St. Joseph Health Experts Offer 5 Tips for Staying Safe

While Soaking in the Summer Sun & Fun

Orange, Calif., June 6, 2012 – Summer is fast approaching and the longer days and sunny weather mean more vacations, pool days, trips to the beach and altogether more time spent outdoors. However, during the hustle and bustle of planning summer activities, it's easy to forget about your health. St. Joseph Health has five easy tips to make your summer fun safe and healthy.

1. Stay safe under the sun. "Summer is the time of year when so many of us love to go outdoors, especially for those who work indoors every day. And while we do get some vitamin D from sun exposure, it is important to be very aware of the dangers if ultraviolet and to find the right balance," said Matthew Goodman, M.D., dermatology, St. Joseph Hospital – Orange. "Before any sun exposure however, make sure to generously apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to all exposed skin. Remember to wear hats or protective clothing when possible, and use extra caution around water and sand, which reflect the damaging rays and can increase your chances for sunburn. And if having adequate vitamin D is a concern, consider taking an oral supplement."
2. Protect your peepers. "While people often remember to protect their skin with the proper SPF when in the sun, many neglect their vision," said John Zdral, M.D., ophthalmologist, St. Jude Medical Center. "Wearing sunglasses when outdoors that block at least 99% of ultraviolet A and B ray are best. They can help prevent cataracts, as well as wrinkles around the eyes."
3. Quench your thirst. "Staying properly hydrated during the summer months is crucial to your health as the body loses liquids quickly in the heat," said Katherine Manasson, M.D., an internal medicine physician with Mission Hospital Affiliated Physicians. "Make sure to drink plenty of water (8-10 cups) when the weather turns warmer, especially before and after physical activity, to avoid dehydration."
4. Stop the sniffles. "For many allergy-sufferers, the spring and summer months can bring an onset of symptoms due to increased pollen counts and exposure to more outdoor activities," said Judy Losco, D.O., Family Medicine, St. Jude Heritage Medical Group. "At home during the night and while in the car, keep your windows closed and opt for air conditioning, which cleans and cools the air. Minimizing outdoor activities between the hours of 5am and 10am, when pollen is most prevalent, can also greatly reduce the likelihood of an allergy attack."
5. Beat the bite. "The summer heat means more people outdoors in less clothing than in the cooler months," said James Burris, D.O., a family practice physician with St. Joseph Hospital Affiliated Physicians. "If you know you'll be outdoors for an extended period of time, try to avoid perfume or other heavy scents, as well as dark clothing, which can absorb heat and attract mosquitoes. Also be sure to eliminate all stagnant water near your home. If you are bit, apply a hydrocortisone cream, calamine lotion or a paste of baking soda and water over the area until symptoms subside. An over-the-counter antihistamine can also ease the itch."

St. Joseph Health has physicians throughout the Orange County area that can help with these tips and more – to find a physician near you, visit www.stjoe.org.

About St. Joseph Health
St. Joseph Health (SJH) is a $4.7 billion integrated Catholic health care delivery system sponsored by the St. Joseph Health Ministry. We provide a full range of care facilities including: acute care hospitals, home health agencies, hospice care, outpatient services, skilled nursing facilities, community clinics and physician organizations throughout California, Texas and New Mexico. Our 24,000 dedicated employees strive daily to provide perfect care while building the healthiest communities and ensuring every encounter is sacred. SJH is committed to maintaining a continuum of care that matches the diverse needs of the communities we serve. For more information about SJH, log onto www.stjoe.org.