They don’t realize that any amount of sun exposure is dangerous and will damage your skin. Tanning is bad for you because your skin doesn’t begin even to tan until the sun’s UV rays have already pierced your skin and started messing with your DNA.

Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen

Even the old idea of a “base tan” to protect you from burning in the future is a myth. Tanned skin only offers as much protection as an SPF 2 sunscreen. With this mind, it’s a good idea to make sure you apply sunscreen of at least 30 SPF anytime you’re out and exposed to sunlight.

Benefits with Proper Precaution

Not all sun is bad, mind you. Populations with higher sun exposure levels have better blood pressure and moods while showing fewer cases of autoimmune diseases. The sun is also a great source of vitamin D; however, many experts say you get the necessary amounts of vitamin D within a few minutes. So, it’s still highly recommended to apply sunscreen before heading outside at all.

Any type of UV exposure is dangerous, meaning that tanning beds, which were thought to be a safer alternative, are also off the table. Excess UV light leads to many skin problems, including melanomas, cancers, DNA damage, and wrinkles.

If you want that sun-kissed look, it’s recommended that you go with a tanning lotion or spray-tan. When heading out, you’re better off applying a thick layer of sunscreen and proper coverings.

It’s easy to get too much sun, so if you’re in pain from a sunburn, or are suffering from the effects of heat exhaustion/stroke, drop by one of our 10 locations across Florida, or click here to sign up for a Telemedicine appointment.

The post Is There Such a Thing as a Healthy Tan 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.

Work it Out

There aren’t many activities that double as a low-impact work-out regimen and provide you with some healthy subsistence to keep you going. Gardening offers plenty of both.

Between the squatting down, the pulling of weeds, and kneading the soil, your body gets plenty of movement to get your blood pumping. You don’t even realize all the work that goes into maintaining the garden until you feel it in your muscles by the end of the day.

Getting in some time in your garden gives you 1.5-2 hours of physical activity a week, which goes a long way. There’s always plenty of upkeep to do; between the soil, weeding, watering and checking on your little growing seedlings.

Healthy Eating

Maintaining a garden guarantees you know exactly what you’re eating when it comes time for harvest. There’s no need to worry about what pesticides or other chemicals are being used. Plus, you get to grow what you want to eat and get plenty of it.

Nothing tastes better than produce grown with your hard work. You end up eating more vegetables and fruits, which is never a bad thing. Vegetables picked when ripe have more nutrients, unlike some store-bought vegetables that are picked early.

Top off your gardening with some vitamin D from your time in the sun and an increase of dopamine from spending time in your garden, and you’re looking at some great benefits. It reduces stress while being a physically challenging yet enjoyable activity.

Staying Safe in the Sun

While you sit out in your garden soaking in the sunshine and tilling to your garden, it’s important to remember to keep yourself safe: apply sunscreen regularly, use insect repellent, and wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off your face.

Wear gardening gloves to reduce rashes, cuts, and chemicals from getting on your hands as you work in your soil. If you end up using any machinery or power tools, make sure you wear safety goggles, sturdy shoes, and long pants.

When using any tools or chemicals, make sure you follow the instructions and heed any warnings. Keep your tools sharp, and out of the reach of children.

Drink plenty of fluids, take breaks often, and pay attention to sign of any heat-related illnesses. The last thing you want is for your relaxing day of gardening to take a turn for the worst.

Gardening is a great relaxing activity if you are prepared and have the right mindset. Plus, it can be great fun getting the whole family involved.

If you happen to overdo it while gardening, whether it’s muscle strain, heatstroke, or insect bites, please drop by one of our locations, or click here to schedule a Telemedicine visit.

The post Tips for Happy & Healthy Gardening 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.