FOOD & FERTILITY: A FASCINATING LINK

February 11, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Struggling to conceive? You are not alone. One in eight couples in the US have difficulty getting or staying pregnant, many without explanation and who are otherwise healthy. If you’re having a rough time, Cryos International can support you on your journey towards parenthood – providing guides, news, articles, and personal stories about everything from fertility and pregnancy to fertility treatments and how to buy donor sperm and eggs.

Before giving up hope or turning to Reproductive Medicine, (or other expensive, invasive treatments) there are several things you should try first to help you get pregnant. Although there is no magic formula that guarantees conception, there is a lot you can do to boost your chances.

According to Dr. Robert Kiltz, many people underestimate the serious impact that diet, lifestyle, and stress have on fertility.

“We already know that what we eat plays a huge role in helping our bodies function properly, and the reproductive system is no different…”

…says Dr. Kiltz, a board-certified OB/GYN and reproductive endocrinologist with more than three decades of experience helping families grow. As the founder of CNY Fertility, (one of the largest and most dynamic fertility centers in the country),  Dr. Kiltz has witnessed the positive power of nutrition to bring new life into the world.

So what should you eat to boost your chances?

Dr. Kiltz recommends a diet high in fats, moderate in proteins, and low in carbohydrates – and he is not alone in this belief. A growing body of new research supports a low-carb lifestyle for fertility. Researchers at Harvard Medical School found that women who consumed approximately 60% of their calories from carbohydrates (vs. 40%) had a 91% higher risk of ovulatory infertility.

We already know that low-carb diets (if done correctly) are an extremely effective strategy for weight loss, but what does carbohydrate consumption have to do with fertility? According to Kiltz, carbohydrates play a primary role in determining blood sugar and insulin levels. If blood sugar and/or insulin levels are too high, reproductive hormone levels can be thrown off which can ultimately have an effect on ovulation and therefore, fertility.

How often you eat also plays a role. Dr. Kiltz practices and recommends “intermittent fasting,” eating just one meal a day at night and allowing the body the time it needs to rest and digest. Most people eat 3-6 times per day which keeps glucose levels high and increases inflammation.

According to Dr. Kiltz, mental health is also an extremely important factor in fertility, which is problematic in the wake of a pandemic, vaccine anxiety, economic decline, social disruption, and political turbulence.

In his book, The Fertile Feast, Dr. Kiltz explores the fascinating connection between food and fertility and emphasizes the importance of diet and how it influences the overall wellbeing of mind, body, and spirit and ultimately your ability to conceive.

“Fertility is much more than just diet and exercise. It’s also about your frame of mind…”

…says Kiltz who, after initially making a name for himself in fertility medicine, became a leader in the holistic health movement for his insights on mindfulness, mental health, and nutrition.

He encourages his patients who are having difficulty with conception to connect with others in deep, joyous, and meaningful ways.

(Credit for this post goes to Dr. Robert Kiltz, Fertility Doctor & Author of The Fertile Feast)

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February 11: United Nation’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science

February 11, 2021 by Leave a Comment

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital spotlights women scientists helping find cures and treatments for catastrophic diseases

On the United Nation’s International Day of Women and Girls in Science today, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital marks this important recognition today by highlighting a series on women in science and medicine at St. Jude.

The online feature highlights women scientists, doctors and experts whose contributions to the field are leading to advancements in cures and prevention strategies for catastrophic diseases through research and treatment. Launched in advance of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the series aims to tell the stories of these extraordinary women and inspire girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and medicine.

“The contributions by women to the field of science and medicine is immeasurable,” said Martine Roussel, Ph.D., a molecular oncologist at St. Jude who has devoted nearly 50 years to scientific exploration. “The extraordinary women who work tirelessly at St. Jude, some of whom are featured in this series, have made groundbreaking and lifelong impacts on advancing treatments and potential cures for some of the world’s most difficult diseases. Too often, women in science and medicine face obstacles in their careers, but nevertheless they persevere and the entire world is better because of their determination. We hope these stories are an inspiration to girls across the globe and help them see that they, too, can choose a career in STEM.”

