onset within 3 to 6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, body aches and pains.
With the world wide spread of the Influenza AH1N1 virus which is a severe case of flu, it is very important to know the difference between a common cold and flu symptoms in order to act as quickly as possible and prevent further damage to you and your family.
Symptom #1. FEVER. Fever is rare with a common cold. While fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of the flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for three to five days is associated with the flu.
Symptom #2. COUGHING. A hacking, productive (mucus producing) cough is often present with a cold. A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu. This is sometimes referred to a “dry cough”.
Symptom #3. BODY ACHES. A slight body aches and pains can be part of a common cold. While severe body aches and pains are common with flu.
Symptom #4. STUFFY NOSE. Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week. While this is not present in a flu symptom.
Symptom #5. CHILLS. Chills are very uncommon with a cold. And chills are fairly common in most flu cases. About 60% of flu cases include chills. Chills and shivering are a normal reaction to a cold environment, but unexplained chills can also be a sign of the flu.
Symptom #6. TIREDNESS. Tiredness is fairly mild with a common cold. Often one can do its daily chores and usually does not get tire easily. In a flu, tiredness is often moderate to severe is most of the cases.
Symptom #7. SNEEZING. Sneezing is commonly present with a common cold, while this is not common with the flu.
Symptom #8. HEADACHE. A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold. A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.
Symptom #9. SORE THROAT. Sore throat is commonly present and associated with a common cold and is not commonly present with the flu.
Symptom #10. CHEST DISCOMFORT. Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold. Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.
Symptom #11. SUDDEN SYMPTOMS. Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days. The flu has a rapid onset within 3 to 6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, body aches and pains.
With the world wide spread of the Influenza AH1N1 virus which is a severe case of flu, it is very important to know the difference between a common cold and flu symptoms in order to act as quickly as possible and prevent further damage to you and your family.
Fire safety at Home
Just like accidents, fire kills! It is a large scale killer and it is the greatest single destroyer of properties. Fire is a disaster which can wipe out multitude of lives, whole business operation, with a single strike in just a matter of minutes. Fire is a chemical reaction between a flammable or combustible material and oxygen. It is frequently referred to as a “rapid oxidation with the evolution of light and heat”.
There are three major components of fire as is often called the “Fire Triangle”. [1]Fuel such as paper, wood, flammable gas, energized electrical equipments, etc. Fuel can also be in a form of gases (hydrogen, acetylene, methane, etc). Liquids that are flammable and combustible or other solids in the form of powders and dust. Also, other forms of fuels are called “reactive materials” which have ability to ignite or explode spontaneously when they are mixed with other substances or are subjected to conditions like high temperature, extreme pressure or mechanical shock.[2] Energy (heat), sufficient to support combustion. Heat is also often referred to as the ignition source. [3] Oxidize air, continuous supply of oxygen from air promotes combustion. When the oxygen content of air drops below 16%, the fire will normally go out for lack of oxygen. However, in an atmosphere of pure oxygen or even oxygen-enriched air will produce fires of great intensity.
If any one of this is missing, a fire cannot continue. Therefore, the best prevention is based on eliminating or minimizing one of the components of the “Fire Triangle”.
When a fire broke-out, it can be extinguish by either one of this methods: [1] Starving. Removal of fuel or stoppage of the supply of fuel to a point where there is nothing to oxidize (for example, shutting-off the valve).[2] Cooling. Reducing the heat of the burning substance to a point below the ignition temperature (examples includes water, A-FFF or CO2).[3] Smothering or Blanketing. Keeping air (hence, oxygen) from the burning substance to a point where combustion ceases (examples include CO2 , dry chemical, steam and A-FFF).[4] Breaking. Breaking or interrupting the chain reaction of combustion (BCF or Halons are a good examples of this).
A gas leak is one of the major sources of fires in residential and commercial areas. The immediate danger of a leaking utility gas is an explosion followed by fire. Therefore, in any event that a gas leak is detected, the following precaution should be observed. Turn off the gas supply in the main valve to stop the leak. Do not switch on or put off any electrical switches for the light or appliances or strike a match. Any spark from this could cause explosion. Next is to open all doors & windows and manually fan out the gas. Other fire hazards include overloaded electrical circuits, candles, defective electrical equipment, improper size and type light bulbs in lighting, and smoking.
