8 Tanning and Sun Myths That Have To Vanish

Your skin is your biggest organ, and simultaneously, it is the part of your body that is exposed the most to the elements. Despite the skin’s amazing regenerative capabilities, it does get injured quite a lot, with the sun being one of the main culprits behind skin cancer and aging. Scientists have long been convinced that sun exposure is directly causing melanoma and other types of skin cancer, but the skin cancer epidemic persists and spreads. We have to wonder to ourselves why this is.

In part, this is because we still lack proper education about sun protection, with several myths spreading dangerous misinformation. Here are 8 of the most common sun protection myths we found.

Myth 1. If you apply sunscreen, you will be deficient in vitamin D

Many people refuse to apply sunscreen because they believe that it will make them vitamin D deficient. In the northern hemisphere, some people even intentionally go to tanning beds in the cold months to increase their vitamin D levels. The fact of the matter is that tanning bed visits don’t increase vitamin D levels, whereas a healthy diet or a vitamin D supplement can, and neither of the latter are carcinogenic like tanning beds are.

If you decide to get your vitamin D from the sun by simply skipping sunscreen, this exposes you to skin cancer for no reason whatsoever, as all studies on this topic have shown that wearing sunscreen daily doesn’t cause vitamin D deficiency. In fact, a vegan diet, metabolic and kidney issues, and obesity are all more likely to make you have lower than normal levels of vitamin D than a lack of sun exposure.

But even if your healthcare provider ruled out all of the above-mentioned causes of vitamin D deficiency, it is safer for you to take a vitamin D supplement than stop wearing SPF.

Myth 2. Skin cancer is not as dangerous as other types of cancer

While it’s definitely great news that advancements in medicine help a significant portion of skin cancer patients survive, it certainly doesn’t take away from the fact that we have a skin cancer epidemic worldwide, with US statistics in particular recording that the yearly occurrence of skin cancer in the US population is triple the amount of that of all the remaining types of cancer combined.

Even more alarming statistical information lists that 1 skin cancer patient dies every hour in the US alone. Given all this information, it is certainly impossible to conclude that skin cancer is less of an issue than other types of cancer.

Myth 3. There is a “healthy” level of tan

The notion of a healthy or so-called “base tan” is ever-growing, with many people claiming that a healthy tan can even protect your skin from burning. Unfortunately, this, too, is a myth, and dermatologists point out that getting a tan is in itself evidence of sun damage and, very likely, DNA damage.

The way our skin works is that it tries to protect its cells and DNA from sun damage by increasing melanin levels, so your bronzy glow is actually your skin’s alarm signal, and not something to seek out.

Myth 4. Those with darker skin don’t need to apply sunscreen

It’s certainly true that those of us with more melanin in our skin have a little more natural protection against the sun than fair-skinned people. Still, this doesn’t mean that dark-skinned people don’t get skin cancer. In fact, this myth is so pervasive, that medical reviews systematically report a scary and alarming picture: those with dark skin are more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma in its late stages and have a worse survival rate.

That’s why it is crucial for everyone, irrespective of skin color, age, or any other characteristic to protect themselves from the sun daily and undergo regular skin checks.

Myth 5. Sunbeds and sun exposure is the only way to get an even tan

It’s impossible to deny that having a bronzy, tan body is still considered fashionable and attractive, and many people seek out that tanned look, even if it means risking their health.

And while we hope that this self-destructive fashion will pass soon, it is good to know that sunless tanning products have come a really long way and are effective at giving your the much-desired natural tan look without compromising your health. They come in a variety of forms: bronzers, tanning mousses, drops, body creams and even tanning waters that feel very light on the skin. Plus, by using a sunless tanner you can be tan all year round.

Myth 6. Tanning is safe if you don’t burn

Getting a sunburn, especially a severe one, significantly increases the likelihood of getting melanoma, the deadliest of skin cancers. However, even those who don’t get sunburns and don’t tan intentionally can get it, which is a testament to the idea that sun exposure, in any quantities, is dangerous, especially if anyone in your family was ever diagnosed with skin cancer.

