Sunscreens protect your skin by absorbing

and/or reflecting UVA and UVB rays. The FDA

requires that all sunscreens contain a Sun

Protection Factor (SPF) label. The SPF reveals

the relative amount of sunburn protection that

a sunscreen can provide an average user when

correctly used.

Sunscreens with an SPF of at least 15 are rec-

ommended. Note that an SPF of 30 is not twice

as protective as an SPF of 15; rather, when

properly used, an SPF of 15 protects the skin

from 93% of UVB radiation, and an SPF 30

sunscreen provides 97% protection.

Although the SPF ratings found on sunscreen

packages apply mainly to UVB rays, many sun-

screen manufacturers include ingredients that

protect the skin from some UVA rays as well.

These “broad-spectrum” sunscreens are highly

recommended.

The same people who are most likely to burn

are also most vulnerable to skin cancer. Studies

have shown individuals with large numbers of

freckles and moles also have a higher risk of

developing skin cancer.

— Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

What You Need to Know About Sun Protection Factor (SPF)

How Do SunSCreenS work?

Stay Safe in the Sun!

Take Care of Your Tootsies This Summer

Summer Skin- Care Update

Senior Health Update: Aging and Your Immune System

WHAT’S INSIDE

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FREE • Take One

July 2014H E A L T H

HEALTH smart July 2014 2

Ingrown ToenailsA Common ProblemIngrown toenails are a common condition in which the corner or side of a toenail grows into the soft flesh surrounding it. It most commonly occurs on the big toe. Symptoms include pain and tenderness in your toe along one or both sides of the nail, redness around your toenail, swelling of your toe around the nail and possible infection of the tissue around your toenail.

Often you can take care of ingrown toenails on your own. If the pain is severe or spread-ing, your doctor can take steps to relieve your discomfort and help you avoid complications of ingrown toenails.

If you have diabetes or another condition that causes poor blood flow to your feet, you’re at greater risk of complications of ingrown toenails.

See your doctor if you experience severe discomfort in your toe or pus or redness that seems to be spreading. Also check in with your doctor if you have diabetes or another condi-tion that causes poor blood flow to your feet and you experience any foot sore or infection.

— Source: Mayo Clinic

It’s July, time for sandals and summer fun! The

American Podiatric Medical Association suggests

that you treat your feet with extra care during the

summer. Trim toenails straight across, leaving nails

slightly longer than the ends of your toes. Trim

them every three to four weeks after a shower

or bath. Remember the tops of your feet when

applying sunscreen. Massage your feet, soak them

in lukewarm water and keep them elevated for

10 minutes a day to take some of the stress off

your circulatory system. If you wear polish on your

toes, remove it now and then to let your nails be

polish-free.

— Source: American Podiatric Medical Association

Healthy Summer Treats for Kids Try This Frosty Smoothie for a Crowd When Summer Temps Soar

Take Care of Your Tootsies This Summer

Got kids? Got play dates? Here’s a great smoothie recipe that everyone will enjoy. It’s perfect

for when you’re having the gang over — or for saving some in the fridge for later in the day.

Summer Breeze Smoothie3 cups plain low-fat yogurt

3 cups frozen strawberries (unsweetened)

2 ¼ cups crushed pineapple, canned in juice

3 medium bananas

3 tsp vanilla extract

12 ice cubes

For each batch, place 1 cup yogurt, 1 cup

strawberries, ¾ cups crushed pineapple,

1 banana, 1 tsp vanilla extract and 4 ice

cubes in a blender. Puree until smooth.

Makes three batches.

— Sources: U.S. Department of Agriculture; YMCA of the USA

HEALTH smart July 20143

Why Floss?

This Simple Daily Habit Can Help Prevent Periodontal Disease

Talk with Your Kids About Staying Healthy

Melanomas can occur anywhere on the skin,

but they are more likely to start in certain

locations. The chest and back are the most

common sites in men. The legs are the most

common site in women. The neck and face

are other common areas.

Having darkly pigmented skin lowers your

risk of melanoma at these more common

sites, but anyone can develop this cancer on

the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and

under the nails. Melanomas in these areas

account for more than half of all melanomas

in African Americans but fewer than 1 in 10

melanomas in Caucasians.

Melanoma is much less common than basal

cell and squamous cell skin cancers, but it is

far more dangerous. Like basal cell and squa-

mous cell cancers, melanoma is almost always

curable in its early stages. But it is much more

likely than basal or squamous cell cancer

to spread to other parts of the body if not

caught early. Scheduling regular skin checks is

the best way to protect yourself from all forms

of skin cancer.

— Source: American Cancer Society

Summer Skin- Care Update

Melanoma Skin Cancers

DID you kNoW?

Flossing is an essential part of the tooth-cleaning process because it removes plaque from between teeth and at the gum line, where periodontal disease often begins.

If you find using floss awkward or difficult, ask your dental hygienist about the variety of dental-floss holders or interdental cleaning devices that are available.

To floss correctly, wind 18” of floss around the middle fingers of each hand. Pinch the floss between thumbs and index fingers, leaving a 1” to 2” length in between. Use your thumbs to direct the floss between your upper teeth. Gently guide the floss between the teeth by using a zig-zag motion. Gently wrap floss around the side of the tooth. Slide floss up and down against the tooth surface and under the gum line. Floss each tooth thoroughly with a clean section of floss.

— Source: American Dental Hygienists’ Association

Take the time to talk with your children about

how certain foods and physical activity are

healthy for them. Take them to the grocery

store with you and let them pick out their

favorite fresh fruit. When going for your

daily walk, bring your children along and

let them pick the route. Discuss how walk-

ing helps you feel better and is a fun way to

spend time together. There are lots of ways you

can help your kids develop good health habits for

a better future.

— Source: National Institutes of Health

What does calcium do?

■ Our bodies use calcium to build and main-

tain strong bones and teeth.

■ Eating high-calcium foods and doing

weight-bearing exercise regularly can help

slow bone loss as we age.

■ Calcium also helps blood clot and keeps

muscles and nerves working properly.

From the beginning of life, calcium counts.

How much calcium do we need?

■ Older children and teens need the most cal-

cium because nearly half of all bone forms

during the teen years. Between the ages

of 9 and 18 years, healthy kids should get

1,300 milligrams (mg) calcium each day.

■ Healthy adults between the ages of 19 and

50 should aim for 1,000 mg calcium daily.

■ Older adults need more calcium because

bones lose calcium as we age. This is a

particular concern for women after meno-

pause. After age 50, healthy adults should

get 1,200 mg calcium daily.

— Source: American Dietetic Association

HEALTH smart July 2014 4

Senior Health Update Aging and Your Immune SystemAs you grow older, your immune system changes and doesn’t work as well. It is slower to respond. This increases your risk of getting sick. To decrease the risks related to aging and the immune system:

■ Get the flu and pneumonia vaccines and any other vaccines recommended by your doctor.

■ Get plenty of exercise. Exercise helps boost your immune system.

■ Eat healthy foods. Good nutrition keeps your immune system strong.

■ Try to get enough sleep. If you have issues with sleep, talk with your doctor.

■ Do not smoke. Smoking weakens your immune system.

■ Limit your alcohol consumption. Your doctor can tell you how much alcohol is safe for you.

— Source: National Institutes of Health

Health Mart’s Health Smart newsletter is not intended as medical, legal or regulatory advice. The information provided is intended to educate and inform. Please consult with your physician or other licensed professional for advice. Health Mart and its affiliates and member pharmacies disclaim all liability arising from or related to reliance on information contained in Health Mart’s Health Smart newsletter.

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