Roussel, who was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 2019 and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2011, has long been an advocate for women in science. In 2019 she was among several female scientists who were part of a groundbreaking “Women in Cancer Research” article in Nature discussing the prevalence of gender inequality in science and the work necessary to level the playing field.

“Female and male scientists have the same drive and passion, but women are subject to implicit bias,” wrote Roussel for Nature. “Although there are now more women scientists, with or without children, who are recognized for career achievements, gender equality has not yet been achieved.” 

St. Jude recognizes contributions of women in science and medicine

Through a one-on-one “question and answer” interview format, the women in science and medicine series will feature every Monday, through the end of March, a story telling the journey of a female St. Jude scientist, doctor or expert via the online St. Jude award-winning magazine, St. Jude Progress. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will also promote these features through social media participation with the #womeninscience hashtag.

Already posted features include:

For Erica Kaye, MD, the privilege of caring for a patient and family is sacred

  • Erica Kaye, MD, shares her family’s journey to becoming physicians and how meaningful connections have deepened her understanding of her role in caring for patients.

Life-changing experience forged Niki Jurbergs’ career in pediatric oncology

  • Niki Jurbergs, PhD, credits a hematology/oncology rotation as a psychology intern as a pivotal moment that shaped how she cares for patients today.

Robin Mutz’s childhood dream to be a nurse led to becoming the chief nurse executive at St. Jude

  • Robin Mutz, RN, never forgot the compassionate leadership she encountered early in her career.

Deanna Tremblay credits mother with inspiration to pursue scientific career

  • Deanna Tremblay, MSc, credits her mother’s decision to return to school as a key event in shaping a career path in science.

The St. Jude Progress blog will shine the light on the critical work and the personal stories of how these accomplished women are advancing life-saving preventions, treatments and cures for the world’s most challenging diseases. The women scientists, doctors and experts at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital continue to be critical in the development of treatments that have helped increase the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to 80% since the hospital opened more than 50 years ago. Each of these profiles – ranging from personal reflections to professional development – aim to profile the journeys of the women of St. Jude helping the hospital achieve its mission of finding cures and saving children.

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How to stop losing at playing slots

February 10, 2021 by Leave a Comment

These days there are quite literally millions of gamblers spinning the reels of their favourite slot games, be it online or in land-based casinos and bars. People just cannot get enough of these games, and there is really no surprise, because the modern slots industry has made sure that it is constantly and consistently developing. In fact, without the fantastic work put in by companies such as NetEnt and Yggdrasil there would be nowhere near the amount of slot gamblers in the world. 

Online slots are fantastic fun, that much really is a given, however this also only tends to be true when you are winning, and it can be a completely different story if you are losing. Unfortunately, and just like with any other gambling game, lots of people lose at slots far more than they win, however there are various ways in which you can stop losing at playing slots. Read on for a few tips. 

Stop choosing the wrong slots 

One of the biggest and most common mistakes that people make when it comes to online slot gambling is simply choosing the wrong games to play from the start. You see, it isn’t always a level playing field when it comes to slot titles, and each one will have slightly different odds. There are two main things to consider here: RTP and slot volatility. 

RTP stands for Return To Player, and is essentially a percentage value that indicates how much money you can expect to receive back from your overall wager. In general it is worth staying away from slots with an RTP of lower than 95%. Slot volatility is also important, and this points to how easy it is to win big or small. High variance slots suit high rollers, and low variance slots suit low rollers – simple. 

Stop wasting bonus round opportunities 

Not only are modern online slot bonus features fun, but they are also really rather lucrative, so it is incredibly important that you do not waste these opportunities when they come around. In fact, many slot professionals value bonus rounds so much that they often play new games in free mode first, simply so that they can get to grips with how the bonus rounds operate. 

This is a bit of a no-brainer, and a little bit of patience on free mode can pay huge dividends when you actually come to play properly. 

Stop ignoring online casino deposit bonuses 

Because of the myriad of online casino deposit bonus offers around at the moment it can be ultimately easy to ignore them, however this is definitely a bad idea. Sure, it can be annoying online casino sites constantly trying to sell you things, but in reality you can receive a whole load of essentially free money from these things. 

