Regardless of Your Age, Remember to Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Now that we are older, many of us wished we had taken better care of our skin; however, doctors say it is never too late to protect ourselves from any future damage regardless of our age. In fact remember your older skin is both thinner and more fragile. The CDC says everyone should apply liberal amounts of broad spectrum sunscreen with a SPF 15 or higher every day before they go outside, even on slightly cloudy or cool days.

If you are doing an activity where you will be sweating, swimming or toweling off, reapply every couple of hours using a higher SPF sunscreen. Check the expiration date, and if it is out-of-date, buy a new one. Recommendations also include wearing protective clothing. Some shirts and pants have a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating, which is the standard used to measure the effectiveness of sun protective fabrics. A hat should have a brim all around it and made from a tighter-weaved fabric. If you wear a ball cap, remember to apply sunscreen to your ears and the back of your neck. Sunglasses should be another part your arsenal against sun damage to your eyes; and can also reduce the risk of cataracts.

Avoid the sun during the peak hours of the day; and when you are out; stay hydrated and remember alcohol and caffeine actually dehydrate the body. Men, especially those with lighter skin are most at risk for melanoma; the most deadly form of skin cancers. Moreover if you think following safety guidelines is too much trouble, read the following: The CDC reports every year in the U.S., nearly 5 million people are treated for some form of skin cancer, and melanoma accounts for around 8,000 deaths per year.

As the newest independent living community in Hillsboro, OR, MorningStar of Hillsboro offers adults 55+ a lifestyle of comfort, wellness and community. Our luxury amenities and hospitality services include chef-inspired meals, an indoor pool, spa, fitness center, social clubs and other indoor and outdoor venues. Please visit our website for pictures and more information.

Source: cdc.gov/cancer/skin/tips-for-men.htm

Comments

Be an Active Partner in Your Medical Care

Experts suggest that a good way to reduce medical errors regarding your care or that of a loved one is to be an active partner in the process whether in a hospital setting, doctors’ office or the pharmacy. In fact, a study showed 7% of hospitalized patients experienced an event that was considered preventable which negatively affected their health. Furthermore, harmful errors in primary and outpatient health care settings are typically related to diagnoses, prescriptions and use of medicines. Mistakes associated with misdiagnosis result in delayed treatment for the real problem and having the wrong medications prescribed or supplied can cause serious complications. However, it is important to keep in mind that some medical errors are a result of patients failing to disclose all the medications they take including prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Another problem is the failure to reveal pertinent details regarding a person’s prior medical history as well as lifestyle habits s...

Hosting a Senior-Friendly Book Swap Event

For book lovers, there’s nothing better than finding new stories to dive into and sharing favorite reads with friends. Hosting a book swap event is a fun, budget-friendly way for seniors to exchange books, explore new genres, and connect over a shared love of reading. Choose a Cozy, Accessible Space The first step in planning a book swap is choosing a comfortable, accessible space. A common room or a cozy corner in senior living Kirkland is ideal. Arrange seating in a circle or create small areas where people can gather, sit, and chat. Add a table or shelf for displaying the books, so everyone can browse easily. Decorating with a few simple touches—like tablecloths, flowers, or even book-themed decorations—adds warmth and excitement. A welcoming atmosphere encourages everyone to relax, explore, and enjoy the event. Invite Participants to Bring a Book (or Two) The beauty of a book swap is that everyone contributes! Ask each participant to bring one or two gently-used books they’re read...

Research Shows Humans May have the Potential for a Longer Lifespan

The Medical News Today recently reported on an interesting study published in the journal, Demographic Research, and conducted by the University of Washington, which indicated a likely rise in human longevity by the end of this century. Worldwide we have seen a rise over the last several years of a half a million people, referred to as centenarians , living past the age of 100 years old. Today the new focus is on those living past 110 years old who are referred to as “supercentenarians.” Up to now the oldest known person in the world was a French woman with a recorded age of 122 years old when she died in 1997. The University of Washington longevity study used “updated longevity data in the International Database on Longevity (IDL), established by the Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research in Rostock, Germany.” The study included 1,119 people recorded as supercentenarians from ten European countries along with Japan, U.S. and Canada. They additionally included records of al...

MorningStar Independent Living Blog

Search This Blog