Apart from posing a danger to your health, sun exposure is the main cause of skin aging as well, so if your initial intention to get a tan was aesthetic, you might want to reconsider. For further proof of how aging the sun can be, consider the photo of this 69-year-old truck driver, whose left side of his face was exposed to the sun through the truck’s window for almost 30 years, while the right side wasn’t.

As you can see, the side that was exposed to UV rays looks much older than the one that was more protected against the sun.

Myth 7. Only UVB light is dangerous

 

If you look at a bottle of sunscreen, you may notice a “broad-spectrum” label on it, or both a UVA and a UVB icon. This label means that the SPF protects against both types of UV rays (UVA and UVB). If no such label exists, it means that the product shields you against UVB light only, which is the type of light that causes sunburns.
However, medical research shows that UVA light is likely as dangerous if not more than UVB rays, as exposure to the former is linked to melanoma and skin aging. That’s why you should always opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, but that’s not all. As you may or may not know, tanning beds usually operate using mostly UVA rays, and these contraptions have been time and time linked to skin cancer, with several countries banning them altogether.
For example, research shows that your risk of skin cancer increases by 75% if you used tanning beds before the age of 35, so everyone is safer simply staying away from those things.

Myth 8. You only have to wear sunscreen when you’re at the beach

We get it, wearing sunblock every day is annoying, and reapplying it is even worse, so many people end up using it only when they’re spending a lot of time outdoors. However, dermatologists urge everyone to wear sunscreen every day, especially on the parts on the face, hands and any other parts of the body not protected by clothing.

Even people who live in colder climates or spend a lot of time indoors should wear sunscreen daily year round, as many skin cancers are caused by UVA rays, which is abundant irrespective of the weather. When outside, you should also reapply sunblock every 2 hours, as it decomposes and gets rubbed or washed off.

 

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/    

                                                                                                                                                     FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/  

         

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12 Things that Put You at Risk for Skin Cancer

About 20% of all Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they hit 70, says the doctors. Skin cancer may form as a non-melanoma (bad) or melanoma (very bad) type of disease. Whatever it may be, one thing is certain - you definitely don't want it. Worse, you may be inadvertently doing things to increase your risk. For starters, sitting out in the sun unprotected is instantly going to increase your odds of being diagnosed with a case of skin cancer. But, some less obvious reasons could lead you down a dangerous path. Here are 12 essential tips to bear in mind:

1. Getting your nails done

While you may not worry too much about getting your nails done at the salon, using UV rays emitted from the LED lamps at your nail salon for a short period of time could result in a life-threatening skin cancer diagnosis. This is what happened to a 20-year-old woman, who was diagnosed with skin cancer. Her doctor said it was most likely caused by the regular gel manicures.  

2. You aren't eating enough veggies
Eating plenty of veggies isn't just good for your health. It can help protect against cancer too. According to the cancer specialists, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale are broken down into indoles and isothiocyanates - two key elements that have been shown to prevent cancer from developing. Veggies also keep your immune system healthy. This comes in handy when your body is fighting off illnesses and diseases. 

3. You smoke

Most smokers likely assume that they are putting themselves at risk for lung cancer. However, skin cancer is a possibility too. According to the experts, inhaling toxins can increase your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma on your lips by 52%. Since it affects 700,000 people in the U.S. each year, it is incredibly common. 

4. You use a tanning bed
A vast amount of research has been conducted surrounding the dangers of tanning beds. According to the Cancer specialists, people continue to use them at an alarming rate. Just one session increases your risk of melanoma by 20%, basal cell carcinoma by 29% and squamous cell carcinoma by 67%. 

5. You don't wear sunglasses

Sunglasses do more than keep the sun out of your eyes. They help protect your delicate eye area - including the very thin-skinned eyelids from skin cancer. Sunglasses should be worn all year round and anytime you are enjoying the sunshine. Opt for a pair that blocks 99 to 100% of those harmful rays. 

6. You don't wear enough SPF
If you think that SPF 35+ is going to be enough at the beach, you are mistaken. In a new study published, researchers found SPF 100+ is more protective against sunburns than SPF 50+. It is also essential that you reapply often. Bear in mind that the higher the strength doesn't mean that it has a longer staying power. 