If you get caught in a fire in your home or in a building, this safety tips would help you survive it. As much as possible, don’t get trapped. Know where the fire is and run opposite the direction of the fire. Look for the most convenient fire exit to run into. Cover your mouth and nose. If possible a damp cloth would be the best for this purpose. Keep low to the floor. Smoke escaping from a fire tends to go in an upward direction. Several fire casualties are found in their bathrooms which is not a very good idea. So never hide from any part of your house or building during a fire. If clothes catch fire: Stop, Drop and Roll until fire is gone. And lastly, be determined to survive. Determination helps pumping that adrenalin in order to make a great fire escape.
There are three major components of fire as is often called the “Fire Triangle”. [1]Fuel such as paper, wood, flammable gas, energized electrical equipments, etc. Fuel can also be in a form of gases (hydrogen, acetylene, methane, etc). Liquids that are flammable and combustible or other solids in the form of powders and dust. Also, other forms of fuels are called “reactive materials” which have ability to ignite or explode spontaneously when they are mixed with other substances or are subjected to conditions like high temperature, extreme pressure or mechanical shock.[2] Energy (heat), sufficient to support combustion. Heat is also often referred to as the ignition source. [3] Oxidize air, continuous supply of oxygen from air promotes combustion. When the oxygen content of air drops below 16%, the fire will normally go out for lack of oxygen. However, in an atmosphere of pure oxygen or even oxygen-enriched air will produce fires of great intensity.
If any one of this is missing, a fire cannot continue. Therefore, the best prevention is based on eliminating or minimizing one of the components of the “Fire Triangle”.
When a fire broke-out, it can be extinguish by either one of this methods: [1] Starving. Removal of fuel or stoppage of the supply of fuel to a point where there is nothing to oxidize (for example, shutting-off the valve).[2] Cooling. Reducing the heat of the burning substance to a point below the ignition temperature (examples includes water, A-FFF or CO2).[3] Smothering or Blanketing. Keeping air (hence, oxygen) from the burning substance to a point where combustion ceases (examples include CO2 , dry chemical, steam and A-FFF).[4] Breaking. Breaking or interrupting the chain reaction of combustion (BCF or Halons are a good examples of this).
A gas leak is one of the major sources of fires in residential and commercial areas. The immediate danger of a leaking utility gas is an explosion followed by fire. Therefore, in any event that a gas leak is detected, the following precaution should be observed. Turn off the gas supply in the main valve to stop the leak. Do not switch on or put off any electrical switches for the light or appliances or strike a match. Any spark from this could cause explosion. Next is to open all doors & windows and manually fan out the gas. Other fire hazards include overloaded electrical circuits, candles, defective electrical equipment, improper size and type light bulbs in lighting, and smoking.
If you get caught in a fire in your home or in a building, this safety tips would help you survive it. As much as possible, don’t get trapped. Know where the fire is and run opposite the direction of the fire. Look for the most convenient fire exit to run into. Cover your mouth and nose. If possible a damp cloth would be the best for this purpose. Keep low to the floor. Smoke escaping from a fire tends to go in an upward direction. Several fire casualties are found in their bathrooms which is not a very good idea. So never hide from any part of your house or building during a fire. If clothes catch fire: Stop, Drop and Roll until fire is gone. And lastly, be determined to survive. Determination helps pumping that adrenalin in order to make a great fire escape.
Low Voltage Electrical Safety Tips
Applications of low voltage electrical items are commonly used in homes and commercial buildings. The voltage needed to run this items is usually 600 Volts and below. Most people carry the perception that low-voltage contact is much less dangerous than high-voltage contact, but is the opposite.
There are more injuries from low-voltage contacts (especially 347 V systems) than there are from high-voltage. This is why Energized Low-voltage systems are very dangerous. Two factors of these are as follows : First, there is a small working clearance between low-voltage components which leaves a little room for error when using tools. Second, Low-voltage equipment in some industrial services may be supplied by an electrical system that can feed incredible amounts of energy into a fault (caused by a short-circuit, for example).
Let us first understand some low-voltage overhead conductors utility poles we usually ignore: [1]Utility poles generally carry both low-voltage conductors (power lines) as well as communications lines (such as cable television and telephone). [2] High-voltage conductors are always installed at or near the top of the utility pole. [3] Low-voltage conductors are usually installed as a single conductor mounted one above the other. When working close to Energized Equipment, conductors, and utility poles, be guided of the following precautions:
- Un-insulated, energized parts of low-voltage electrical equipment and conductors must be guarded by approved cabinets or enclosures unless the energized parts are in a suitable room or enclosed area that is accessible only to qualified and authorized.
