| Show Take Care of Your Skin The Human Side Sides SideBy y M By Connie King PA Health Center The changeable spring weather will soon be over and outdoor summer summer summer sum sum- mer activities will be filling our cal cal- Two important factors for maintaining our well-being well in the summer sun is an adequate fluid intake and skin protection Adequate fluid intake means at least eight glasses of water a day and may mean more if you are hiking biking or or being physically active Fluid lost by perspiration contains minerals and body salts and may require a sport drink with electrolytes to maintain balance Excessive fluid loss leads to heat exhaustion The major indication of dehydration due to an inadequate fluid intake or electrolyte imbalance is dizziness or and/or fainting and a rapid pulse If this occurs lie flat or sit down and place your head between your knees to increase circulation circulation circulation lation in your head Drink some water but not too much too fast Prolonged exposure to high ambient ambient ambient ambi ambi- ent temperatures may lead to the themore themore themore more serious consequence of a failure failure failure fail fail- ure of the bodies heat loss mechanisms mechanisms mechanisms mecha mecha- resulting in heat stroke This is a medical emergency characterized character character- by hot dry skin and a sudden loss of consciousness Immediate help should be sought Muscle cramps resulting from excessive sweating due to exertion can be rapidly relieved by drinking fluids or eating foods containing salt In regard to sun protection it is increasingly important to protect our skin from both UVA and radia radia- tion An rating rating of 15 is advised and pertains only to protection The compound avo ben ben- zone offers the fullest protection against UVA rays The FDA has approved only two products that contain contain contain con con- tain this ingredient One is the other is Shade UVA- UVA GUARD Both products are 15 and protect against and UVA Most skin types can tolerate sun exposure resulting in a darkening which is a protective device It is the prolonged exposure and sun bums that causes more damage Research is indicating that severe sun bums burns in childhood is a precursor to the later development of skin cancers Reasonable sun exposure and a asun asun asun sun screen of 15 for prolonged exposure is prudent for all of us Fair skinned individuals should probably more readily use a sun soo screen for prolonged prolonged pro pro- longed sun exposure The message of this article is ill moderation and balance Just be aware of the problems that sun exposure exposure exposure expo expo- sure and outdoor activities can cause Take into consideration your skin j type whether you tan easily or bum burn easily and act accordingly If you are J spending the day on Lake Powell it j would be wise to use some sun 1 screen 1 Always drink lots of water it is so good for your body and really beneficial beneficial beneficial bene bene- in the summer heat Do have a wonderful summer The Health Centers will be closed for forthe forthe forthe the quarter break and open as usual come June |
