Safety Tips

May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month®

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. About 90% of skin cancer cases are caused from the sun’s ultraviolet light and are largely preventable. Just 15 minutes of exposure to the sun’s UV rays can damage your skin. Although sunshine and summertime go hand-in-hand, protect your skin from harmful UV rays this summer by taking extra precautions.  

• Using SPF 15 or higher, apply one ounce of sunscreen, about the volume of a golf ball.
• Sunscreen can lose potency when exposed to heat or light. If an expiration date can’t be found, toss it out and buy a new bottle.
• Cover up exposed areas with a wide-brimmed hat or sun protective clothing.
• Protect your eyes from glare by choosing sunglasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays.
• Avoid peak hours, as the most harmful rays are between 10am and 4pm.

Monthly head-to-toe skin exams can help identify any unusual changes or new growths on the skin. When found early, skin cancer is nearly always curable. During a self-examination, check for changes in color, shape, size, border, or texture. Other warning signs include a mole or spot appearing after the age of 21, or growths larger than the diameter of a pencil eraser. Spots or sores that don’t heal within 3 weeks should also be brought to a doctor’s attention.

More than 15 million Americans suffer from some form of food allergy, an immune response that occurs after eating a trigger food. These reactions can include hives, difficulty breathing, digestive problems, and even life-threatening anaphylaxis. Common allergies are seen in a growing number of foods including peanuts, shellfish, wheat, eggs, and milk.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control indicates that food allergies are on the rise. However, there is speculation about what is causing the increase. Some researchers point to less exposure to good bacteria like probiotics found in yogurt and fermented foods. Others speculate vaccines and sterile environments could be a contributing factor. Some doctors even encourage exposing children to common allergens like tree nuts and shellfish at an earlier age to build immunity.

Food allergies are not the same as food intolerances and should be managed differently. If you suspect a food allergy, it is critical to get a professional diagnosis and discuss reaction treatments with your doctor. Antihistamines may be suitable for mild cases, but severe situations may require an epinephrine injection. Visit the Food Allergy Research & Education site to learn more about managing and treating food allergies.

The single best way to FIGHT THE FLU is to get vaccinated each year. Sterling Wellness Solutions now offers onsite flu shot clinic. Make sure your workplace is protected from the flu this fall!

Reserve your vaccine now! Let Sterling Wellness provide a quick, easy, and affordable solution for fighting the flu at your workplace.

Click here to answer a few simple questions and reserve your flu shot clinic! Based on your response, you will receive more information about flu shot clinics, pricing, and promotional materials.

Spring marks the annual undertaking to open the windows and deep clean the whole house. Let your cleaning and organizing efforts carry over to the pantry this year as you throw out unwanted food and make space for healthier options.

• Medications- Properly dispose of expired prescriptions or over-the-counter medications.
• When in Doubt- Throw it out! If you don’t know how long a food item has been on your shelf, get rid of it.
• Junk Food- Read the labels and discard any foods that contain trans fats, artificial dyes, and ingredients you can’t pronounce.
• Don’t Forget the Fridge- Remove all the items from your refrigerator and freezer and wipe down the shelves. Frozen casseroles should be used within 3 months, and if frozen properly, meat should last up to a year.

When purging your pantry, donate any unused and undamaged items that aren’t past the expiration date to your local food pantry or homeless shelter. For more food safety information, visit the USDA fact sheet.

Environmental wellness is one of the many components of a well-balanced life. Having a healthy physical being requires having a healthy surrounding. Our daily habits and attitude toward the environment have a large impact on the world we live in.

Carry over the spirit of St. Patrick’s day this month by going green and being accountable to the environment’s needs. Participate in one of these environmentally responsible activities:

• Plant a Tree- Trees clean the air and provide oxygen. Strategically placed trees can prevent soil erosion, provide shade, and prevent water pollution.
• Recycle- If you don’t currently recycle, now is a great time to start! Learn what items can be recycled.
• Pick up Litter- You don’t have to adopt a highway to make a difference. If you see a piece of trash where it doesn’t belong, pick it up!
• Conserve Nature- Calculate your carbon footprint and learn ways to reduce it.

