Tigers stay alive

Chris Putz — Tue, 21 May 2013 06:46:22 +0000

You need to be logged in to see this part of the content. Please Login to access.

The post Tigers stay alive appeared first on The Westfield News.

Health Wise: Sun Protection

Victor Acquista — Tue, 21 May 2013 04:00:52 +0000

With summer upon us it’s a good time to review some sun protection facts and advice. While exposure to sunlight is important in helping us to synthesize vitamin D, over exposure is unhealthy. Your skin is your largest organ and you should take measures to protect it from sun damage. Sun exposure is a major contributor to aging of the skin which leads to wrinkles. More importantly, sun exposure can lead to development of skin cancers. These include squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and, the most deadly, melanoma.
Sun damage occurs from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UVA radiation typically causes the type of damage that leads to wrinkles and increases the chance of cancer. UVB rays are the ones that cause sunburn. People fall into one of six basic skin types characterized by the amount of melanin skin pigment. Melanin is one way the body has natural sun protection. The spectrum of skin types from fair to dark are described below:
Type I: Pale white skin, blue/hazel eyes, blond/red hair. Always burns, does not tan.
Type II: Fair skin, blue eyes. Burns easily, tans poorly.
Type III: Darker white skin. Tans after initial burn.
Type IV: Light brown skin. Burns minimally, tans darkly and easily.
Type V: Brown skin. Rarely burns, tans darkly and easily.
Type VI: Dark brown or black skin. Never burns, always tans darkly.
Type I skin has the least melanin and individuals with this skin type burn very easily; they need to be most vigilant in protecting themselves from sun damage. While individuals with type VI skin have the most natural defense against sun damage they should still take precautions to protect themselves. There are some medical conditions such as vitiligo which cause depigmentation. Patches of depigmented skin are the most vulnerable to sun damage and need protection.
Certain medications and topical agents are photosensitizing. This means they increase the chance that sun exposure will cause skin problems. The list of photosensitizing drugs is lengthy and includes many commonly used medications. Many antibiotics, antihistamines, antidepressants, chemotherapy drugs, diuretics, cardiac medications, and non-steroidal drugs are potentially photosensitizing. You should read the patient information portion of prescription meds and/or check with your pharmacist or medical provider if you are uncertain about a particular medication. Retin-A and a variety of perfume oils-bergamot, citron, lavender, sandalwood, cedar, musk are known photosensitizers.
Sun protection is pretty straightforward. Your first strategy should be avoidance. In particular you want to avoid overexposure. Seek the shade, use protective clothing, and wear a wide brimmed hat. Next, use sunblock. There are many effective rub on and spray on products. Some of these have emollients which may leave you feeling greasy. There are many greaseless formulations. The important thing is to find a product or products that you are comfortable using. This increases the likelihood that you will actually use sunscreen. Sun radiation is weaker in the morning and the evening and need for protection during these times is less.
Different products vary in their Sun Protection Factor (SPF). The higher the SPF, the greater the protection. As a minimum I recommend a product of at least SPF 30. This will block 97% of UVB. It’s best to use a broad spectrum product that will offer UVA and UVB protection. Be mindful that some products are water resistant; others will need to be reapplied if you take a dip in the pool, lake, ocean. Read the product label and follow the application guidelines. In general, use a generous amount of sunscreen and apply to all sun exposed surfaces. A second application is advisable as most people do not apply sufficient sunscreen with only one application. Don’t forget your nose, lips, and ears. There are sunscreen lip balm products you may want to consider. Don’t forget your feet and your scalp. Some products also contain antioxidants. Topical and/or oral antioxidants may have some benefit in repair of sun damaged skin.
If you overdo it and get a sunburn, here are some quick suggestions to obtain relief. Use a cool compress to the burned areas—cold water is fine, but cold milk is even better. Use a moisturizing product, especially one containing aloe. Hydrocortisone cream can also help with inflammation and itch. There are also topical anesthetic sprays which offer some pain relief. Avoid further sun exposure to areas which are burned. Also, make note of where you got burned and how long you were sun exposed. Avoid repeating the very things which caused your sunburn. Repeated damage to the same areas are frequently what leads to weathered, wrinkled skin. Be on the lookout for skin sores or rashes that do not heal and for pigmented spots such as moles or freckles that are changing in size or color. Any of these represent warning signs for potential skin cancer.
Protecting your skin from sun damage will help you to have young healthy skin. Enjoy your time out in the sunshine.
Stay healthy!

Victor Acquista MD is author of “Pathways To Health: An Integral Guidebook” and a co-founder of The Collaborative for Community Health in Palmer, MA. For more information on Acquista’s book, visit http://pathstohealth.info/

The post Health Wise: Sun Protection appeared first on The Westfield News.

Town Meeting set for tonight

Hope E. Tremblay — Tue, 21 May 2013 04:00:49 +0000

You need to be logged in to see this part of the content. Please Login to access.

The post Town Meeting set for tonight appeared first on The Westfield News.

PulseLine, May 21, 2013

Westfield NewsRoom — Tue, 21 May 2013 04:00:35 +0000

You need to be logged in to see this part of the content. Please Login to access.

The post PulseLine, May 21, 2013 appeared first on The Westfield News.

Briand wins; WHS falls

Chris Putz — Tue, 21 May 2013 03:41:53 +0000

You need to be logged in to see this part of the content. Please Login to access.

The post Briand wins; WHS falls appeared first on The Westfield News.

Bombers stave off elimination

Chris Putz — Tue, 21 May 2013 03:28:59 +0000

You need to be logged in to see this part of the content. Please Login to access.

The post Bombers stave off elimination appeared first on The Westfield News.

St. Mary edges Sci-Tech, 3-2

Chris Putz — Tue, 21 May 2013 03:26:30 +0000

You need to be logged in to see this part of the content. Please Login to access.

The post St. Mary edges Sci-Tech, 3-2 appeared first on The Westfield News.

Rams rally past McCann

Chris Putz — Tue, 21 May 2013 03:24:50 +0000

You need to be logged in to see this part of the content. Please Login to access.

The post Rams rally past McCann appeared first on The Westfield News.

Westfield schools Boston Strong

Hope E. Tremblay — Tue, 21 May 2013 02:45:12 +0000

You need to be logged in to see this part of the content. Please Login to access.

The post Westfield schools Boston Strong appeared first on The Westfield News.

05-21-13 HS Standings, Results

Chris Putz — Tue, 21 May 2013 00:00:35 +0000

You need to be logged in to see this part of the content. Please Login to access.

The post 05-21-13 HS Standings, Results appeared first on The Westfield News.