Finding the Right Sunscreen

It is that time of year again to break out the sun block! With summer in full force it is important to know that there are many different types of sunscreens to consider when trying to protect yourself. 

Here is some advice when choosing the proper protection this summer. The FDA says that using 50 plus SPF may not be as useful as manufacturers claim them to be. SPF values only refer to protection from sunburn and they do not indicate protection against UVA rays, the harmful UV rays that contribute to skin cancer and skin aging. Another piece of advice is to specifically look for UVA protection labels on the sunscreen. Most sunscreens do not protect against UVA rays but rather protect against UVB rays, however the UVA rays are much more harmful. A suggestion is to look for mineral-based sunscreens as they effectively block UVA rays. Stay away from sunscreens that contain oxybenzone because it has been linked to allergic reactions and potential hormone disruption.

Try to use lotion over sprays or powder sunscreens because sprays are more often inhaled and go directly to the bloodstream.  Another one to avoid are lotions with vitamin A. Lesions are quicker to form on skin slathered with creams containing retinyl pamitate, which is also labeled as retinol or vitamin A. You should also avoid a sunscreen with insect repellent. Those two things need to be applied on different schedules. When the UV radiation is at its highest you should not rely on sunscreen solely. Try wearing hats and sunglasses for the ultimate protection. Last but not least reapply, reapply and reapply. Sunscreen washes off with water and can rub off with towels. Lastly men are twice as likely to die from melanoma in 2018 than women so protect yourself when spending long hours in the sun.

Source: https://experiencelife.com/article/which-sunscreen-is-right-for-you/

Be Tick Free This Summer

It is that time of year again for ticks. There are several different types of ticks and it is important to know which ones are considered a threat and which ones are harmless. The keys to protecting yourself from ticks are to learn the different types of ticks, which ones live in your area and how to identify them. 

It is important to understand that not every tick carries Lyme disease. Deer ticks carry Lyme disease and wood ticks do not. This link can help identify deer ticks from woods ticks; www.tickencounter.org. Like any disease, it is a good idea to take the proper precautions to reduce your risk of contracting Lyme disease. If you are going to be in the woods hiking it is always a good idea to tuck your pants into high socks and wear long sleeved shirts tucked in at the waist. It is also not a bad idea to spray your clothes with a tick repellent or even purchase clothes that are pre-treated. If you spend a lot of time in wooded areas you should always perform daily tick checks. Another suggestion to help reduce the risk of tick bites is to put your clothes in the dryer on high heat for up to 10 minutes after outdoor activity. This helps to disengage the tick.

If you do end up with a tick, you should remove it with needle nose tweezers. Then try to identify if it is a deer tick or a wood tick. If it is a deer tick and you think the tick has been attached for longer than 24 hours you should seek medical attention immediately. They recommend bringing the tick to your physician so they can identify the type of tick.

Source: https://experiencelife.com/article/how-do-i-protect-against-ticks/

 

Reducing Stress On Your Commute

About 8 percent of American workers commute an hour or more each way, to and from work. There can be many challenges and stressors to overcome when you are commuting to work.  Some of these challenges include a lack of control, being in a cramped position, time anxiety, isolation, sense of helplessness, negative inputs and road rage. 

When commuting there is a lack of control with slow or stopped traffic, bad weather or unavoidable obstacles, such as construction. Sitting in cramped position for an extended period of time can also cause additional stress. Commuters often worry about being late or being caught in heavy traffic and this causes anxiety. This anxiety can make you worry about missing important meetings or even losing your job. Long hours on the road can also create stress over missed or limited time with loved ones.  Avoiding negative inputs like angry music or talk radio can help decrease stress and relax any heated emotions.  Refraining from road rage as this can put your mind in an irrational state where any little thing can seem offensive is useful when commuting. 

One way to better combat these challenges is to try and set a positive intention when you leave the house.  Be mindful of any anger and acknowledge that it is okay to observe your thoughts without judging your emotions.  Try doing some deep breathing or shoulder rolls to help ease some tension or listen to calming music. You can even explore other routes that help avoid major traffic or take public transportation if you don’t like driving. When you finally arrive at work take the stairs so you can get your blood flowing again after the long commute.  To find out more ways to keep yourself healthy, please visit our website at www.oxborochiro.com.

Source: https://experiencelife.com/article/the-long-commute/

The Benefits of a Massage

Massage therapy is much more than just relaxation – it can be very beneficial for a number of different conditions! Seeing a massage therapist on a regular schedule can produce long term results and help with a variety of issues.  Massage therapy can:

• Stretch and work out tight or weak muscles.
• Reduce stretch marks and scar tissue by promoting tissue regeneration.
• Improve range of motion and low-back pain.
• Help alleviate spasms and cramping of the muscles.
• Reduce migraine intensity.
• Help lessen the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
• Improve joint flexibility.

Massage can bring excellent benefits to your overall health, and can be a great addition to your regular healthcare routine.  

To learn more about massage therapy at Oxboro Family Chiropractic click here!

 Or visit our website at www.oxborochiro.com