Month: July 2020

Six Ways to Stay Safe in the Sun

Posted on by Marty Kelso

Getting outside does your body a variety of good, and the North Carolina weather allows for that almost year-round. An active lifestyle is vital for your health, both mentally and physically. As you’re soaking up all the vitamin D and benefits of being outdoors, it’s important to make sure your skin isn’t soaking up an excess of the sun’s rays. 

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. More Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year than all other cancers combined, however, there are many steps you can take to prevent your risk. 

Before you head outside, consider these six suggestions for staying safe in the sun, from the doctors of Gaston Medical Partners.

1. Sun Safety Starts Young

In the summer months when school is out of session, children often spend their days in the sun enjoying a variety of outdoor activities. At the same time, UV rays are at their strongest during the summer months.

Damage from UV rays builds over time so starting safe sun practices early is key to preventing a lifetime of damage. Childhood sunburns can increase the chance of skin cancer years down the line.

2. Choose the Right Sunscreen

Not all sunscreens are created equally so it’s important to read the label. Look for “broad spectrum protection” which indicates the sunscreen helps block both UVA and UVB rays.

SPF stands for  “sun protection factor” and the American Cancer Society recommends opting for SPF 30 or higher. 

3. Apply Sunscreen Before Going Outside

From swimming after you eat to chlorine turning your hair green, there are many myths we hear about hitting the pool. One that’s true is that you should wait after applying sunscreen before hitting the water. In fact, it’s best to take the time to lather up before you even head outdoors. 

The chemicals in sunscreen that protect your skin should be given 15 minutes to absorb before you go outside.

4. Apply Plenty – And Reapply

To get the full benefits of sunscreen, apply liberally. Even sunscreens that are advertised as “waterproof” or “water resistant” will wear off. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends reapplying sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you’re sweating or swimming and toweling off. 

5. Don’t Forget Your Eyes and Lips

When applying sunscreen it’s easy to forget your lips. A lip balm with SPF is the perfect addition not just to your pool routine but for everyday use. 

Your eyes may not experience what you think of as a typical sunburn, but UV rays have damaging effects nonetheless, putting you at a higher risk for issues like cataracts. The best sunglasses block both UVA and UVB rays.

6. Use More Than Sunscreen

Applying sunscreen is not the only step to preventing UV damage, but one tool in what should be a full box of options. Seek shade to prevent the harshest rays from finding your skin in the first place. 

Long sleeves, pants and hats also serve to block you from sun exposure. Not all activities, like swimming, are best suited for cumbersome attire, but even using a coverup when you aren’t in the water will help. Fabric doesn’t block UV rays completely, so applying sunscreen under your clothes serves as another necessary layer of protection. 

From exercise to skincare, a trusted primary care physician can help you hone in on lifestyle choices large and small that affect your family’s health.

Five Swimming Myths – Busted or Real Life?

Posted on by Marty Kelso

From chlorine turning hair green to swimmer’s ear infections, the doctors at Gaston Medical Partners are often asked about common issues caused by swimming. This is especially true now that we’re in the middle of summer and hopping in the pool sounds like a great way to beat the heat.

Faced with the coronavirus pandemic, we’re hearing even more uncertainty about how to stay safe at the pool this year and what myths about swimming still stand. We asked the Gaston doctors which of these five common myths exist because they’re true and which we can debunk. 

MYTH 1: All that chlorine means you can’t get COVID-19 at the pool.
RULING: False

While chlorine works to kill germs in the water, that doesn’t mean you can’t come in contact with coronavirus while at the pool.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no evidence to suggest that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be transmitted through water, even non-chlorinated water. When used properly, and at the recommended levels, chlorine can kill most germs in the water within minutes. 

There is still COVID-19 risk associated with any activity, so don’t let the chlorine lull you into a false sense of safety. Since coronavirus is spread by respiratory droplets, those droplets can still be transmitted by an infected person you’re near, even in the water, so staying socially distant from others outside your family is key. Those droplets can also be present on surfaces around the pool, like chairs and door handles. Following the CDC’s guidelines on social distancing and mask usage should still stand when you go swimming and keep it a safe summer activity.

MYTH 2: After you put on sunscreen, you should wait before getting in the water.
RULING: True

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying sunscreen to completely dry skin 15 minutes before heading outside. To be most effective against the sun’s rays, sunscreen needs time to absorb into your skin. Sunscreen application prior to getting to the pool is also great for children who, once they get near the water, just can’t wait to jump right in!

Remember that one application isn’t enough for your whole day by the pool. Reapply sunscreen every two hours. 

MYTH 3: You shouldn’t go swimming right after you eat.
RULING: False

The common thinking here is that blood is sent to aid in digestion and thus won’t be available to help power the arm and leg movements you need to swim. While it is true that the body diverts blood for digestion, it isn’t enough to cause issues for your mobility. 

Minor cramping is a possibility but there is no danger in hopping in the water after a meal.

MYTH 4: Chlorine turns blonde hair green.
RULING: False

If you see a green tint in light hair after swimming, it’s not the chlorine that’s causing this phenomenon. Copper is the responsible party. Often found in pool water, copper is oxidized by chlorine, causing the green tint that can cling to hair. 

The green color that is a result of the oxidation process will affect any hair color, it’s just most visible in light hair.

MYTH 5: Dunking your head underwater can cause swimmer’s ear.
RULING: True

Excess moisture in the ear, especially after swimming, can create the damp environment bacteria need to thrive. This bacteria growth causes an infection in the ear often called “swimmer’s ear.” Cotton swabs, earbuds and other items inserted in the ear can cause the same infection. 

To prevent swimmer’s ear, dry your ears with a towel after you’ve gone swimming or have bathed. An at-home preventative of one part rubbing alcohol and one part white vinegar can also be used as ear drops to dry out the ears and prevent the growth of bacteria. 

Still have questions or need a doctor’s help diagnosing an issue? Make an appointment with a Gaston Medical Partners doctor. Virtual visits are available and we’re keeping out offices safe for in-person visits.