Tag Archives: seasonal-health

A family enjoying the outdoors safely on a sunny afternoon.

Fact vs. Fiction: Summer Safety Myths and Tips

Summer is a great time to be active and get outside, especially if you have kids. But between the heat and increased UV radiation, summer also comes with increased health risks.  Whether you’re heading outdoors for fun or fitness, it’s important to make sure your summer habits are helping–not hurting–your health. 

Unfortunately, the last few years have seen an uptick in misinformation and myths related to summer safety. Read on as we bust some summer safety myths and share the tips to keep you and your family having fun outside all summer long!

Myth #1: Sunscreen isn’t safe to use (or, only mineral sunscreens are safe)

The Truth: Both chemical and mineral sunscreens are considered safe and effective by dermatologists and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The most important thing is that your sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection and an SPF of at least 30, especially for people with lighter skin. 

That doesn’t mean you can’t have a preference between chemical and mineral sunscreens! Some people who prefer mineral sunscreens are often recommended due to sensitive skin, but others prefer chemical sunscreens since they tend to apply more smoothly and usually leave less of a white cast. As the American Academy of Dermatology says, the best sunscreen is the one you’ll wear every single day. 

Myth #2: You only need sunscreen on sunny days

The Truth: UV rays can cause skin damage even if it’s cloudy, or when you’re indoors near a window. UVA rays, which contribute to early aging and skin cancer, can pass through clouds and glass. That’s why dermatologists and the FDA recommend wearing sunscreen everyday, regardless of the weather. As the AAD notes, “Daily use of an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen reduces the risk of developing melanoma by 50%”. 

You also want to make sure that you’re wearing enough sunscreen. Many people only apply 20-50% of the amount of sunscreen necessary to protect against damage. Choosing a higher SPF sunscreen can help compensate for this under-application, but correct use still matters. Apply about 1 ounce (a shot glass full) for your entire body, and reapply every two hours when outdoors, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating. If you are just looking to protect your face and neck, apply approximately ½ tsp of sunscreen. 

When it comes to kids and infants, be sure to take extra care: children’s skin is especially sensitive to UV damage, and sunscreen shouldn’t be used on babies under 6 months old. The FDA recommends keeping infants in the shade and dressed in lightweight clothing rather than applying sunscreen.

Myth #3: It’s not safe to exercise in hot weather.

The Truth: Outdoor activity can still be safe as long as you take the right precautions. The CDC recommends avoiding peak heat hours (10 am to 4 pm), drinking plenty of water, and wearing lightweight, breathable clothing. 

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious risks, especially for older adults or people with medical conditions. It’s important to be aware of the warning signs like dizziness, confusion, muscle cramping or nausea during or after exercise in the heat–these symptoms should never be ignored. Planning your workouts for cooler times of the day and staying consistently hydrated can help you stay active without putting your health at risk.

Myth #4: It’s best to drink a sports drink or electrolytes when exercising outside.

The Truth: When it comes to how you hydrate, it depends how long and how intensely you’re exercising. Northwestern Medicine advises that water is typically enough for moderate workouts and exercise lasting under an hour. 

Sports drinks can help replenish the electrolytes lost through sweat, but many contain added sugars and high levels of sodium that aren’t necessary for the average person. If you’re planning to do a high intensity, long workout–especially in the heat–electrolyte replacements or sports drinks might be helpful, but make sure to read labels closely and choose based on your specific needs.

Stay Healthy All Summer Long

Summer is meant to be enjoyed–but as we’ve seen, common myths around sun safety, hydration, and heat can get in the way of smart decisions. Whether you’re spending more time outdoors, exercising more, or just trying to stay cool, a few informed choices can help you avoid preventable risks.

If you have questions about sun protection, hydration, or exercising safely, ask your MPCP physician. No matter the season, they’re here to support your health.

Surprising Health Benefits of Cold Weather

By: John A. Billon, M.D.

Although cold weather is often associated with health problems such as cold and flu, you may be surprised to learn that the cold has some health benefits, too. Read on to learn how lower temperatures can be good for you.

Fewer allergies: Plants don’t make pollen in the winter, so we allergy sufferers generally feel better in cold weather.

Less bug-borne disease: Pesky insects like mosquitoes and ticks are in short supply in cold weather, greatly reducing our risk of catching the nasty diseases they may carry, such as West Nile virus, Lyme disease and Zika virus.

Reduced inflammation: Similar to putting ice on an injury, cold weather can reduce inflammation and pain. One study found that runners exposed to cold temperatures recovered faster from workouts. This suggests that exercising in winter may result in less inflammation and soreness than in the summer.

Improved brain function: There’s evidence suggesting our brains work better at cooler temperatures. One study found that 62 degrees was the best for schoolchildren to learn, and other research found that people study better when the weather is cold.

Increased fat burn: Besides your body using more calories to stay warm, research suggests being cold can increase your ability to burn fat. It may trigger “brown fat” in the body, a good fat that can burn off other “white” fat. Also, exercising in cold weather boosts your body’s energy expenditure for hours afterwards, so you end up burning more calories.

Better emotional health: We’re less likely to be out and about in cold weather, causing us to spend more time with family and friends. Social interactions like these have been shown to reduce stress, making us more relaxed and happier. Also, if you experience seasonal depression – known as the “winter blues” ─ your doctor may recommend a vitamin D supplement to boost your mood and keep your emotions on an even keel.

