Tips to Protect You From Sun Damage
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It's summer! Being outside is an essential part to enjoying your summer. But, so is not getting a sun burn. Between the beach, the park, outdoor sporting events, hiking, concerts, and more, keeping your skin protected is extremely important.
The sun's rays contain two types of ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet A (UVA) causes tanning, aging skin, and wrinkles. Ultraviolet B (UVB) causes sunburn. Both can cause skin cancer. You can burn on sunny days, cloudy days, and cold days. The white sand on the beach and the white snow of winter both reflect the sun's rays. You can burn whether you're skiing on water or snow.
Signs of sunburn are redness and pain. You may also have swelling and blistering. A bad sunburn can lead to heatstroke and dehydration.
Wearing sunscreen doesn't always keep you from burning. No sunscreen can completely protect you from UV rays. A sunscreen labeled "waterproof" or "water resistant" will not protect you all day. When you swim or sweat, reapply your sunscreen.
To prevent a sunburn follow the following prevention tips:
- Use only water-resistant or waterproof sunscreen. It should protect against both UVA and UVB rays and have an SPF of at least 15. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating.
- Wear protective clothing when possible. Always include a hat and sunglasses.
- Limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is when UV rays are strongest. If your shadow is shorter than you are, get out of the sun.
- Keep children in the shade and in protective clothing.Follow the same sunscreen rules for them that you would for yourself. Don't use sunscreen on children younger than 6 months old. They should be kept out of the sun. If a child under age 1 gets sunburn, call your pediatrician right away. Also seek emergency care if a child of any age has a sunburn with fever, blistering, severe pain, or lethargy.
- Be aware that water, snow, and sand all reflect UV raysand increase your chances for sunburn.
If you do get sunburnt, use a cool wet compress, soothing lotions, and cool baths may help relieve minor sunburn pain. Drink plenty of fluids. For serious burns, call your physician right away. Medication may prevent infection and help with the swelling and pain.
Women’s Health: How Effective is Oral Contraception?
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We are commonly asked about the effectiveness of Birth Control. And specifically, does oral contraception work? Here are a few answers to your questions.
Studies have found that, used as recommended, oral contraception is 91 percent to 99 percent effective in preventing pregnancy. However, that still means there is a very small risk of pregnancy. In most instances, however, women who become pregnant while taking oral contraceptives either miss one or more doses; take a dose at a time different from their normal time (i.e., in the evening instead of the morning); take medications (such as antibiotics) that interfere with the effectiveness of birth control in your body; or have unprotected intercourse too soon after starting their oral contraceptive.
If you begin taking birth control pills within six days of the first day of your period, it's effective immediately. If you start at any other time, however, you need to take it for a full month before it's effective, and you must use another form of birth control until you've completed one full cycle of pills.
While no method of contraception other than sterilization is 100 percent effective against pregnancy, the more precautions you take, the less likely you are to get pregnant. Plus, if you are not in a long-term, monogamous relationship, your partner should be using a condom to protect you both against sexually transmitted diseases.
Talk to your physician for more information about contraception options and questions.
Do you know our story?
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With a real need for expanded medical services in the Southern Colorado area, we were formed in 1987 by a great group of Saint Mary Corwin residents looking to use their knowledge and help people where help was needed most.
Patient care isn't just treating patents with this practice, we view patient care as a partnership and want our patients to participate in their own medical needs and continue their prospering health with proactive preventative medicine. We believe in a holistic view that restores the immune system and creating a healthy and balanced life plan to keep illness and disease at bay.
Since we were founded, our practice has continued to grow. We are an independent medical facility with local ownership. We have a great new group of providers and outstanding selection of services that are thriving in our community. As an active member of the Pueblo business community, but proudly serves all residents of Southern Colorado including Pueblo, Pueblo West, the Arkansas Valley, Colorado City and Rye.
With our outstanding reputation among local families, as well as area medical professionals, is a testament to the loyalty of our practitioners, their dedication to medical development and their compassionate family care. We continually strive to give the best possible care to our patients and help them live a healthy life.
Can AC really affect your health?
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It's hot! In Colorado, many try to beat that summer heat with air conditioning units or swamp coolers. Wether it's at the office or in your home, many often wonder how we would survive without air conditioning (AC). Many people turn on the AC as soon as the temperature rises above 70 degrees, or whenever the heat starts making you uncomfortable. But did you know that turning on the AC can be harmful to your health? Poorly-maintained or older AC units have been shown to spread disease and cause health conditions such as respiratory conditions. With it being everywhere during hot summer months it is important to maintain your unit and protect indoor air quality (as well as yourself). Additional Reasons AC Unit can Cause Poor Air Quality:
- Most residential units recirculate indoor air to save energy
- When basic maintenance such as changing the filters is not performed, airflow is restricted throughout the space
- Dirty air filters will not stop allergens, pesticides and other outside irritants from entering your home
- Window units that are not properly sealed let in outside air, undermining the work of the unit
- Make sure to check the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning or changing your unit's air filters
- Open the windows as much as you can. Allow fresh air to circulate in your home and flush out pollutants
- Have an HVAC technician perform annual maintenance checks
- Buy a new AC unit every 10 years
- Turn the temperature up, or turn the unit off altogether, at night or when the house is empty
- Try using the fan-only mode on your AC unit
Learn to Eat Healthy!
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Tempting cravings come when you least expect them. Keeping the food cravings down and eating healthy food will keep you on track with your health and weight loss goals. By eating more nutritious foods, you are on the right path to a healthier and more balanced life for both you and your family. Below are a few tips to keep you on the right track: