Sunscreen: Which SPF Should I Use? 

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Toby Dash, an editor at fivestarskincare.co that blogs all about the world of skincare, health & beauty recently shared a post by Anne Matea about sunscreen.   It begins by stating that we all know we need protection from the damaging UV rays. We also know that we need a cream, lotion or moisturizer with a high SPF. But what does high SPF actually mean? And what does SPF stand for? Could you prevent skin cancer if you choose a higher SPF? And what sunscreen protection would actually be recommended for you?

Let’s discover together how we can use the sun protection factor to reduce premature skin aging and prevent sunburns. More than this, we will have a look at how long SPF can actually protect you from the damaging effects of sun exposure and how to use the sunscreen to get the best possible benefits. But first …

Why do you need SPF?

Sunscreen has multiple benefits for the skin, such as:

  • It helps prevent the occurrence of premature signs of aging at the level of the skin;
  • It helps keep the skin hydrated, even during prolonged sun exposure;
  • Can help prevent skin burns;
  • It reduces the risk of developing skin cancer.

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Bicycle Safety for Older Adults 

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Preparing for a Power Outage: The Ultimate Guide 

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Conrad  Novak, a blogger at Survivor’s Fortress, shared with Healthy Lombard that winter is here and they are on a mission to help people get prepared for a power outage!

A power outage can be a stressful time. Stores get depleted extremely quickly and the modern conveniences of life are taken away. Luckily, with a little preparation and a solid action plan in place, a power outage can be dealt with stress-free and with minimal impact. This guide will give you everything you need to fully prepare for the next extended power outage.

CREATING AN EMERGENCY AID KIT

It’s important to put together an emergency kit in preparation for a power outage. You’ll need to keep this somewhere accessible and stock it with essentials. Here is a list of recommendations you should include when creating your emergency kit:

  • A gallon of drinking water per person per day (also invest in water purification tablets to ensure water is safe to drink)
  • Non-perishable food and a tin opener
  • A fully stocked first aid kit
  • Supply of all needed medications including the dosages
  • A flashlight with extra batteries
  • Blankets

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TRAMPOLINES ARE NOT TOYS 

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Daniel Fagbuyi, MD, FAAP a former emergency medicine pediatrician at Children’s Nationa wrote for the Rise and Shine Newsletter that exercise is important for kids, but there’s one form of exercise most pediatricians will caution against trampolines. Trampolines are not toys.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently published an article showing that trampoline injuries have increased over the past decade, and the organization advises against recreational trampolining altogether. Furthermore, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons states that children under the age of 6 should never use trampolines.

Collisions, falls and improper landings can all cause severe harm, and the youngest kids are the ones most at risk. If your kids do play on trampolines, here’s some advice on how to keep them safer.

Trampoline safety tips

  • Only one person should be allowed to jump at a time.
  • There must be adult supervision at all times.
  • Do not jump with any sharp objects in hand, like a rock or a pencil.

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Biking Safety: Everything You Need To Know About Bike Safety 

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Ready to take a ride with your bike around the hood? Perhaps through the busy streets of your town?   Great!

This article from GuideCool will provide actionable tips on how you can increase your biking safety. In it, you’ll learn why biking safety is essential, tips, rules, etc.

Why Is Bike Safety So Important?

In 2017, a whopping 783 bicyclists were killed in separate crashes in the USA. Consequently, in such fatal crashes, it is the cyclist who sustains fatal bodily injuries.

Thankfully, you can avoid such collisions by following the tips we will share in the consecutive sections. You’ll learn about different rules, biking safety tips, and find crucial educational material for the community and many more.

So, find out ways you can avoid accidents and deaths and always remember that bicycle crashes are avoidable if cyclists and motorists follow the rules and take notice of each other. Read more 

HOLIDAY SEASON SAFETY FOR YOU AND YOUR KIDS 

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Sally Wilson, RN, BSN, is an Education, Prevention, and Outreach Coordinator for the Division of Trauma and Burns at Children’s National and Safe Kids Worldwide. She specializes in pedestrian safety, window fall prevention, and seasonal safety issues.  Wilson shared in Rise and Shine that

Winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together. But the gatherings could put children and families at a greater risk for preventable injury and fire. Here are some holiday season safety tips.

