Page 7 - Christiana Care Focus June July 2018

Though the general advice around water used to be to drink before you were thirsty, Jones said more recent evidence supports only drinking when you’re thirsty. Your body knows best.
Heat syncope is a lack of blood flow to the brain that can result in fainting.
“Say you’re at an outdoor wedding, and you’re all standing around in 90-degree heat,” said Jones. “The next thing you
know, your 80-year-old Uncle John in a suit and tie goes down.” Although more serious health problems have to be ruled out, the cause is likely heat syncope.
Heat syncope can be prevented by walking around or just stepping in place to get your blood pumping. If someone collapses, call 911.
Yes, you absolutely do nYeed sun protection
ou know a bad sunburn can be painful, but did you know that a single such event as a child or young adult can double your risk of skin cancer as you get older?
Dr. Hirokawa says a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is appropriate for most adults. If you find yourself burning despite adding sunscreen, consider a higher-SPF product, such as 50 or above.
“Put sunscreen on 30 minutes before you go outside and every two hours afterward, especially after excessive sweating or toweling off,” she said.
Even if you have a darker skin tone, you should still use sunscreen. “The amount of pigment does not protect against skin cancer,” Dr. Hirokawa said.
Sun-protective clothing like hats, sunglasses and an umbrella can supplement sunscreen in children or adults.
Part of being sun safe is checking your skin at least once a month. If you find any of these, consult with your doctor:
• Asorethatdoesn’tappeartobehealingorthathealsand returns.
• Asorethatbleedseasily.
• A brown, scaly patch that may also be tender.
• Anychangestoyourmoles.
Though skin cancer is often found on parts of the body exposed to the sun, it isn’t always. So don’t ignore a questionable spot anywhere on your body. For melanoma, a common sun-related
| Cover Story skin cancer, remember ABCDE when you’re looking at spots
on your skin:
• Asymmetrical shape.
• Bordersthatareuneven.
• Colorful moles (more than one color).
• Diameterofmorethan6millimeters,aboutthesize of a pencil eraser.
• Evolution, meaning a mole that’s changing.
Sunglasses: Not just for looking cool
Just as sunlight can burn our skin, the sun’s UV light can burn the tissues in our eyes. Aside from irritation and pain, repeated exposure can raise your long-term risk for cataracts and macular degeneration, the leading form of vision loss, said John Otto, O.D., director of the Christiana Care Eye Care Department.
Wearing a hat or visor offers some protection, as do prescription glasses and contact lenses that block UV light. The most common protection, of course, is sunglasses.
Choose those that are labeled as at least
99 percent UV-blocking, Dr.Ottosaid. CONTINUED
“ Choose sunglasses labeled as at least
99 percent UV-blocking.” John Otto, O.D.
FOCUS • JUNE–JULY 2018 5