As we soak up the sunshine this summer, it’s important to remember that our skin needs protection too. Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, can develop from too much sun exposure and it doesn’t take a sunburn to do damage. Protect Your Skin: *Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) *Reapply every 2 hours—and after swimming or sweating *Wear hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing *Stay in the shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) Know the Signs: Check your skin regularly for any spots or moles that are: *Asymmetrical *Have uneven borders *Change in color, size, or shape *Larger than a pencil eraser *Itching, bleeding, or not healing When in Doubt, Get It Checked Out If something on your skin doesn’t look or feel right, don’t wait, schedule a skin check! Let’s enjoy the summer safely, your skin is worth protecting.
As we head into a hot and humid weekend here in Iowa, it’s important to be mindful of how these conditions can affect your health. High humidity doesn’t just make you feel sticky, it can also increase your risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and other health concerns. 💧 Stay Hydrated Humidity makes it harder for your body to cool itself by sweating. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks, as they can contribute to dehydration. 🧴 Protect Your Skin Use sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and reapply every two hours, especially if you’re sweating or swimming. Humid weather can also aggravate skin conditions like eczema or heat rash, so wear loose, breathable clothing and keep skin clean and dry. 🧠 Watch for Signs of Heat Illness Be alert for symptoms like: • Dizziness or lightheadedness • Headache • Muscle cramps […]
