First and foremost, taking the proper precautions to limit the lifespan of this pandemic doesn’t have to be political. These precautions are vital if we want to continue to keep our local businesses open to support our community.

On June 26th, the governor had to close bars due to poor compliance of some of our folks. I believe this governor is a very good supporter of individual liberty, but we cannot live in a selfish bubble where life is all about one’s self.

We are surrounded by other human beings and it’s imperative that we take a selfless approach to the health of our entire community. Our actions, whether positive or negative, will come back to affect all of us.

By refusing to take basic precautions, we are indirectly contributing to a premature loss of life that can be easily avoided. I personally value life and anyone it includes: whether they are unborn or alive, old, young, white, black, brown – even pets and animals.

Citrus county is the second oldest county in the country in terms of average age. These folks are at a high risk of dying of this disease, not to mention many younger folks who have undiagnosed immune problems.

If we don’t care for the vulnerable folks in our community, who will? Please don’t lose our humanity over politics!! We can work together to overcome this pandemic by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and being vigilant about washing our hands.

This is not a political issue – it’s a human issue.

Dr. Dacelin St. Martin is a triple board certified physician in adult internal medicine, pediatrics, and sleep medicine. He is the medical director of Quick Care Med.

The post Thoughts from Dr. Dacelin St. Martin on the Importance of Selflessness appeared first on Quick Med Care.

1. Avoid Peak Sun Hours

From around 10 am-2 pm, the sun is at its highest point, and the day is at its hottest. If you are making plans to spend some time outside, try and aim it towards earlier or later in the afternoon.

1. Know Your Shade

Shaded areas are going to keep you cool and protect you from the sun’s harmful rays. Whether you bring an umbrella or find a tree, having a space to retreat to and relax without fear is invaluable.

1. Sunblock, Sunblock, Sunblock

Applying a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher about 15 minutes before going outdoors is a great way to start your skin’s journey to a safe day. Don’t be afraid to use plenty of it either. An adult should use about 1 oz. of sunscreen to cover exposed areas of the skin.

Reapply sunscreen after about 2 hours of swimming or sweating. Don’t forget your ears, neck, and the tops of your feet if you go barefoot or wear sandals.

1. Protective Clothing

Cover your body with clothing to protect it from the sun. Some clothes offer more protection than others, but if you take the necessary precautions, you can prevent unnecessary sun damage. Long-sleeve shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses are a great start.

Excessive sun exposure can lead to many skin problems, including cancer. Take all precautions necessary so you can be safe, have fun, and create lasting memories. These tips don’t only apply to the summertime. Sun damage can happen year-round when you least expect it.

If you get too much sun, drop by one of our locations or click here to schedule a Telemedicine visit.

The post 4 Quick Tips to Avoid Sunburn appeared first on Quick Med Care.

What is a sunburn?

You might wonder: what exactly is a sunburn and how does it happen? It’s a valid question, considering you’ve probably suffered through a few sunburns in your lifetime.

Quite simply, sunburns are your skin’s defensive reaction to ultraviolet radiation: UV-A and UV-B rays to be specific. The third type of ray, UV-C, could be the most dangerous of all, but it’s completely blocked out by the ozone layer and doesn’t reach the earth’s surface.

Those of us with darker complexions have higher levels of melanin, which helps protect the skin by converting UV light to heat. When you’re fair skinned, your body doesn’t produce the melanin necessary to protect you from the sun’s death rays, causing your cells to die. In turn, your body reacts by sending blood to the affected areas, which accounts for your newfangled lobster glow.

Don’t let cool cloudy weather fool you. You can’t feel UV rays – the heat from the sun comes from infrared rays, which can’t burn you. This is why you can still burn on days that are overcast.

How to treat a sunburn

• Act fast to cool down by dipping in a pool or the ocean but make it brief as to not extend your time in the sun

• Moisturize while your skin still damp, but make sure your lotion is not oil- or petroleum-based as it can trap in the heat and exacerbate the burn

• Decrease the inflammation by taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin

• Replenish your fluids by drinking extra liquids, including water and sports drinks that help to replenish electrolytes, immediately and while your skin heals

• See your doctor if you have severe blistering over a large portion of your body, or if you’re experiencing chills or feel woozy

How do you avoid sunburns?

To avoid damage from the sun, slather on a broad-spectrum sunscreen of 30 spf or higher and reapply it every hour. Try wearing protective clothing, a hat with a wide brim, and sunglasses. Also, keep an eye on the UV index: the higher the number, the stronger the UV, and the less time you should be out in the sun. The sun’s rays are typically strongest between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm.
What are the long-term effects?

We all know that exposure to too much UV radiation can lead to premature aging and skin cancer. Too much UV radiation can damage the genetic material (the DNA) in your skin cells. If enough DNA damage builds up over time, it can cause cells to start growing out of control, which can lead to skin cancer. One study reveals that getting sunburn, just once every 2 years, can triple your risk of melanoma skin cancer.

And for the record, there is no such thing as a healthy tan. It’s in your best interest to embrace an outdoor skincare regimen that will keep your skin healthy all year round.

Sources and Citations
Cancer Research UK. How the Sun and UV Cause Cancer. Retrieved from http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/sun-uv-and-cancer/how-the-sun-and-uv-cause-cancer
How to Prevent a Sunburn. Retrieved from https://www.wikihow.com/Prevent-a-Sunburn
Skin Cancer Foundation (May 27, 2016). 5 Ways to Treat a Sunburn. Retrieved from https://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sunburn/five-ways-to-treat-a-sunburn
Zainab Mudallal (June 4, 2015). There’s a Real Reason Some People Get Sunburns and Others Don’t. Retrieved from https://www.elitedaily.com/life/actually-happens-body-get-sunburn/1054488

The post Sunburn appeared first on Quick Med Care.