Stop using systems like Martingale strategies 

Some gamblers vehemently advocate progressive betting systems such as the Martingale, but the reality is that these methods almost only simply serve to clear you out financially.

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Seven Peptides for Bodybuilding: How do they work?

February 5, 2021 by Leave a Comment

A lot of bodybuilding and fitness stores have started selling synthetic peptides. These products are a good alternative to traditional steroids. According to some experts, peptides are much safer than steroids, albeit they don’t provide the same results.

Peptides are small strings of amino acids. They are a smaller version of proteins, which is why they have similar properties. However, due to their smaller size, it is much easier to metabolize peptides than it is to metabolize protein items. 

Synthetic peptides can have a wide variety of potential benefits. Most of them are used for increasing lean muscle mass, but you can also utilize them for strengthening the bones, treating injuries, improving the skin, etc. They are especially great for bodybuilders as they might provide a surge of energy and endurance, which would help the exercising.

In this article, we will go through 7 peptides for bodybuilding and their potential impact on our bodies. Read on!

 

 

  • AOD-9604

 

 

When talking about fat burners, it is really hard to omit AOD-9604. This substance is regarded as one of the best products in its category. In fact, it can easily topple some of the more popular items of this type. AOD-9604 is an HGH analog. What does that mean? Well, it is a synthetic substance that should replicate all the properties of human growth hormone.  With it, you can experience a significant boost to your metabolic processes. This will affect not only your ability to burn fats but might also increase your energy, appetite, etc.  

 

 

  • BPC-157

 

 

BPC-157 is based on proteins found within the human stomach. Given that these proteins are synthesized in the stomach, they are used to regulate various functions of this body part. They are crucial for digestion and some other metabolic processes. If we’re talking about BPC-157 as a synthetic protein, people should expect a wide variety of benefits, which might vary from case to case. Some users have reported that the product helped them treat intestinal inflammations and minor digestive issues. However, if you’re a bodybuilder, you will probably be interested to hear that BPC-157 is good for nagging injuries. Whether we’re talking about joints or muscles, this item may provide relief to the affected area while also hastening regeneration.  

 

 

  • CJC-1295

 

 

CJC-1295 is another synthetic peptide that is primarily used to stimulate lean muscle building.  You can use it for more than 6 months, and there is also an option of combining it with other similar products. However, no matter what you choose, make sure to consult an expert before starting the cycle. CJC-1295 can work wonders for your muscles, bones, and joints. You will notice significant gains in a short amount of time, and the product might also provide some other benefits. 

 

 

  • GHRP 2 and 6

 

 

GHRP 2 and 6 are growth hormone-releasing peptides. These two are perhaps the most common peptide products on the bodybuilding supplement market. Both of them are meant to substitute human growth hormone, and as such, they can provide the same set of benefits. They were initially designed as hormonal replacement drugs, but in time they’ve become popular among bodybuilders and fitness experts. 

 

 

  • IGF-1 

 

 

IGF-1 stands for insulin growth hormone. With this product, you are able to replicate the effect of insulin growth hormone, which can be found in the human body. In terms of its impact, you can expect various benefits such as increased muscle mass, improved regeneration, bone and skin protection, a boost of energy, endurance, etc.

 

 

  • Melanotan 1 and 2 

 

 

If you’re looking for products that would improve your ability to get a tan, there aren’t much better than Melanotan 1 and 2. With these items, you’re increasing skin’s ability to utilize sun rays and change your skin tone. In other words, you’re not artificially getting tanned, but you’re just stimulating the processes that would allow you to do so. This is much safer and natural than going to tanning salons, which is why more and more bodybuilders are starting to buy Melanotan in Australia. 

 

 

  • TB-500 

 

 

Another awesome substance is TB-500 or Thymosin Beta 4. This peptide a naturally-occurring substance within the human organism. When we use synthetic TB-500, we are able to replicate the effect that this chemical provides. In other words, it might help you increase lean muscle mass, natural resistance and regeneration, bone density, etc. Phoenix Gen Research is a great place to buy TB 500 peptide in Australia if you’re serious about your bodybuilding.