General safety

  • Make sure guests are aware of children’s abilities – they may not have seen them lately. For example, the baby may be pulling up or starting to walk and can reach things that were previously out of reach.
  • Avoid using candles with flames. Keep matches and lighters up high or locked up.
  • Make sure your smoke detector is working – have a carbon monoxide detector if you have gas appliances.
  • Guests should secure all their medications – no purses on the floor, etc.

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Stay physically active to prevent falls and improve your balance 

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Go For Life shared that each year, more than 2 million older Americans go to the emergency room because of fall-related injuries. A simple fall can cause a serious fracture of the arm, hand, ankle, or hip.

But don’t let a fear of falling keep you from exercising and being physically active. Overcoming this fear can help you stay active, maintain your physical health, and prevent future falls. The good news is that there are simple ways you can prevent most falls.

One of the most important ways to prevent falls is to stay physically active. Regular exercise makes you stronger. Weight-bearing activities, such as walking or climbing stairs, may slow bone loss from osteoporosis. Lower-body strength exercises and balance exercises can help you prevent falls and avoid the disability that may result from falling. Read more 

BULLYING AND ADOLESCENT SUICIDE 

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Rise and Shine shared information from Adelaide RobbAdelaide Robb, MD, who is the Chief of the Division of Psychology and Behavioral Health, specializing in pediatric mood disorders, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder. that according to a study published by JAMA Pediatrics, bullied teens are twice as likely to consider suicide and nearly two-and-a-half times as likely to actually attempt suicide. In addition, the study found that teens who were cyberbullied were more than three times as likely to contemplate suicide as other kids. October is National Bullying Prevention Month and in observance, we spoke with Adelaide Robb, MD, Chief of the Division of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, about bullying and adolescent suicide.

The implications of bullying

Bullying makes a child feel hopeless, helpless, and hated, which can lead to low self-esteem, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to Dr. Robb.

In response to the study, Dr. Robb said, “It’s not just bullying.” She noted that bullying is just one of many potential contributors that can lead to suicide. Other risk factors include depression, bipolar disorder, psychiatric disorders, physical abuse, drug and alcohol abuse, LBGT or a prior suicide attempt.

Bullying is no longer just a problem that arises at recess or on the school bus. With advances in technology, kids can bully others through devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets as well as communication channels like social media sites, apps, text messages, chat, and websites. Read more 

Car Seat Safety 

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Safe Kids Worldwide is a nonprofit organization working to help families and communities keep kids safe from injuries shared with Rise and Shine some car seat safety tips.  For example:

What are the rules for car seats? At what age can my toddler be forward-facing?

All infants and toddlers should ride in a rear-facing car seat as long as possible until they reach the highest weight or height allowed by their car seat manufacturer.

Use a rear-facing seat until age 2 or more

Most convertible seats have limits that permit children to ride rear-facing for 2 or more years. As your child grows, you might have to switch from using a smaller rear-facing-only car seat to using a bigger rear-facing convertible car seat that can hold a larger child, first rear-facing than forward-facing. After you turn the seat forward, adjust the harness, make it more upright, and attach the top tether.

Why keep your child in a rear-facing seat for as long as possible? If you are in a front-end crash (the most common type of crash) a rear-facing car seat allows your child’s head, neck, and spine to move evenly into the seat, not away from it. It’s the best!

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Child Abuse Prevention 

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April is National Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month. Children and families thrive when they have access to safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments. Learn how to prevent child abuse and neglect before it begins with CDC’s resources!

Facts about Child Abuse and Neglect

Child abuse and neglect are significant public health problems in the United States:

  • In 2017, an estimated 1,720 children died from abuse and neglect.
  • About 674,000 children were identified as victims of child abuse or neglect by child protective service agencies in 2017.
  • An estimated one in four children has experienced abuse or neglect at some point in their lives.

Child Abuse and Neglect Are Preventable

Children’s lives are shaped by their experiences, including what happens in their environment and the types of relationships they have with parents, teachers, and other caregivers. Children who experience abuse, neglect, and other adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are also at increased risk for negative health consequences and certain chronic diseases as adults. Safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments are essential to preventing child abuse and neglect. Additionally, policies and programs that are supportive of children and families can help prevent such abuse and neglect. Read more