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The Body and Machine Section is the place to hang out and grab pertinent information for everything from motorcycle maintenance to fitness to very cool stuff to know about! Don't forget to search our archives to the right for past posts. |
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Sun Damage
By Sara Liberte
Now that summer is underway we are exposing ourselves to the sun more often, sometimes heading out to a motorcycle event can find us badly burned. This can lead to Sun damage, how the sun alters the look and feel of the skin. Sun damage is a form of extrinsic aging; early aging that is caused by our surroundings. Extrinsic aging is collective, so each time we are exposed the damage worsens. Here are a few good tips to know about sun damage and how to keep yourself protected found on http://www.burnsurvivorsttw.org |
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What Causes Sun Damage?
Sun damage is caused by frequent exposure to damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV is an undetectable form of radiation emitted by the sun. There are two types of UV rays, UVA and UVB. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and are the major source of early aging and skin cancer. UVB rays primarily access the surface of the skin and are the key source of sunburns.
How Often Am I Exposed To Harmful UV Rays?
Whether you are walking to your car, driving to work, or simply sitting near a window, you are exposed to harmful UV rays. This type of daily contact is known as secondary UV exposure. Secondary exposure occurs where you least expect it. It can occur in the shade, on cloudy days, even while you are indoors. It is likely that the usual individual is exposed to more than 10 hours of indoor UV rays every week. Add to that over 7 hours of outdoor UV rays a week and without a suitable shield, your weekly UV-radiation exposure might total nearly 20 hours. That's like spending the weekend at the beach without wearing sunscreen. |
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Increasing The Sun's Damaging Effects
We are all vulnerable to the harmful effects of the sun. However, some people may be more at risk than others. People that have sustained burns are definitely in one of the top groups of individuals that are at higher risk. Below you will see a list of what else can put you in a high risk bracket.
1. Where you live: If you live closer to the equator, the sun is directly overheard and the UV rays are stronger. Anyone who lives in the mountain regions, should look out. Studies suggest that there is roughly an 8% to 10% increase in UV intensity for each 1,000 feet of increased altitude.
2. How Do You Live: Do you enjoy outdoor activities? Remember, sun damage accumulates over time-the more you are exposed, the more damaged your skin becomes. Apply sun protection every time you venture out.
3. Your Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, cause heightened sensitivity to the sun (photosensitivity. The results are sun rashes and sunburns. Ask your doctor if any of your medications can cause photosensitivity.
4. Genetics: Are you fair skinned with light hair (red or blond) and freckles? If yes, you are at a high risk of developing sun damage and skin cancer. If you have a family history of skin cancer, take extra safety measures and use daily sun protection.
5. Cosmetic Procedures: Cosmetic procedures can intensify your sensitivity to the sun. If you have undergone, or are considering microdermabraision, laser resurfacing, or a chemical peel, talk to your dermatologist about how to protect your skin. |
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Is Sun Damage Dangerous?
The answer is yes. In addition to premature aging of the skin, sun damage also increases your risk of skin cancer. The three common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Melanoma is the most dangerous of all types of skin cancer. This type of cancer is almost always curable when treated early. Melanoma usually starts in or near a mole or other dark spot on your skin. A normal mole is symmetrical in shape, has even coloration and border. An abnormal mole is asymmetrical in shape. It has shades of various colors. Those colors are brown, black, tan, white, blue, and red. |
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Sun Damage Prevention
1. Protect Yourself: Protect yourself against daily sun damage by applying sun protection prior to every time you are going to be in direct or indirect contact with the sun. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing a product with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. It should give broad-spectrum UVA and UVB treatment. Daily sun defense with a moisturizer is the best selection for defending against incidental UV exposure.
Sun protectant ought to be applied to the face, ears, lips, and neck. Do not forget to protect your scalp if you have bald spots or your hair is thinning. Put the protectant on 20 minutes before you will be in UV contact. For extended or intentional exposure when you are working, exercising, or relaxing outdoors, sun protectant should be reapplied every 2 to 3 hours.
2. Take Cover: In order to minimize sun exposure, you should search for shade on every possible occasion. Firmly woven, loose-fitting, full-length clothing, and a wide-brimmed hat can offer additional protection. To help avoid damage to your eyes, sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of UV rays should be worn.