Sustainable living requires individuals to maintain resources and conditions to thrive. Do your part in sustaining our future and help protect our natural environment.

Q: “Is it true that heart attack symptoms are different in women and men?” 

Heather Hedrick is the Director of Health Education and is CPR/AED Certified

A: Although both genders experience similar warning signs, there are often slight differences in the signs of a heart attack between men and women. It is important to remember that not everyone will experience the same symptoms. The most common sign of a heart attack in both men and women is chest pain or discomfort that comes on quickly, goes away, and then comes back. It is also common to experience upper body discomfort in one or both arms and shortness of breath.

Women however, are more likely to have shortness of breath, nausea, and vomiting. Furthermore, women commonly experience unusual tiredness for days, and pain in the back, shoulders, and jaw. Even if you have already experienced a heart attack, your symptoms may be different for another one.

Knowing how to respond to a heart attack is also important. If you think you or someone around you is experiencing a heart attack, your first step should be to contact 911.  You don’t have to be certified in CPR/AED to save a life! Simply providing chest compressions to someone in cardiac arrest is a safe and effective way for a bystander to provide life-saving techniques. If you are interested in learning more about CPR visit your local American Heart Association or American Red Cross for training information.

Know Your Numbers when it comes to Produce! 

Do you know where your fruit and vegetables come from? Decoding the PLU, or Produce Look-Up number can help you choose healthy fruits and veggies at the grocer. Follow this key to determine the source of your produce.

If the PLU starts with:

3 or 4- Conventionally grown produce is labeled by a four-digit PLU between 3000-4999. These may contain pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Always wash this produce before eating.

8- A five-digit PLU code starting with 8 indicates that the food contains GMOs, or Genetically Modified Organisms. This process changes the DNA of plants to produce larger or more visually appealing fruits or vegetables.

9- Any five-digit PLU code starting with 9 is certified organic. Organic produce has not been treated with chemicals or pesticides.

To learn more about PLU codes and labeling regulations visit the International Federation for Produce Standards.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world after diabetes. This eye disease can come in many forms, and all are likely to lead to vision loss and potential blindness. Although babies can be born with glaucoma, it is most common in the elderly and African American populations. Medication and surgery can slow the loss of vision, but taking care of your peepers will keep your eyesight healthy. Wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays, don’t smoke, and always wear eye protection for sports and other potentially dangerous activities.

Diagnosing glaucoma is the first step to saving your eyesight. Get a comprehensive dilated eye exam every 2-3 years, or more frequently if you have a family history of cataracts or glaucoma. Visit the Glaucoma Research Foundation to assess your risk and learn more about prevention and treatment.

Over 80% of all infectious illnesses are transmitted by touch. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the single most important thing you can do to keep from getting sick is to wash your hands. Germs can easily enter the body by touching the eyes or nose, coming in contact with an infected person, or through food prepared with contaminated hands.

When washing, remember to wash for 15-30 seconds under the nails, between fingers, and under rings. Once hands are completely dry, turn off the faucet and open the door with a paper towel to prevent recontaminating your hands. Alcohol based hand sanitizers work when a sink isn’t available, but make sure they contain at least 60% alcohol and rub vigorously for 25 seconds. To respect others, sneeze into your elbow, and please stay home if you are sick to prevent the further spread of germs.

For sports fans, there’s no feeling quite like game day. Tailgating and watch parties become a weekly tradition during the season, and there never seems to be a shortage of food. Cheer on your team while following these healthy tips for a touchdown tailgate. 

1. On the Grill- Heed food safety precautions when grilling. Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold, and avoid cross contaminating raw meat with clean food.
2. One Plate Method- Survey the food line before loading your plate. Choose only your favorite foods and stick to one plate.
3. Offer Healthy Options- Bring low fat options such as a veggie platter, fruit kabobs, whole grain crackers, or pretzels. Other guests will thank you.
4. Lighten Up- When it comes to alcohol, choose light beer, alternate with a zero calorie drink, or mix an alcoholic cocktail with seltzer water for a lighter version. Calories from alcohol can add up fast, so drink responsibly.

For more healthy tailgating tips, click here. Have fun cheering your team on, and please don’t drink and drive!