- Each entrance to a room or other guarded location containing un-insulated and exposed energized parts must be marked with warning signs limiting entry.
- If un-insulated, energized parts are not guarded with approved cabinets or enclosures: Suitable barriers or covers must be provided if a worker unfamiliar with the hazards is working within 1 meter (3.3 ft) of those parts, or the worker must be informed of the potential hazards and must follow written safe work procedures.
- Think ahead: Assess all of the risks associated with the task. Plan the whole job in advance so that you can take every precau5ion, including arranging for help in case of paralyzing shock. Consider the use of a pre-job safety meeting to discuss the job with all workers before starting the work.
- Know the system: Accurate, up-to-date information should be available to those who work on the system.
- Limit the exposure: Have live parts exposed for as little time as necessary. Be organized so that the job can be done efficiently.
- Cover exposed live metal: Use insulating barriers or shields to cover live parts.
- Cover grounded metal work: Grounded metal parts should be covered with insulating material as much as possible.
- Limit the energy to reduce the risk: All practical steps should be taken to ensure that the fault current at the point of work is kept as low as possible while the work is in progress. For example, measuring voltage, do it on the load side of the circuit-protective devices with smallest current rating. Current-limiting devices can be used to reduce the risk of an arc flash.
- Remove metal rings, bracelets, and wristwatch bands: These could cause a short-circuit where small clearances are involved. (If it is necessary to wear medic-alert bracelets, secure them with transparent surgical or adhesive tape or rubber bands.)
- Use one hand with your face and body turned to the side when operating a safety switch: Limit possible injuries by not placing body parts directly in front of energized equipment when there is danger of an arc flash.
- Avoid electrical contact when working in awkward positions: If you must work in an awkward on unbalanced position and reach with your tools, use insulating cover-up material on the tools to avoid contact with live conductors.
- Use the correct equipment and clothing: Insulated tools to avoid shocks and to prevent accidental short-circuits. Rubber gloves (leather gloves can be used when testing equipment). Cover-up blankets to avoid accidental contact with the equipment. Shock-resistant safety boots or shoes. Flame-resistant clothing if there is a fire hazard. Safety glasses, goggles, or a face shield to protect the worker from molten metal or ultraviolet light. Flame-resistant clothing if there is a risk of an electric arc that could cause a fire.
There are more injuries from low-voltage contacts (especially 347 V systems) than there are from high-voltage. This is why Energized Low-voltage systems are very dangerous. Two factors of these are as follows : First, there is a small working clearance between low-voltage components which leaves a little room for error when using tools. Second, Low-voltage equipment in some industrial services may be supplied by an electrical system that can feed incredible amounts of energy into a fault (caused by a short-circuit, for example).
Let us first understand some low-voltage overhead conductors utility poles we usually ignore: [1]Utility poles generally carry both low-voltage conductors (power lines) as well as communications lines (such as cable television and telephone). [2] High-voltage conductors are always installed at or near the top of the utility pole. [3] Low-voltage conductors are usually installed as a single conductor mounted one above the other. When working close to Energized Equipment, conductors, and utility poles, be guided of the following precautions:
- Un-insulated, energized parts of low-voltage electrical equipment and conductors must be guarded by approved cabinets or enclosures unless the energized parts are in a suitable room or enclosed area that is accessible only to qualified and authorized.
- Each entrance to a room or other guarded location containing un-insulated and exposed energized parts must be marked with warning signs limiting entry.
- If un-insulated, energized parts are not guarded with approved cabinets or enclosures: Suitable barriers or covers must be provided if a worker unfamiliar with the hazards is working within 1 meter (3.3 ft) of those parts, or the worker must be informed of the potential hazards and must follow written safe work procedures.
- Think ahead: Assess all of the risks associated with the task. Plan the whole job in advance so that you can take every precau5ion, including arranging for help in case of paralyzing shock. Consider the use of a pre-job safety meeting to discuss the job with all workers before starting the work.
- Know the system: Accurate, up-to-date information should be available to those who work on the system.
- Limit the exposure: Have live parts exposed for as little time as necessary. Be organized so that the job can be done efficiently.
- Cover exposed live metal: Use insulating barriers or shields to cover live parts.
- Cover grounded metal work: Grounded metal parts should be covered with insulating material as much as possible.