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Historic Medical Malpractice Cases

January 25, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Amongst the considerable amount of injustices we hear about every day, there are also many famous medical malpractice cases. Some are famous because of their historical significance, others are well known because of who was involved, and others gained significance due to the high settlement amount.

Most Common Kinds of Medical Malpractice Cases

Doctors most at risk of facing a medical malpractice lawsuit are OBGYNs and neurosurgeons, due to the sensitive nature of their work. Some of the most common types of medical malpractice suits are a result of:

  • Birth injury
  • Strokes
  • Wrong-site surgery
  • Medical equipment left inside the patient
  • Anesthesia errors
  • Wrong medication
  • Wrong dosage
  • Misdiagnosis
  • Failure to diagnose

Birth injuries can often result in large payouts because they affect an entire lifetime and can severely damage the life of a child. They have the potential to leave them with both severe physical damage as well as brain damage. Birth injuries can also resolve themselves without medical attention, but severe nerve damage can have lifelong consequences.

Historic Cases

Medical malpractice cases have been around for over 800 years. The first documented medical malpractice case dates back to 1164 in the case of Everad vs. Hoskins. In this case, a servant and his master collected damages from a physician over “unwholesome medicine.”

The first medical malpractice case in the United States occurred back in 1794. It involved a man suing a doctor after the doctor performed an operation on his wife, resulting in her death on the operating table. Upon winning the case, he was awarded 40 English Pounds.

Celebrity Cases

Medical malpractice is something that celebrity status cannot help you avoid. There have been many celebrities over the years that suffered from well-documented cases related to medical malpractice. 

Michael Jackson

One of the most famous cases of malpractice involved one of the most notorious celebrities of all time. In the summer of 2009, Michael Jackson died due to a cocktail of drugs in his system, highlighted by the drug Propofol. Propofol is a powerful anesthetic normally used during surgery. 

Despite the strength of this drug and the wide range of side effects associated with the drug, Jackson’s personal in-house physician would frequently administer it to Jackson as a nighttime sleep aid.

In this case, the doctor was found to be so profoundly responsible for Jackson’s death, that criminal charges of manslaughter were brought against him, and no civil charges were pursued for medical malpractice.

Jackson’s doctor served four years in prison for manslaughter, was stripped of his medical license, and was ordered to pay $100 million to the Jackson family.

Joan Rivers

Another one of the most famous celebrity medical malpractice lawsuits in recent history revolved around the death of comedian Joan Rivers. Rivers went into a coma while undergoing a routine elective surgery on her throat and eventually died. 

Rivers had a reaction to the procedure and her vocal cords began to swell and plug off her airway. Doctors failed to notice her declining vital signs, and, as a result, she went into cardiac arrest and eventually a coma. A week later, Rivers died after being taken off of life support.

Rivers’ daughter, Melisa, brought a lawsuit against the doctors involved, and a settlement was reached a year later with the doctors taking full responsibility for their fault in her death.

Largest payouts

The largest amount awarded in a medical malpractice case was in July of 2019 in Baltimore to Erica Byrom, after her daughter suffered a brain injury during birth, which resulted in cerebral palsy. The jury awarded Byrom $229 million in damages. The judge in the case reduced that amount to $205 million due to a state cap on malpractice lawsuits.

Due to the reduction from the original award amount in the Byrom case, the largest amount paid to a victim remains the $216.7 million awarded to Allan Navarro in 2006. When brought into the emergency room with stroke-like symptoms, Navarro informed medical professionals of his family history of strokes. Despite that knowledge, he was misdiagnosed with sinusitis and given prescription painkillers. 

Because of the misdiagnosis, Navarro ended up with swelling in his brain and spent three months in a coma. He suffered damage to his cognitive abilities and is now in a wheelchair for the remainder of his life.

Seek Professional Guidance

Suffering due to medical malpractice can be extremely difficult to deal with, both for the toll it can take on the bodies and minds of the people involved, and the financial burden it can pose. If dealing with issues related to medical malpractice, make sure to hire a competent attorney to help you get the money you need and deserve.

