Here's to a HealthierU!
This is the last edition of HealthierU for the current academic
year. Enjoy your summer break!
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, May 16 ~ 7:00pm ~ South Green, Union Park ~ The Ride
of Silence
Thursday, May 17 ~ 7:00am to 9:00am ~ South Green, Union Park ~ Bike
to Work & School Day
Middletown's first ever Bike to Work or School day! More
information can be found at:
www.transaltmiddletown.org/upcomingevents.htm. Sponsored by
Transportation Alternatives with support from the Central
Connecticut Bicycle Alliance, Pip Printing, and Wesleyan's Center
for Community Partnerships.
Announcements
Performers & new Skits wanted for "Unspeakable Acts"
If you will be on campus during New Student Orientation and are
interested in performing in Unspeakable Acts, skits addressing
sexual assault and partner abuse, contact
Nick Benacerraf '08 or
Lisa Currie. Eight to
sixteen performers are needed for various parts (monologues,
dialogues and other skits). Performers must be on campus Monday,
August 27 through Thursday, August 30 and available for rehearsals
and performances. We are also seeking new skits addressing same sex
abuse, Facebook/stalking concerns and more. Contact us with your
ideas and scripts!
Tips for a Healthier You
Spending time outdoors this summer?
View this Mayo Clinic slideshow of common summer skin irritants to
be prepared
Coffee...grounds for concern?
Check out the effects and benefits of coffee consumption
Flying this
summer?
Go Ask Alice
teaches about using melatonin to alleviate jet lag
Quote of the Week
"Summer afternoon - Summer afternoon... the two most
beautiful words in the English language." ~ Henry James
Healthy Dose of Info on...Sun Screen
Use the following information from the
UC-Berkeley Tang Center as a guide to help you make a quick and
affordable choice for the right sunscreen for you.
Choosing an SPF
Sun Protection Factor, or SPF, refers to a sunscreen's ability
to protect against the burning effects of UVB radiation. The higher
the SPF, the longer you can be in the sun before you burn. Hence, if
you normally burn after 10 minutes, a sunscreen of SPF 15 will allow
you to remain in the sun 15 times longer before burning, or 150
minutes. It is important to know that special conditions such as
high altitude, tropical climates and reflective surfaces such as
water, sand and snow may substantially decrease this time. For
routine, daily protection, a sunscreen with SPF 15 is adequate. You
may want to use a higher SPF if you are very sun-sensitive or are
taking a drug that makes you burn more readily, such as
tetracycline, a sulfonamide or a thiazide diuretic. Children need an
SPF value of 30 to 45, since they spend more of their time in the
sun. It is estimated that 80% of one's lifetime sun exposure occurs
in childhood.
"Broad Spectrum" Sunscreens
While UVB is responsible for the burning effects from the sun,
both UVB and UVA radiation can cause skin cancer. Furthermore, UVA
rays penetrate more deeply into the skin and are responsible for
prematurely wrinkled, aged skin, and photosensitivity. Most products
with SPF 15 or higher, and those labeled "broad spectrum," help
protect against both UVA and UVB radiation. Sunblocks, which contain
zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or Parsol 1789 (methoydibenzoylmethane,
also called avobenzone) reflect sunlight and also protect against
both UVA and UVB rays. UVA-protective sunscreens or sun blocks are
particularly important if you are in the sun for long periods of
time on a daily basis, or are using a photosensitizing medication.
"Water-Resistant" or "Waterproof" Sunscreens
Water is not a barrier to the sun's rays. As much as 60-80% of
UV radiation is transmitted through the first 12 inches of water in
a pool. Currently, the law requires products labeled waterproof need
only remain on water-immersed skin for 80 minutes, while
water-resistant products need to be reapplied after as little as 40
minutes. There are some products on the market that live up to their
claim of all-day protection in water, but for most waterproof
products, it is best to reapply them every 90 minutes if you are
swimming or sweating. Reapplying sunscreen will only restore, not
extend, its protection.
How To Use Sunscreen
The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that, regardless of
skin type, a sunscreen with SPF of at least 15 should be used
year-round. Apply sunscreen generously and evenly, at least 30
minutes before going into the sun. Don't forget areas that are under
sheer clothing or clothing that will be getting wet, since these
conditions allow damaging rays to penetrate to the skin underneath.
Sunscreen can be applied under make-up or over other medicated skin
products. Avoid use of products containing Para Amino Benzoic Acid
-derivatives (PABA) and discontinue use of your sunscreen if it
causes redness, itching or rash; ask your pharmacist to recommend
another product.
For more information on sun safety,
click here for the UC-Berkeley Tang Center
For more information on Wesleyan's health offices, visit:
WesWELL, the Office of
Health Education
Health Services
Office of Behavioral Health
for Students
Publicize your health-promoting event in HealthierU by emailing
all the details to lcurrie
@wesleyan.edu for the
following Wednesday's edition of HealthierU.
HealthierU is created and maintained by WesWELL, the Office of
Health Education.
Click here for the HealthierU Archives.
Please direct any feedback or suggestions to
lcurrie@wesleyan.edu or
860.685.2466. |
