5 Ways to Prevent Sun Damage: S-H-A-D-E Advice
Everybody loves the sun. Sunlight brightens our day, bathing and relaxing us in its warm rays. However, just like anything else, you can suffer serious consequence from over-exposure. Here I am going to guide you on how you can protect yourself from sun damage. The acronym “SHADE” is a handy way to remember the keys to sun protection.
Before I explain the acronym, let’s take a quick look at what kind of damage the sun can cause.
First, the obvious damage is sunburn. Who hasn’t come back from a day at the beach to find their skin a painful shade of “lobster-red”? Second, many common skin problems are associated with sun damage, including rosacea, psoriasis, teenage and adult acne, eczema, and hyperpigmentation, and “age spots”. Third, prolonged sun exposure is also responsible for increased incidences of skin cancer, one of the most common forms of cancer.
Now you understand why sun protection is important. The next question is, “How do you protect yourself?” Here are 5 ways to stay in the S-H-A-D-E:
No. 1
S stands for Sunscreen application. Use a moisturizer with SPF 15 or higher on a daily basis. Sun Protection Factor 15 provides protection 15 times longer before sunburn. Accordingly, SPF 30 provides protection 30 times longer. Make sure to use sunscreens that block both UVA and UVB. Why? Because UV radiation, from sun’s (invisible) rays, is divided into short-wave (290-320 nm) UVB and long-wave UVA (320-400 nm) radiation. UVB radiation is the main cause of sunburn, while UVA radiation is primarily responsible for the premature aging of the skin and/or skin cancer. And be aware that most sunscreens available on the market only provide UVB protection.
No. 2
H stands for Hiding from the sun. Skin is the largest organ in the body; it’s essential to preserve its function. Whether you stroll under the sun or enjoy outdoors adventures, wear sunglasses, a hat, and cover up with loose clothing. Again, make sure your sunglasses have both UVA and UVB blocking properties.
No. 3
A stands for Away from the sun, Staying away from the sun is especially paramount between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., because this is when the sun is at its strongest, making this time the riskiest for burning.
No. 4
D stands for Defense with antioxidants. Sun damage is characterized by generating free radicals and free radicals are “bad molecules”. Antioxidants (especially carotenoids) are powerful weapons that fight or “catch” free radicals. Among them, carotenoids (e.g., Vitamin C, Vitamin E) sacrifice themselves to protect other antioxidant networks from getting hit by free radicals. Build up your antioxidant defense by eating fresh fruits and vegetables, and by taking a daily supplement. As research indicates, nutritional supplements can alleviate sun damage and ease numerous skin conditions.
Finally, No. 5
E stands for Educate everyone. Remember, E is for education, not entertainment under the sun! Start with children and young adults. Much skin damage is caused early on, and the price paid can show up much later, in one's thirties or forties. Even in adulthood, you can still improve your skin's condition without going under the knife. Instruct skin care equally to women and men. Regardless of gender, we are all exposed to the same sun. These days, the sun is even more unkind compared to two or three decades ago due to changes in ozone protection. Thinning ozone layers in the atmosphere cannot filter out UVA radiation and UVB radiation as well as they could previously. Therefore, skin damage happens earlier and at a deeper level.
Final note: If you completely avoid the sun, be sure to get enough vitamin D through such foods as milk, eggs, and fish or take a vitamin D supplement. The body creates vitamin D through sun exposure in as little as 15 minutes.
Let’s recap the 5 ways that you can protect yourself from sun damage:
Sunscreen should be applied daily.
Hide behind the sun.
Away—stay away from the sun during its most intense hours.
Defense against the sun should include daily fruits/vegetables and/or a supplement.
Educate everyone—young and old, men and women.
In summary, the acronym SHADE stands for a set of effective weapons against sun damage. Armed with SHADE, you are safe when you enjoy the great outdoors on a nice, sunny day.
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BPA, Hidden Chemicals … What to Do to Protect Yourself
A recent front page article in The Washington Post, above the fold, states, “Law allows companies to hide risks of chemicals”--- what does this mean to you?
Well, our most obvious concern about chemicals is the threats to our health. Air pollution from indoor and outdoor sources has been a general risk factor for various types of cancers. In particular, household cleaning products are the leading causes of toxic air pollution in our homes. Larger environmental issues might be beyond the control of ordinary citizens like you and me, although we can make a difference collectively. Fortunately, you and I both have power and control over the home where we live to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals, consequently reduce cancer risks.
Another controversy bubbling up in the public debate concerns the chemicals used to make plastics, which come with risks to human health and the environment. Bisphenol A, abbreviated as BPA, is a chemical found in thousands of everyday products from baby bottles, canned foods, canned soft drinks, food packaging, and plastic containers to compact discs (CDs) and recycled papers. Levels of BPA run from high to low in thousands of products. Even in cases where the manufacturer claims BPA-free in their products, measurable levels have been detected. Now, the FDA promised to reconsider BPA in food packaging after the drug agency called it safe in 2008.
Should we be concerned?
BPA has been linked to breast cancer, as well as ovarian, prostate and brain cancers. Other serious disorders are ranging from cardiovascular diseases to developmental defects, early onset of puberty, and behavioral changes in children. Research has shown that we are exposed to it more than we had previously thought. The chemical has been detected in the urine of 93-95% of the population tested in the United States, based on different studies.
In reality, it is not easy for consumers to make decisions about what they should or should not use, and it is not fair either that consumers must make somehow uniformed decisions. Labeling requirements of ingredients vary with products, and many product "recipes" are actually secret! As a result, most retailers don't know what chemicals are in the products they’re selling, and neither do we. The laws should govern safety. The government should do a better job making sure the chemicals — particularly the chemicals used in every day products — are thoroughly tested before they are moved to the market, and subsequently into our bodies.
Obviously, the laws that control how chemicals are assessed and labeled are not being followed. This problem needs fixing, but the question is when will it happen? After all, we have the facts and consequences. It is clear that "safe" claims from industries coupled with ineffective laws will continue the threat of BPA. This is not in our best interest!
All hidden chemicals and those commonly used in consumer daily products may pose threats to public health. Therefore, more important than ever, we need to watch out closely for ourselves, make well-educated decisions for our long-term health benefits, and take action for our safety.
How to avoid or minimize your exposure to BPA
BPA is not only from canned drinks and canned food, but also from various hidden sources.
1. Importantly, be aware of the recycling number found on the bottom of plastic bottles or containers. Be sure to toss those products with a number “7” recycling code, as they contain BPA. Reportedly, there are new “7” products that are claimed “BPA-free” by the manufacturers. Sadly, “BPA-free” on labels may not always be true, since BPA was actually detected from some of them.
2. Use glass bottles for babies, or at least BPA-free plastic bottles.
3. Use glass, stainless steel or porcelain containers for hot food or liquids.
4. Microwave food in glass, ceramic or BPA-free plastic containers.
5. Avoid putting plastic containers in a dishwasher or using harsh detergents.
6. Reduce the intake of canned foods, canned soft drinks. Eat fresh or frozen vegetables.
7. Limit handling printed receipts at the gas station or from automated machines.
In summary, more and more conveniences we have enjoyed over the years are discovered to be potentially harmful to our health. It is time to set you own standards, so that you can protect yourself and your loved ones from any health problems or illnesses.