- Limit the energy to reduce the risk: All practical steps should be taken to ensure that the fault current at the point of work is kept as low as possible while the work is in progress. For example, measuring voltage, do it on the load side of the circuit-protective devices with smallest current rating. Current-limiting devices can be used to reduce the risk of an arc flash.
- Remove metal rings, bracelets, and wristwatch bands: These could cause a short-circuit where small clearances are involved. (If it is necessary to wear medic-alert bracelets, secure them with transparent surgical or adhesive tape or rubber bands.)
- Use one hand with your face and body turned to the side when operating a safety switch: Limit possible injuries by not placing body parts directly in front of energized equipment when there is danger of an arc flash.
- Avoid electrical contact when working in awkward positions: If you must work in an awkward on unbalanced position and reach with your tools, use insulating cover-up material on the tools to avoid contact with live conductors.
- Use the correct equipment and clothing: Insulated tools to avoid shocks and to prevent accidental short-circuits. Rubber gloves (leather gloves can be used when testing equipment). Cover-up blankets to avoid accidental contact with the equipment. Shock-resistant safety boots or shoes. Flame-resistant clothing if there is a fire hazard. Safety glasses, goggles, or a face shield to protect the worker from molten metal or ultraviolet light. Flame-resistant clothing if there is a risk of an electric arc that could cause a fire.
Electric shock: Information and first aid
ELECTRICITY is a silent, invisible force that can kill without warning if its dangers are ignored. Treat this powerful energy with caution and respect, and you need not fear it. The passage of electrical current through your body is felt as shock. Even if shock doesn’t cause direct injury, reflex action by your muscles may cause falls or sudden moves into other hazards. The degree of injury from shock depends on three factors: amount of current, or amperage; total length of time exposed; and the path the current takes.
Electricity passing through your body can disrupt the tiny electrical signals in your nerves and cause your heartbeat or breathing to stop. Mild Shock is caused by brief contact with current <5mA. The physical effects includes: tingling feeling in the affected area; slight discoloration of the skin; and minor burns. Severe Shock is caused by longer contact with current usually from 5mA to 25mA. The physical effects includes: numbness or temporary paralysis of body parts; moderate to serious pain; spasms or loss of muscle control; loss of consciousness; and breathing difficulties. Current above 5mA for women and 9mA for men may cause muscle contractions so severe that the victim can’t let go of the shock source. Deadly Shock happens when a worker is frozen to an electrical contact point and receives continuous current greater than 25mA. The physical effects includes: 2nd or 3rd degree burns inside and outside the body; destroyed nerves; ruptured internal organs; shattered teeth; broken bones; and torn muscle tissue.
FIRST AID PROCEDURES:
Mild Shock
1. Have the victim sit down in a comfortable position
2. Check for signs and be sure muscle movement is normal
3. Check for loss of feeling in any part of the body
4. Check pulse rate and breathing
5. If there is no severe pain, the victim can be released
Continuous Shock
The first thing to do is to remove the victim from the power source. Use non conductive tools such as wooden chair, broom handle, plastic pipe or ropes to free the victim. Non-conductive materials means that electric current don’t flow into them. When you have freed the victim from the power source, do the following:
1. assess the victim’s condition checking the airway, breathing and pulse.
2. activate medical assistance
3. if victim is not breathing, but with pulse conduct do Air Respiration (AR)
4. if victim is not breathing and no pulse detected, conduct Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR )
Be aware though that CPR must be administered by a qualified First Aider only. Improper way of CPR might do more harm than good to the victim.
Severe Shock and related injuries often cause the victim to go into traumatic shock. This condition requires immediate medical attention because it causes a sharp drop in the body’s vital functions such as:
1. muscle strength
2. breathing rate
3. heartbeat
4. blood pressure
5. ability to regulate body heat
Electricity passing through your body can disrupt the tiny electrical signals in your nerves and cause your heartbeat or breathing to stop. Mild Shock is caused by brief contact with current <5mA. The physical effects includes: tingling feeling in the affected area; slight discoloration of the skin; and minor burns. Severe Shock is caused by longer contact with current usually from 5mA to 25mA. The physical effects includes: numbness or temporary paralysis of body parts; moderate to serious pain; spasms or loss of muscle control; loss of consciousness; and breathing difficulties. Current above 5mA for women and 9mA for men may cause muscle contractions so severe that the victim can’t let go of the shock source. Deadly Shock happens when a worker is frozen to an electrical contact point and receives continuous current greater than 25mA. The physical effects includes: 2nd or 3rd degree burns inside and outside the body; destroyed nerves; ruptured internal organs; shattered teeth; broken bones; and torn muscle tissue.