7. You're not protecting your skin from pollution

It's not just the sun that can harm your complexion. Pollution is just as bad for you, as it is for the environment. Pollution can cause uneven skin tone, accelerated aging and skin cancer. To make sure it doesn't affect you, wash off your skin and wear sunscreen every day. Put it on immediately in the morning and be sure to spring for one that contains antioxidants. 

8. You always sit by sunny windows
Whether you are in the car or not, according to the doctors, sitting in front of a sunny window doesn't just lead to wrinkles, it could also lead to skin cancer down the line.

9. You don't wear sunscreen on flights

People tend to feel safe from the sun in a plane, despite traveling six miles closer to it. However, according to one expert, that can really do some damage. Dermatologist says “The fact is, flying at 30,000 feet [for 60 minutes] can be as dangerous as 20 minutes in a tanning bed.” So, if you're not wearing any sunscreen, pull down the shade. 

10. You rely on the SPF in your makeup for protection
It's nice that your face makeup has the added bonus of SPF. But don't solely depend on that to protect your skin. Many products only have an SPF of 15 and since the  Dermatologist recommends at least 30 SPF on a daily basis, you might need to apply extra before getting ready for the day. 

11. You're not careful with your spray tan

Getting a spray tan is a better option than getting a real tan. However, after your appointment be extra cautious. You have a higher risk of free radical damage from those UV rays for up to 24 hours after bronzing yourself. After a day, you'll be fine to apply sunscreen as usual. 

12. You're wearing shiny lipsticks
You may want to rethink the high-shine, glossy lipsticks. According to the doctors, they basically do the same thing as putting baby oil on your body does - you become a magnet for UV rays that can burn and damage your skin. Opaque lipstick with SPF 15+ is a better option. 

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/                                                                                                                                                                             FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                                                             https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                                                                                       FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com

Be Aware of the Symptoms of a Heat Stroke

Summer is the favorite season for many. Most people spend most of their days lazing at the beach and tend to adopt more of a relaxed lifestyle. One thing most do miss though are their long runs and weekend hikes. But, at this time of year, when temperatures and humidity levels soar, our risk of heat exhaustion, or worse, heat stroke, increases. And while this is a likely concern for the elderly, the heat can take its toll on the young too. 

Heat stroke is a life-threatening issue if you suffer from conditions like high blood pressure, thyroid disease or diabetes. It also means that you're more susceptible to a heat stroke, as well as other issues like eating disorders or a high BMI. Taking medications with stimulants may also put you at risk of heat stroke.

As such, scorching summer temperatures do not guarantee that you will have a heat stroke, however, the closer the outside temperature gets to your body temperature, the higher your risk is. At this time of year, it is therefore better to exercise with the air-conditioner on, particularly when heat levels soar to the 90s or 100s. Nevertheless, it is always useful to know how to prevent an emergency such as this, as typically, someone doesn't just have a heat stroke out of the blue in a matter of minutes. 

These warning signs will tell you to slow down:

 

1. Your body temperature soars

You may be familiar with heat exhaustion, which is worrisome, but less extreme when compared to heat stroke. Whereas the latter body temperature usually maxes out at 102°F, someone suffering from a heat stroke will likely have their body temperature at 105°F or higher! As your temperature rises, your skin may flush red and your heart could start racing as it tries to cool your body down. 

2. Your organs start to fail

Once your body temperature soars to 105 and over, your organs can shut down. The kidneys, the liver, the heart and the brain can be affected. If your kidneys start to fail you may spot red urine. 

3. You feel nauseated

One of the most common symptoms of heat exhaustion is feeling queasy, accompanied by other signs such as fatigue and vomiting. If recognized early, head to a cool place and replenish lost fluids and electrolytes by having a sports drink. 

4. You are confused

Another marker of a heat stroke are changes in mental status, confusion and delirium. The changes also indicate that you have moved from heat exhaustion to a life-threatening heat stroke. 70% of people who get to this stage can die from it. By this point, you won't be able to converse or think clearly enough to step away from the heat and get the help you need. If you ever feel slightly woozy, move indoors as soon as possible.