3. Avoid The Afternoon Sun: UV rays are at its strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. Avoid the sun during these hours. This will limit the effects of being in contact with harmful UV rays. |
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4. Oppose The Temptation: Refuse to give in to the desire to tan outdoors in natural light or indoors under artificial UV light (sunlamps or sun beds). UV rays enter the inner layers of the skin. In reply, the body produces additional melanin. That causes the skin to be obviously darker. A tan is proof that UV has damaged some of the skin's cells. It has been verified that a tan is not healthy or safe.
5. Get Expert Advice: To help ensure the potential of a healthy, beautiful skin, you should schedule regular appointments with your dermatologist. He/She can walk you through the steps of a monthly self-examination. Monthly self-examinations can help make sure that you discover any abnormal spots or changes to your skin and get proper medicine attention from your dermatologist. Your dermatologist can also offer education and information about skin care and explain the numerous sun damage prevention and all treatment options that are available to you. |
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Women Serving our Country.
By Sidecar Sandy
Did you know that there are currently 1.7 million women veterans in our nation? Of those brave women, 177,000 have served since 2001. 70,000 of those have served their country during Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom. So, what do those numbers mean? They mean that the ranks of women veterans are swelling faster than the Veteran’s Administration is prepared for because more women have answered their countries call. |
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Now, the VA has many, many programs for veterans both male and female. One of the wonderful things is that there is no statute of limitations on these programs. That means if you separated say in 1974, you can still go into your local VA office and apply for benefits. My mother served 8 years in the Air Force, separated in 1981 and walked into the VA office in 2004. She was shocked to find that she was eligible for medical care, education services, and career help.
I separated from the Air Force in 2002, and was eventually classified as a disabled veteran with a disability rating. I had to apply and it did take 8 months for me to have my file reviewed. Which really was no surprise, it is the government. The wait was worth it. The VA has helped me with education and health care. Those services have proven to be invaluable. |
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Recently, because of the growing number of women veterans, there has been a call to increase specialized fields of care. In April 2008, the Women Veterans Health Improvement Act of 2008 was presented to the Senate (S.2799) and to Congress (H.R.4107). These measures are aimed at expanding and improving the mental and physical care of both male and female vets, as well as ensuring specialized care for women veterans.
We, as the people of this Nation, owe it to our veterans to make sure they get the care they need. There should be no homeless veterans. There should be health care provided to every person who stands up for this country. That care should be provided in a timely manner. Period. |
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Write to your Senators and Representatives and tell them to co-sponsor and actively support the passage of these proposals. You can find information on how to help at www.standup4vets.org as well as a petition for the rights of veterans to sign. If you are a veteran in need of help, please go to www.va.gov. That website provides basic information as well as a VA office locator.
Our veterans kept their promise. We must keep ours. |
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Eating a Healthy Breakfast
By Sara Liberte
How many times have you been late for work and decided you’ll just skip breakfast to save some time and maybe to save indulging in a few calories. Here are a few reasons why doing this is just plain wrong.
If we skip breakfast, we are likely to become tired quickly, this is form our brain and body running low on fuel. After a few hours at work, a lot of people grab a cup of coffee or wolf down a pastry or doughnut to try to help wake them selves up. |
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This might work for a few minutes, but by lunchtime we are hungry again, and by now probably crabby. This can be dangerous; our mood might make us a little more prone to making unhealthy choices at lunch. Eating a good breakfast sets the tone for the rest of the day.
Studies show people who eat breakfast are more likely to maintain a healthy weight than those that skip it all together.
So what are some choices for a healthy breakfast?
A healthy breakfast should contain some protein and some fiber.
Protein can come from low fat meats, eggs, beans, or soy. Fiber can be found in whole grains, vegetables and fruits.
I like to have a little of both, a little fruit and a whole grain bread for toast or a whole grain English muffin. Other options might be a hard boiled egg, an orange, and a bowl of whole grain cereal with low fat milk. (Stay away from the sugary cereals, syrups, and pastries)
Protein and fiber satisfy your hunger and will keep you feeling full until lunchtime.
Some fruit options are grapefruit, pineapple, apples, bananas, strawberries, blueberries or peaches.
Skip the coffee especially if you like to drain it in cream and sugar, opt for a small glass of fresh juice, preferable squeezed at home fresh, or a hot cup of green tea. Cutting out the coffee gets rid of the extra caffeine in your diet but also all that extra sugar if you use it. |
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Carry this smart thinking into your lunchtime choices, skip the fries and soda, go for fruit, whole grain breads and water. Nuts are an excellent source of protein and keep you feeling satisfied.
It’s very important to remember that working out is a big part of reaching our weight goals, but diet is just as important.
Forget skipping breakfast; just grab a smart breakfast! |
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