Dr. Billon received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical School, completed his residency program in Family Practice at Stamford St. Peters University Hospital and Robert Wood Johnson, and is certified by the American Board of Family Practice. He practices at MPCP’s Arnold office.

Respiratory Illnesses: Nothing To Sneeze At

Do you know the number-one reason people come to their doctor this time of year? If you’re sneezing or coughing as you read this, you already have a pretty good idea: respiratory illnesses are the chief reason for doctors’ visits.

Some respiratory conditions are fairly mild, but others can be life-threatening. And cold weather can make them worse.

You are probably most familiar with the common cold and seasonal flu, which are prevalent this time of year.  Caused by viruses, colds and flu have respiratory symptoms that may include runny nose, congestion and cough. Symptoms can usually be treated with over-the-counter medications, but your doctor may prescribe antiviral medications such as Relenza® or Tamiflu®. You can also reduce your chances of getting the flu with an annual vaccine, available at MPCP offices.

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus, causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills and difficulty breathing. A variety of organisms, including bacteria, can cause pneumonia. For treatment, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, which are often effective.

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to your lungs. Bronchitis is very common and often develops from a cold or other respiratory infection, or is caused by smoking. People with bronchitis often cough up thickened mucus, which can be discolored.

Bronchitis may be either acute or chronic. Acute bronchitis usually improves within a few days, and can be treated with rest, drinking lots of fluids, avoiding smoke and fumes, and possibly a prescription for an inhaled bronchodilator and/or cough syrup. However, if you have repeated bouts of bronchitis, you may have chronic bronchitis, which requires medical attention. In some cases, oral steroids to reduce inflammation and/or supplemental oxygen may be necessary.

Asthma affects people of all ages, but it often starts during childhood. It is a chronic disease that inflames and narrows your lungs’ airways. Symptoms of asthma include bouts of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath and coughing. Most people who have asthma have allergies, but some people develop asthma because of contact with chemicals or industrial dusts in the workplace.

Many things can trigger asthma symptoms:

  • Allergens from dust, animal fur, mold and pollens from trees, grasses and flowers
  • Irritants such as cigarette smoke, air pollution and sprays, such as hairspray
  • Medicines such as aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Sulfites in foods and drinks
  • Viral upper respiratory infections, such as colds
  • Physical activity, including exercise

Doctors treat asthma with two types of medicines: long-term control and quick-relief. Long-term control medicines help reduce airway inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms. Quick-relief or “rescue” medicines relieve asthma symptoms that may flare up.

Emphysema is a chronic disease that gradually damages the air sacs in your lungs, making you progressively more short of breath. Smoking is the leading cause of emphysema. See your doctor if you’ve had unexplained shortness of breath for several months, especially if it’s interfering with your daily activities.

Emphysema can’t be cured, but treatments can help relieve symptoms and slow the progress of the disease. Your doctor might prescribe bronchodilators to relax constricted airways or inhaled steroids to relieve shortness of breath. You may also need pulmonary rehabilitation to reduce breathlessness or supplemental oxygen.

If you have questions about any of the conditions described in this article, an MPCP physician would be glad to discuss them with you.

 

WPSheth_S

Dr. Sneha Sheth practices in MPCP’s Arundel Mills office and is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. She received her medical degree from St. George`s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency program in Family Medicine at Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center.

Keep Hydrated, Stay Safe

By: George Cavanagh, M.D.

Summer is here. Time for picnics, sports, working in the yard ─ and the risk of dehydration.

Our bodies normally lose fluids in the form of exhaled water vapor, in sweat, and in urine and stool. Along with water, small amounts of salts are also lost. However, we become dehydrated when we lose more water than we take in, and our bodies don’t have enough water to carry out normal functions.

Dehydration often occurs in hot weather during outdoor work or exercise, but it can also be caused by illnesses such as diarrhea, vomiting or fever. Anyone may become dehydrated, but young children, older adults and people with chronic illnesses are most at risk. In severe cases, dehydration can lead to death.

The signs of mild to moderate dehydration include:

  • Increased thirst
  • Dry mouth and swollen tongue
  • Weakness
  • Sluggishness
  • Decreased urine output. (Urine color may indicate dehydration. If it is deeply yellow or amber, you may be dehydrated.)

If you’re a healthy adult, you can usually treat mild to moderate dehydration by drinking more fluids, including water, sports drinks, or oral rehydration solutions.  However, if you develop any of these severe symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately:

  • Extreme thirst
  • Lack of urination
  • Shriveled skin (that doesn’t bounce back when pinched)
  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Fainting
  • Heart palpitations (the feeling that your heart is pounding or jumping)

The best approach is to prevent dehydration in the first place. If you are caring for people who are sick, make sure they get plenty of fluids if they have diarrhea, vomiting or fever.

If you need to be outside in the heat, follow these steps to keep hydrated:

  • Take plenty of fluids and drink continuously to replace what you lose
  • Avoid exercise and exposure during the hottest part of the day, typically mid-afternoon
  • Wear a hat and light-colored and loose-fitting clothing
  • Carry a personal fan or mister to cool yourself
  • Break up your exposure to hot temperatures and direct sun. Find air-conditioned or shady areas and allow yourself to cool between exposures
  • Avoid alcohol consumption because alcohol increases water loss

Remember, the key to preventing dehydration is to replace the water you lose, so drink up!

George Cavanagh, M.D.
Dr. George Cavanagh is an MPCP partner and practices in our Bowie office. He is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.