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Everything you need to know about Invisalign

January 15, 2021 by Leave a Comment

Everybody wants a great aligned tooth; however, due to various reasons, not many people can feel really confident when they smile. Surprisingly, it not only damages self-confidence but equally affects an individual socially and psychologically. On the other side, most people don’t want to go for an alignment due to the fear of traditional braces. 

Traditional braces use the wiring system that runs along with your teeth. Likewise, they come with various pain points such as: 

  • Irritation
  • Limitation on your diet
  • Periodic maintenance
  • The overall structure

One significant point is that it can equally be costly, and that not how much does Invisalign cost as compared to traditional wired braces. So, what actually is Invisalign? As you stick with the article, we’ll put a detailed insight on Invisalign.

What Exactly is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a modern solution for aligning your teeth without wireframes. These are actually clear, smooth, and durable plastic custom molded into invisible aligners that snap over the teeth. Likewise, every two weeks, you’ll need to go for an exchange of your Invisalign. New aligners will slowly straighten the position of the teeth giving a perfect posture.

How Does It Work?

While the traditional braces need readjustment every time you visit a dentist, Invisalign is a snug fit, and they gently push the teeth to the right places, further aligning and gradually bringing the desired result. 

Invisalign comes with a lightweight aligner that slips over your teeth. Each aligner forces your teeth in the shape as required, and you will slowly figure out the change in your smile.  

How Can You Get Started?

If you want to get a perfect smile for your teeth, you’ll need to make an appointment with the specialist. Your dentist will make sure that Invisalign is right for you. Invisalign comes with specially developed software with 3D imaging technology too. This allows you to virtually preview how your teeth will align over time. 

After you decide to move ahead, the dentist will attach fixtures to the teeth. A mold is developed in your teeth, and the Invisalign aligners are further fabricated as per the treatment stage.

Is Invisalign Better Than Traditional Braces?

There are several benefits of using Invisalign over traditional braces. Here’s why you need to go for Invisalign 

  • It’s Invisible
  • It’s a brace that’s invisible. There is definitely a great advantage. Your employer, friend, partner, and family won’t be able to notice when you smile in front of them. 

It’s Comfortable

Invisalign can cause mild discomfort at first; however, once you are habituated to it, you will be more comfortable applying an Invisalign than go for traditional braces, which generally cause abrasions.

Removal

It is a fact that you can take Invisalign for meals and dental care. This is one of the biggest reasons why patients prefer Invisalign.

Side effects

There can definitely be mild discomfort when you start wearing Invisalign. They fit over the top of the teeth, and therefore, they may take some time for adjustment. Most of the patients have been found to face the issue of prolonged irritation to the cheeks or the lips. If you face such a thing, don’t hesitate to speak about the issue to your doctor. 

Allergens

In very rare cases, one may face allergic reactions. This reaction is generally mild and irritating gums. However, even after several days, the aligners don’t adjust, and you still experience irritation, its best to consult a dentist and go for treatment accordingly. 

Is it Possible to Switch to Invisalign?

Yes, it is definitely possible to switch from traditional braces to Invisalign. However, you need to consult your dentist before you take that step. In fact, your dentist will determine the best treatment before going through the process. 

You need to know that Invisalign is a separate form of treatment, and the cost of switching over can be sometimes costly depending on how long you’ve been wearing your braces. Remember, Invisalign may not be as efficient as continuing with the existing plan. 

How Much Does Invisalign Dost?

There are several factors to think about when comparing the price between traditional braces and Invisalign aligners. Meanwhile, you can understand the final cost depending upon how severe the teeth alignment issue needs to be dealt with. 

Traditional braces can be quite cheap as compared to Invisalign. Typically wire framed braces cost about $2,500 to $6,000. On the other side, Invisalign can be a little expensive than traditional wire framed braces. The average cost remains between $3,500 to $8,000. 

