Thursday, June 17, 2010

Sun tips for Summer

When hitting the beach, or even just being outside on a sunny day, you need to remember your sunblock! I know you want to get a tan, and you still can, use a SPF of at least 15, you'll block harmful UVA and UVB rays, but you still have a chance to get some color. Also, protect your lips with an SPF lip balm.

What to buy

Aveeno SPF 30 for face
*Oil-free, non-greasy formula is also hypoallergenic, water resistant, and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Coppertone Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

*Use UVA/UVB Broad spectrum for best protection

For kids and babies
California Baby Water Resistant, Hypo-Allergenic Sunscreen, SPF 30+



Banana Boats Kids SPF 50
Broad spectrum, tear free, waterproof



Use sunblock to prevent skin cancer and premature aging.


For more on skin cancer and prevention:http://www.dermatology.ucsf.edu/skincancer/General/prevention/Sunscreen.aspx

Other Sun Tips

Wear a hat
Use an SPF lip balm (try Sun Protecting Lip Balm SPF 8 or Chapstick SPF 15 or 30)
Use an umbrella at the beach
Reapply the sunscreen every hour
Look for shade when you get too hot, keep the little kids in the shade
Drink plenty of water

Questions or Tips? Leave a comment below.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Causes of Frequent Bathroom Trips

If you are visiting the bathroom to urinate far too often, there may be something wrong. It is advised to see a doctor ASAP, but make sure to get a second opinion, especially if the doctor gives you meds, or recommends surgery.

Here are some causes of frequent urination:
  • Urinary tract infections: Symptoms of a bacterial infection of the bladder or the urethra—the tube that allows urine to flow out of the body from the bladder—can include burning with urination, foul-smelling urine, fever and pelvic pain.
  • Side effect of medication: Diuretics (“water pills”) and other drugs can increase the need to go to the bathroom.
  • Age-related changes: When muscles of the bladder, urethra and pelvic floor become weak, the bladder may not be able to “hold it.”
  • Prostate problems: For men, an enlarged or infected prostate can lead to urgency and frequent urination, especially at night.
  • Bladder problems: Frequent or urgent urination can be an early sign of bladder cancer. Bladder stones or bladder inflammation also can cause frequent or painful urination.
  • Diabetes: When excess blood sugar is excreted into urine,it draws water from the body’s tissues, increasing the need to urinate.
  • Kidney disease: Diseases that cause kidney decline may affect the kidneys’ ability to process urine, increasing the amount of urine produced.
  • A weak heart due to heart failure: A weak heart can’t pump blood well, so fluids build up in the body. The kidneys work to rid the body of excess fluid, causing large amounts of urine production and frequent urination.
Find out from your doctor what your issue is, and work with him/her to fix it!

Some quick tips, to help reduce the frequency:
  • Avoid caffeine
  • Limit or avoid alcohol
  • Drink plenty of water (6-8 glasses a day)
  • Avoid sugar
  • Exercise
  • Do kegels* to strengthen the pelvic floor
*Kegel exercises involve repeatedly squeezing and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles that hold the bladder in place. It can take up to 10 weeks of these exercises to see results.

Disclaimer. I am not a doctor the tips are not intended to cure or prevent any disease. Check with a doctor with any concerns.

Have a question? Leave a comment below!