Other symptoms may include:
Throbbing headache
dizziness and light-headedness
hardly sweating despite the heat
Red, hot, and dry skin
Muscle weakness or cramps
Rapid heartbeat, which may be either strong or weak
Rapid, shallow breathing
Behavioral changes such as confusion, disorientation, or staggering
Seizures
Unconsciousness

First Aid

If you suspect that someone has a heat stroke, immediately call 911 or transport the person to a hospital. Any delay seeking medical help can be fatal.
While waiting for the paramedics to arrive, initiate first aid. Move the person to an air-conditioned environment -- or at least a cool, shady area -- and remove any unnecessary clothing.
If possible, take the person's core body temperature and initiate first aid to cool it to 101 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. (If no thermometers are available, don't hesitate to initiate first 
aid.)
Try these cooling strategies:
Fan air over the patient while wetting his or her skin with water from a sponge or garden hose.
Apply ice packs to the patient's armpits, groin, neck, and back. Because these areas are rich with blood vessels close to the skin, cooling them may reduce body temperature.
Immerse the patient in a shower or tub of cool water.
If the person is young and healthy and suffered heat stroke while exercising vigorously -- what’s known as exertional heat stroke -- you can use an ice bath to help cool the body.

Do not use ice for older patients, young children, patients with chronic illness, or anyone whose heat stroke occurred without vigorous exercise. Doing so can be dangerous.
If emergency response is delayed, call the hospital emergency room for additional instructions.

Risk Factors for Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is most likely to affect older people who live in apartments or homes lacking air conditioning or good airflow. Other high-risk groups include people of any age who don't drink enough water, have chronic diseases, or who drink excessive amounts of alcohol.

Heat stroke is strongly related to the heat index, which is a measurement of how hot you feel when the effects of relative humidity and air temperature are combined. A relative humidity of 60% or more hampers sweat evaporation, which hinders your body's ability to cool itself.

The risk of heat-related illness dramatically increases when the heat index climbs to 90 degrees or more. So it's important -- especially during heat waves -- to pay attention to the reported heat index, and also to remember that exposure to full sunshine can increase the reported heat index by 15 degrees.

Other risk factors associated with heat-related illness include:
Age. Infants and children up to age 4, and adults over age 65, are particularly vulnerable because they adjust to heat more slowly than other people.
Health conditions. These include heart, lung, or kidney disease, obesity or underweight, high blood pressure, diabetes, mental illness, sickle cell trait, sunburn, and any conditions that cause fever.

Medications-It includes antihistamines, diet pills, diuretics, sedatives, tranquilisers, stimulants, seizure medications (anticonvulsants), heart and blood pressure medications such as beta-blockers and vasoconstrictors, and medications for psychiatric illnesses such as antidepressants and anti-psychotics. Illegal drugs such as cocaine and methamphetamine also are associated with increased risk of heat stroke.

People with diabetes -- who are at increased risk of emergency room visits, hospitalization, and death from heat-related illness -- may be especially likely to underestimate their risk during heat waves, according to a recent study.

Check with your doctor to see if your health conditions and medications are likely to affect your ability to cope with extreme heat and humidity.

Prevention-
When the temperature is high, it's best to stay in an air-conditioned environment. If you must go outdoors, you can prevent heat stroke by taking these steps:
Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat, or carry an umbrella.

Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more.

Drink more fluids. To prevent dehydration, it's generally recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water, fruit juice, or vegetable juice per day. As heat-related illness also can result from salt depletion, it may be advisable to substitute an electrolyte-rich sports drink for water during periods of extreme heat and humidity.

Take additional precautions when exercising or working outdoors.The general recommendation is to drink 24 ounces of fluid two hours before exercise, and consider adding another 8 ounces of water or sports drink right before exercise. During exercise, you should consume another 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes, even if you don't feel thirsty. Best is to exercise early morning, when the temperature will not be so high.