Conclusion

If you are one of those seeking to correct misaligned or crooked teeth without any hassle, Invisalign is the ideal solution for you. Do you want to feel confident? Are you willing to pose for that perfect smile? Don’t stop yourself when you have got the best treatment for your teeth. You can go for easy fixation of Invisalign from the best dentist at the best price. Happy Smiles!

 

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Must-visit places in America for sports fans

January 13, 2021 by Leave a Comment

America is known for many things: technological innovation, fast food, and a lively sports scene. Most of the major sports originate or were popularized within America and it’s in every sports fan to watch a game or visit an iconic locale within the country. 

What’s even better is that the local sports betting laws have started loosening up. At least 22 states in the country, with Maryland being the latest to legalize sports betting, have sports betting action.

Every sports team creates its own set of culture that brings together different elements of society. There’s the financial and technical aspect within the sports betting realm, the arts and entertainment portion with team design, and traveling and tourism with sports venues. 

America is the place to visit for sports tourism with each state, city, or venue offering a piece of history and culture. Looking everything up will require a textbook, but we put together a small list of where to begin.

Places every diehard sports fan must visit in America

Lambeau Field (Green Bay, WI)

Pic via MilwaukeeINSIDER

 

This tops the list of any football fan’s bucket list. The iconic Lambeau Field is the oldest continually operating NFL stadium and has an extensive list of historic football events from being dubbed “Titletown, USA” in the early 60’s to the Frozen Tundra of 1967. 

The stadium is home to the NFL’s most beloved franchise, the Green Bay Packers and together, they are the only team and stadium to be completely owned by the fans. For its immense history and football tradition, Lambeau Field is one to visit for fans looking for the authentic American football experience.

New York City, NY

New York City boasts a record TEN major league sports teams: two for each pro league from the NFL to MLS. Collectively, NYC has won 50 championships including the Yankees’ 27.

Speaking of the Yankees, arguably the most popular sports team in the world, visiting Yankee Stadium is a no-brainer. Madison Square Garden is also just as iconic as the Yankees hosting not just the Knicks and Rangers but a slew of historic sporting events like the “Fight of the Century” between boxing legends Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.

Boston, MA

Boston has transformed itself into the “City of Champions” in recent years with all of its “Big Four” teams winning a championship in the last decade. 

Of course, Boston’s sports tourism goes beyond just having four amazing teams. The historic Fenway Park is the oldest active ballpark in the majors and the Boston Celtics are eponymous to the NBA representing the state where basketball was invented. 

Camden Yards (Baltimore, ML)

Yankee Stadium and Fenway Park may be more recognized, but Camden Yards is the pinnacle among American ballparks.

The Orioles’ home turf popularized the concept of “retro” major league ballparks and has often been copied. Several parks like the PNC Park in Pittsburgh and Oracle Park in San Francisco, two must-visit ballparks in their own right, were both inspired by Camden Yards.

San Francisco, CA

“Bay Bridge – San Francisco” by KP Tripathi (kps-photo.com) is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 

When it comes to representing the sports scene in the West Coast, San Francisco edges out Los Angeles by way of being more scenic. 

The Bay Area is home to a plethora of quality sports teams like the Giants in baseball, the 49ers in football, and the Warriors in the NBA. The Giants play in Oracle Park, arguably the best sports venue for sports tourists. Its picturesque view is one to behold.  

Las Vegas, NV

Sin City is not only the “Gambling Capital of the World” but also offers a unique sports scene on its own. Previously barren of any major league teams, Vegas has since acquired a hockey team (Vegas Golden Knights) and a football team (Las Vegas Raiders).

But that’s only for starters. Vegas is also the “Fight Capital” and constantly features UFC and major boxing events. Several motorsports, golf, and even rodeo are featured.

More places to visit in America for sports fans

With all the sports history in America, it was all but impossible to fit everything. But here are a few more places sports fans should put on their checklist:

  • Cowboys Stadium (Arlington, TX)
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • Augusta National Golf Club (Augusta, GA)
  • Chicago, IL
  • Los Angeles, CA

Visiting these places isn’t just about taking in the sports scene, but basking in the different character each state or city has. And that’s the beauty in a place like America. There is something for everyone and that includes even the most eclectic sports fan.