FIRST AID PROCEDURES:
Mild Shock
1. Have the victim sit down in a comfortable position
2. Check for signs and be sure muscle movement is normal
3. Check for loss of feeling in any part of the body
4. Check pulse rate and breathing
5. If there is no severe pain, the victim can be released
Continuous Shock
The first thing to do is to remove the victim from the power source. Use non conductive tools such as wooden chair, broom handle, plastic pipe or ropes to free the victim. Non-conductive materials means that electric current don’t flow into them. When you have freed the victim from the power source, do the following:
1. assess the victim’s condition checking the airway, breathing and pulse.
2. activate medical assistance
3. if victim is not breathing, but with pulse conduct do Air Respiration (AR)
4. if victim is not breathing and no pulse detected, conduct Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR )
Be aware though that CPR must be administered by a qualified First Aider only. Improper way of CPR might do more harm than good to the victim.
Severe Shock and related injuries often cause the victim to go into traumatic shock. This condition requires immediate medical attention because it causes a sharp drop in the body’s vital functions such as:
1. muscle strength
2. breathing rate
3. heartbeat
4. blood pressure
5. ability to regulate body heat
Friday, June 19, 2009
Common Sun Related Health Problems
Skin Cancer:
Exposure to UV radiation can lead to skin cancer. The three most common: Basal Cell; Squamous Cell; Melanoma. Receiving one or two blistering sunburns before the age of 18 at least doubles an individual's risk for developing melanoma. (AAD, 1994).
Eye Damage:
Eye Damage from UV radiation. Long exposure to sunlight can lead to eye problems later in life, such as cataracts. Another potential effect of UV radiation is a "burning" of the eye surface, called "snow blindness" or photokeratitis from sunlight. Premature Aging. Repeated exposure to the sun can cause premature aging effects. Sun-induced skin damage causes wrinkles and furrows, easy bruising, brown or “liver spots” on the skin. Because this exposure in cumulative, protection can never be to late.
Immune System:
Scientists believe sunburns can alter the distribution and function of disease-fighting white blood cells in humans for up to 24 hours after exposure to the sun. Repeated overexposure to UV radiation can cause more damage to the body's immune system. Mild sunburns can directly suppress the immune functions of human skin where the sunburn occurred, even in people with dark skin. (http://www.nsc.org/ehc/sunwise/health.htm#skin)
Let’s Have Fun In the Sun:
With everything, moderation is best. Wear proper sunscreens when out in the sun. If you are sensitive to sunburns avoid being in the sun from 10 AM to 2 PM when the sun is at its peak. Consume lots of water to stay hydrated. Cool down in air conditioned rooms or near fans. Wear light colored, natural fiber clothing to help your body to repel heat absorption and cool easier. Pace yourself during strenuous activities.
Exposure to UV radiation can lead to skin cancer. The three most common: Basal Cell; Squamous Cell; Melanoma. Receiving one or two blistering sunburns before the age of 18 at least doubles an individual's risk for developing melanoma. (AAD, 1994).
Eye Damage:
Eye Damage from UV radiation. Long exposure to sunlight can lead to eye problems later in life, such as cataracts. Another potential effect of UV radiation is a "burning" of the eye surface, called "snow blindness" or photokeratitis from sunlight. Premature Aging. Repeated exposure to the sun can cause premature aging effects. Sun-induced skin damage causes wrinkles and furrows, easy bruising, brown or “liver spots” on the skin. Because this exposure in cumulative, protection can never be to late.
Immune System:
Scientists believe sunburns can alter the distribution and function of disease-fighting white blood cells in humans for up to 24 hours after exposure to the sun. Repeated overexposure to UV radiation can cause more damage to the body's immune system. Mild sunburns can directly suppress the immune functions of human skin where the sunburn occurred, even in people with dark skin. (http://www.nsc.org/ehc/sunwise/health.htm#skin)
Let’s Have Fun In the Sun:
With everything, moderation is best. Wear proper sunscreens when out in the sun. If you are sensitive to sunburns avoid being in the sun from 10 AM to 2 PM when the sun is at its peak. Consume lots of water to stay hydrated. Cool down in air conditioned rooms or near fans. Wear light colored, natural fiber clothing to help your body to repel heat absorption and cool easier. Pace yourself during strenuous activities.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)