Symptoms and Treatment

Monitoring the color of your urine. Darker urine is a sign of dehydration. Be sure to drink enough fluids to maintain very light-colored urine. 

Measuring your weight before and after physical activity. Monitoring lost water weight can help you determine how much fluid you need to drink.

Avoid fluids containing caffeine or alcohol, because both substances can make you lose more fluids and worsen heat-related illness. Also, do not take salt tablets unless your doctor has told you to do so. The easiest and safest way to replace salt and other electrolytes during heat waves is to drink sports beverages or fruit juice.

Check with your doctor before increasing liquid intake if you have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention.

If you live in an apartment or house without fans or air conditioning, try to spend at least two hours each day -- preferably during the hottest part of the day -- in an air-conditioned environment. At home, draw your curtains, shades, or blinds during the hottest part of the day, and open windows at night on two sides of your building to create cross-ventilation.

After you've recovered from heat stroke, you'll probably be more sensitive to high temperatures during the following week. So it's best to avoid hot weather and heavy exercise until your doctor tells you that it's safe to resume your normal activities. 

HIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/   

  FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                                                                https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                              

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10 Beauty Habits You'll Be Thankful You Adopted

There’s a lot more to beauty than just good genetics. In fact, much of it is down to adopting good habits, such as drinking a glass of water, or religiously following a multi-step skincare system. The cumulative effects of such good habits can only serve you in good stead in the future. Here are 10 useful beauty habit that you’ll be glad you took up:

 

1. Keep your feet above your head

Lie down, facing upward, and lean your legs against a wall while you’re on the phone or doing a face mask. This habit can help you to avoid varicose veins when you get older. In addition, it helps blood from your legs flow into your body without also having to overcome the force of gravity. It’s a great way of giving your veins a rest.

2. Use SPF all year round

Although doing so might seem odd, applying sunscreen to your skin all the way throughout the year is a really good habit to adopt. That’s because the sun’s radiation affects your skin regardless of whether it’s spring, summer, fall or winter. Various studies have shown that those who apply sunscreen daily age 24% more slowly than those who do not.

3. Take care of the skin on your neck

Did you know that the skin on your neck is as vulnerable as the skin on your eyelids? In fact, the neck is often the place that ages first. This is especially true for people that sleep horizontally, or on high pillows. Consider your neck to be part of your face, and make sure that you moisturize it in just the same way too.

4. Carry a bottle of water with you

Keep a reusable water bottle with you at all times, and use it. Keeping hydrated is absolutely one of the best things you can do to stave off aging. 

5. Sleep on smooth pillowcases

Silk or satin pillows can do wonders for your skin when compared to cheaper ones. If you don't own silk or satin pillows, it's a good idea to invest in some. Their slippery surfaces will minimize friction and make your hair and face look fresher. 

6. Don’t wear hairbands that are too tight

You should never tie your hair up too tight because doing so damages its structure and makes it brittle. Try using spiral hair ties instead, and if you really must wear your hair up, make sure that you don't tie it up too tight! 

7. Follow the 2/30 rule 

This one is super simple - spend two hours watching TV, then half an hour exercising! The theory goes that people who watch TV for more than two hours each day are more prone to eating junk food, so this rule aims to reduce your susceptibility to eating such food. Getting into this habit will prevent you from gaining weight and give you more time to enjoy any hobbies you may have. 

8. Use floss and mouthwash

Since we were young, we've been taught to brush our teeth twice a day, but that that's not really enough for keeping your teeth healthy and your smile white. Make sure you use mouthwash and dental floss to supplement your brushing - it'll keep your teeth beautiful! 

9. Hold your smartphone at eye level

Holding your smartphone at eye level will help to prevent wrinkles that would accumulate if you're constantly bending your neck to look at a smartphone or book. Simple, but effective. 

10. Talk on the phone with a headset

Smartphones tend to have 18 times the amount of bacteria that a flush handle on a toilet in a public bathroom has. Try using your smartphone on loudspeaker, with a headset or alternatively, make sure that you clean it with wipes every single day.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/   

  FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                                                                https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                              

FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com