 

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Learn How to Shield Skin from the Harmful Effects

January 12, 2021 by Leave a Comment

beautiful beach

It is almost inevitable that during the course of our lives, we will receive some skin damage from the effects of the sun. Even if you don’t feel the sun is exceptionally bright, it can still be causing damage, and the only way to totally avoid this is to stay out of the sun is not particularly practical. There are other things you can do to help protect yourself, including avoiding the sunlight when it is strongest, which is during the middle of the day and wearing protective clothing. We’ve also put together some more information to help you learn how to shield your skin from the harmful effects of the sun.

Benefits of the Sun

There are some benefits to exposing your skin to the sun, fresh air and being outdoors is good for the body and also the mind. Being outside generally means being more active, and of course, this is good for your body. Vitamin D is also the first thing people think about when it comes to getting some sun, and of course, this is true, but there are other ways to ensure you get enough vitamin D including many of the foods that we eat which are fortified with vitamins and minerals. You are unlikely to be able to avoid the sun altogether, so moderation is key.

Dangers of Exposure

Getting too much sun can be dangerous, and of course, one of the most immediate signs that we have been out in the heat for too long is sunburn. Like any burn, sunburn causes damage to the cells and blood vessels of the skin. If you are continually getting sunburnt, the skin will be unable to recover and will be wrinkled, leathery and discoloured. While this may look like the skin has become thicker, it is actually weak and more susceptible to being bruised. Skin cancer is not something you can immediately see but is caused by too much sun, and by the time it is discovered you can be seriously ill so avoiding this risk is a better tactic. 

Avoiding Skin Damage from the Sun 

One of the simplest things you can do to help avoid damage is to use sunscreen. It should actually be a daily habit because even in the winter, the sun’s rays can do damage. The sun is strongest between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, and this is when the ultraviolet Rays are most likely to catch you out. If at all possible, avoid the sun during these times. We have some really great UV protective clothing on offer, and if you do need to go out into the sun for long periods, you are advised to cover up with these special garments that do not overheat you but protect from the damaging UV rays. Wide-brimmed hats are also recommended, and this will also help avoid sunstroke. You should also protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses that have a UV light filter. 

Choose High SPF Factors

Each sunscreen comes with an SPF rating, and this indicates the efficacy of the product when it comes to protecting from UVB rays, these are the rays of the sun that burn you. Sunscreens are also designed to absorb UVA light. So logically, the higher the SPF number, the better the product is going to protect you. Even if you don’t burn quickly, you should still look to use a sunscreen that has an SPF factor of at least 30. If you have ever been diagnosed with skin cancer or precancer cells, you should aim for something that is even higher. 

Skin That Doesn’t Burn

People who have skin that doesn’t burn often think they can get away with using low SPF factor sun cream. However, it is not just about ensuring we don’t burn. Some of the damage from the Rays is not immediately seen, and there is no apparent adverse effect. But later in life skin cancer or precancerous cells can be detected and cause a lot of long-term damage. No matter what sort of skin you have, it is much better to protect yourself from the sun at all times even if you don’t burn so no matter what SPF 30 and above is recommended.

What About Children?

Sunscreen is vital for children, once they are over the age of six months, getting them used to regular skin cream use can really help protect them against cancers in later life. Studies have shown that if children applied sunscreen from the age of six months to 18 years, skin cancer cases and later life would be cut by about 72%. Children under the age of six months should be kept in the shade and wear protective clothing. 

 How to Use Sunscreen

You should look to apply your sunscreen at least half an hour before you plan to go out of the house, especially if you’re going to be exposed to the sun for more than 30 minutes. While you are out, you should also reapply your sunscreen every two hours. If you get very wet because you have been swimming you should actually reapply your sunscreen on a more regular cycle. Any exposed area of skin can burn, people often forget their ears, backs of the hands, face and lips. Be generous with your sunscreen and smooth it on, for women who wear makeup the sunscreen should go under your makeup. Sweating makes your sun cream less effective, so factor this in and if needs be, apply more regularly.

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