LIVE HEALTHY

If your skin would normally burn after 10 minutes in the sun, applying an SPF 15 sunscreen would allow you to stay in the sun without burning for approximately 150 minutes (a factor of 15 times longer). This is a rough estimate that depends on skin type, intensity of sunlight and amount of sunscreen used. SPF is actually a measure of protection from amount of UVB exposure and it is not meant to help you determine duration of exposure. TALK BACK TO YOUR INNER VOICE.

Everyone has an inner voice, i.e. the way you talk to yourself in your head or out loud. But sometimes that voice can be cruel—even though it’s ultimately dictated by you. It can tell you that you’re a failure or convince you to stress about something that you have absolutely no control over. Most people have a loud inner critic which makes their life more stressful.Learning to have a reassuring and soothing inner voice can make a big difference in improving your mental health. Obviously that’s easier said than done, but here’s a good place to start: When your inner voice is giving you really crappy freedback and advice, stop and consider how you would talk to your best friend in this situation. Then try to adjust your inner voice to talk like that.

INCREASE FIBER INTAKE Soluble fiber lowers the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines. It’s not just eating more fruits and vegetables, but rather replacing the high fat, high cholesterol food items with those that are low fat and low cholesterol. A cheeseburger with bacon piled high with veggies is still not a healthy choice. Consuming more fruits and vegetables is not only associated with lower cardiovascular disease risk, but can also reduce risks of certain cancers and can even affect energy levels, performance and bone density. Eat at least 25 to 30 grams of soluble fiber a day. SKIN INFECTIONS Skin infections often are a problem for people with atopic dermatitis because the condition has damaged their skin barrier. Infections can become quite serious if they are not treated promptly, so it is important to recognize the symptoms:

• Increased redness • Pus-filled bumps or oozing fluid •Honey-colored crusts or scabs •Cold sores or fever blisters If you see any of these signs, contact a healthcare provider immediately. ALLERGY CARE 101 The best way to treat allergy symptoms is to avoid allergens. This is easy to say but can be hard to do, as completely eliminating microscopic allergens, such as pollen or mold spores, may be impossible. However, even reducing the amount of exposure to allergens in your environment can lead to a significant decrease in symptoms, the need for fewer medicines and a higher quality of life; this is called environmental control. After identifying what you are allergic to, focus your attention on those places where you spend the most time. These may include your house, place of work or car. The bedroom is especially important, because people usually spend a third to half of their time there.

WEAR YOUR MASK IN PUBLIC

To slow the spread of COVID-19, the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC) recommends mask-wearing when you're out in public, at events or gatherings, or pretty much anywhere where you're going to be around others who don't live in your household. (Be sure to stay up to date on mask guidelines where you live, too!) Make sure to wear your mask over your nose and mouth and help any children 2 or older wear theirs, too.