Maryland's Health Matters - St. Joseph - Spring 2015 - (Page 14)

HEALTHY AT HOME A Safer Summer Quick hints to keep your family healthy SKIN CARE: DON'T GET BURNED KEEP YOUR COOL One severe sunburn in childhood doubles your chances Heat-related illnesses are caused by heat exposure. But of getting melanoma as an adult. Five or more sunburns common sense and advance preparation can help you at any age doubles your risk for skin cancer in general. avoid them. Your annual primary care checkup should include "Drink more water and other hydrating ﬂuids, particu- a skin check, says Nancy Rackson, NP, of the UM St. larly if you are exercising in the heat," says board-certiﬁed Joseph Medical Group. "We look for moles that are internist Timothy Walters, MD, of the UM St. Joseph Medi- changing color and shape. If you notice this on your cal Group. Dress in loose-ﬁtting clothing or clothing that own, see your primary care provider." wicks away sweat, so your body cools faster. Wear a hat You should always wear sunscreen outdoors-even when the sun isn't out. ■ Use an SPF sunscreen of 30 or higher that is and sunscreen. Stay in the shade and take breaks. Treat these conditions by moving to a cooler environment, applying ice packs, drinking ﬂuids and resting. broad-spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB rays). WATCH FOR THESE SYMPTOMS: ■ Apply a liberal amount, 1 ounce, to all exposed skin. ■ Reapply every two hours. ■ Use an SPF 30 lip balm. HEAT RASH: a cluster of blisters or pimples that appears when sweat ducts get blocked. Wear loose clothing. Keep the affected area dry. ■ Use water-resistant sunscreen. Reapply every two hours, and HEAT CRAMPS: painful muscle spasms or more if you're in the water cramps in the legs or arms, which can be a or sweating. sign of heat exhaustion. ■ With sprays, apply two coats every hour. BEWARE OF POISONOUS PLANTS HEAT EXHAUSTION: the body loses too much salt and water through excessive sweating. Symptoms include feeling weak, thirsty or Contact with poison ivy or lightheaded. Heat exhaustion can poison oak causes blisters, red turn into heatstroke if you do not swollen skin-usually in a line- stop and rest! and severe itching. Calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream HEATSTROKE: Occurs when and antihistamines can help the body fails to self-regulate its relieve discomfort, says Cynthia temperature through sweating. Class-McGrew, NP, with UM St. Symptoms include a 104 F temper- Joseph Hereford Health Park. If ature or above, a rapid heartbeat, you have a severe reaction or if nausea, vomiting, dizziness, confu- your eyes, face or genital area sion, fainting, seizures, and skin that is involved, seek medical atten- is red, hot and dry. Heatstroke can tion immediately! result in death or permanent disability. Call 911 immediately! 14 MARYLAND'S HEALTH MATTERS

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Maryland's Health Matters - St. Joseph - Spring 2015

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Maryland's Health Matters - St. Joseph - Spring 2015