AUGUST 2005

the DOCTOR is in
Watch that sun as summer continues
We’re in the dog days
of August and
everyone is enjoying
outdoor activities.
However, it’s important not to
underestimate the damage
that a hot and sunny day can
cause. The dangers include
dehydration and sunburn,
oftentimes occurring without
one realizing how badly they’re
affected until it’s too late.
Symptoms of dehydration
include: dry skin, fatigue, light headedness,
dizziness, confusion, dry mouth,
muscle cramping, rapid heartbeat and,
in the worst cases, heat stroke — a
life-threatening emergency. Not needing
to urinate or passing very dark yellow
urine is a danger sign.
Short-term results of unprotected
UV (ultraviolet) radiation exposure
include severe sunburn and tanning.
Long-term exposure can cause prematurely
aged skin, wrinkles, dark patches
(“age or liver spots”), scaly patches
DR. ADIL
ARABBO
COLUMNIST
and can ultimately result in skin
cancer, which is diagnosed in
about 50,000 people each year
and causes several thousand
deaths.
By taking the following simple
precautions while outdoors,
dehydration and skin damage
can be easily avoided.
• Limit direct sun exposure
during midday: Ultraviolet rays
are most intense when the sun
is high in the sky, usually
between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4
p.m. If your shadow is shorter than
you, the sun’s rays are the strongest
and you should plan activities out of the
sun during these times.
• Cover up: Wear clothing to protect
as much skin as possible. Longsleeved
shirts, long pants or long skirts
are the most protective. Dark colors
provide more skin protection from UV
rays than light colors. Always use hats,
clothing and shading to protect babies
younger than 6 months from the sun.
• Wear a hat: A hat with at least a
2- to 3-inch brim all around is ideal
because it protects areas often
exposed to the sun, such as the neck,
ears, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp.
A baseball cap provides protection for
the front and top of the head but not
the back of the neck or the ears, where
skin cancer commonly develops.
• Use a sunscreen with an SPF of
15 or higher: Sunscreen products
labeled “broad-spectrum” protect
against UVA and UVB rays. Experts recommend
products with an SPF (Skin
Protection Factor) of at least 15. The
number of the SPF represents the level
of sunburn protection provided by the
sunscreen. An SPF of 4 blocks out 75
percent of the burning UV rays, while an
SPF 15 blocks out 93 percent of the
burning UV rays, and an SPF 30 blocks
out 97 percent of the burning UV rays.
Products labeled “waterproof” provide
protection for at least 80 minutes, even
when swimming or sweating, whereas
products that are “water resistant” may
provide protection for only 40 minutes.
For children 6 months to 2 years, use a
sunscreen with at least an SPF 15.
• Be sure to apply the sunscreen
properly: For maximum effectiveness,
apply sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes
before going outside. Be generous.
Approximately one ounce of sunscreen
should be used to cover the arms,
legs, neck and face of the average
adult. Less is needed for a child. For
best results, most sunscreens need to
be reapplied every 2 hours. If swimming
or perspiring, don’t forget to
reapply sunscreen to maintain protection
and remember that sunscreen usually
rubs off when you towel yourself
dry. Use a lip balm that has a sunscreen
component, as well.
• Wear sunglasses that block UV
rays: Your sunglasses should block 99
to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation
if the label on the glasses indicates
“UV absorption up to 400 nm.”
• Stay Hydrated: Prevent and treat
dehydration by drinking plenty of water
— the beverage of choice. Avoid caffeine,
alcohol, sweetened beverages
and sodas, which defeat the purpose of
hydrating yourself by acting as diuretics.
Carry a water bottle and drink plenty
of water when outdoors, particularly
if you are playing sports.
Dr. Adil Arabbo is board certified in
Family Medicine and has a private
practice in Commerce. Visit
www.advancedfamilycare.com.
W H A
T C A
BASEBALL
TEACH US ABOUT
INVESTING?
N
A good coach can improve the results
The Emrick Investment Group
of Wachovia Securities
Robert Stephens
First Vice President – Investments
Ron Emrick
First Vice President – Investments
255 E. Brown Street
Birmingham, MI 48009
248-433-8588 • 800-521-9463
Uncommon Wisdom
Wachovia Securities, LLC, member NYSE & SIPC. ©2005 Wachovia Securities, LLC 62197 5/05
44 CHALDEAN NEWS AUGUST 2005