Practice sun safety

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Practice sun safety By Dr. Courtney Crider

Every summer, we are reminded to practice good sun safety and for good reason — sun protection can decrease the risk of all types of skin cancer including melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Sun protection can also help prevent the development of wrinkles, brown spots and uneven skin tone/texture.

Block the sun, not the fun

When we think of protecting our skin from the sun, the first thing that comes to mind is sunscreen. However, sunscreen alone may not be enough. Other precautions include seeking shade and wearing sun protective clothing such as long-sleeve UPF shirts, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses. Sun safety does not mean you can’t be outside enjoying life. Rather, it means being smart and prepared so you do not get sunburned or tanned, both of which are signs of skin damage. In other words, “Block the sun, not the fun!”

Choose the right sunscreen

It can be overwhelming to venture into the sunscreen aisle at the store. One of the most important things to consider is SPF, or sun protection factor. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or higher, which will block about 97% of the sun’s rays. However, choosing SPF 50 or higher will likely give you better protection as we do not often use enough sunscreen to get the advertised SPF on the bottle.

You might also look for other features in your sunscreen. For example, if you have acne-prone skin, try an oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreen. If you have sensitive skin, choose a sunscreen without fragrance or plant extracts. If you are swimming or sweating, use a water-resistant sunscreen (but still reapply frequently). Mineral sunscreens are safer for babies over six months of age and children, while chemical sunscreens tend to rub in easier. Spray sunscreens are fine as long as you spray close to your skin, rub in completely and do not inhale. At the end of the day, the best sunscreen is the one that you will wear!

Reapply — every day

We are usually good about applying sunscreen when we first go outside, but the key is reapplying! You must reapply every two hours and after you swim or sweat. Sunscreen should be worn every day, rain or shine, and should be part of your daily routine. Put it by your toothbrush and apply it to your face, ears, neck and hands daily. Small amounts of sun every day add up to cause damage over time.

If you do accidentally get sunburned, seek shade immediately, apply cool compresses to the affected skin and stay hydrated. If you experience blistering, fevers or chills, seek medical attention. Also, if you notice any spots on your skin that are growing, changing or not healing, see a board-certified dermatologist. By taking proper precautions, you can still have fun in the sun while setting yourself up for healthy skin for years to come.

Photo courtesy Bigstock

Courtney Crider, MD, is a dermatologist with Boonslick Medical Group. She sees patients at her office at Barnes-Jewish St. Peters Hospital. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Crider, call 636-928-WELL.

Take steps toward a healthier lifestyle

There isn’t a better time than now to start getting fit with health information and products so easily accessible. Simply incorporate the basics into your daily routine – good nutrition, adequate exercise and a daily supplement – and start down the path toward better health.

Plan a nutritious diet

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans describes a healthy diet as one that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, nuts, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat milk products. It should be low in saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, salt and added sugar.

• Warm weather makes fresh produce more easily accessible.

Eat more fruits and vegetables by setting freshly washed and prepared produce on the kitchen counter or at eye level in the fridge. At every meal, make sure half your plate is made up of fruit and vegetable servings. • One-fourth of your plate at every meal should be made up of grains, such as wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal or barley.

People who eat whole grains as part of a healthy diet have a reduced risk of some chronic diseases. • The remaining one-fourth of your plate should be lean or low-fat cuts of meat, plant-based protein or seafood.

Get regular exercise

The Department of Health and Human Services recommends an adequate amount of exercise every day. This guide can point to the right amount of exercise to add to your schedule:

• Get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity every week. For best results, spread the time out over several days. • Do strength training exercises at least twice a week. Lifting weights builds muscle, which means the body burns more calories – even at rest. • It’s important to keep in mind that when people are active, they produce more free radicals. The antioxidants found in supplements can help buffer the negative effects of the workout.

Improving your diet, exercising regularly, taking a daily supplement and getting enough restorative sleep are all important steps to overall wellness. Work to incorporate each step into your daily routine until you reach your goal of good health, and find more health-conscious tips at eLivingToday.com.

First African American presented with key to the city of St. Charles

Joseph Luckett – an internationally recognized author and business owner – was recently the first African American in St. Charles’ 250year history to receive the key to the city.

Luckett is the CEO and Founder of his threeyear-old company Zero to 100, an inclusive global networking movement co-founded with wife Carol. The debut of his bestselling book “Zero to 100: The Gold Standard of Global Networking” recently became a number one international best seller on Amazon within the first 43 hours of its launch.

Written by a minority networker who saw a lack of inclusive processes, Luckett’s “Zero to 100: The Gold Standard of Global Networking” serves as a blueprint to measurable networking via in-person and virtual opportunities. The book has received endorsements from industry leaders including Business Network International (BNI) founder and New York Times best-selling author Dr. Ivan Misner and Steven David Elliott, CVO of Rockstar Connect and author of “Mingle.”

This is one of the first networking books with scientifically proven statistical analysis based upon a real-world trial. Book participants in a 12-week research study reported 346% improvement in overcoming the challenges of networking, 296% improvement in the benefits of networking, and 170% increase in income.

A portion of the book’s proceeds will support Spirit of Discovery Park, a fully accessible theme park to be built in St. Louis for people of all abilities. In conjunction with his book’s release, Luckett is currently developing a social networking platform and app to measure networking success and create an offline culture.

“We at Zero to 100 are driven to create a more inclusive community both through networking education and giving back to the Spirit of Discovery Park,” said Luckett. “It is truly an honor – as both an African-American man and entrepreneur – to be recognized for my book which caters to people of all ethnicities, genders, races and abilities.”

Submitted photo

(From left) Carol Luckett stands with Joseph Luckett and St. Charles Mayor Dan Borgmeyer.

Rising heat presents potential dangers for pets

City of St. Peters ordinance requires all residents to provide adequate shelter and water for pets when they are outdoors, and that no animal should be within an enclosure or vehicle when weather conditions may be harmful to its health.

Recognize the symptoms of overheating in pets, which may include: excessive panting, drooling, weakness, seizures, diarrhea, and vomiting. Some animals are more susceptible to heat exhaustion, including: older/younger pets, overweight pets, sick pets, and pets with flat faces such as pugs and Persian cats.

Here are more tips to help keep your pets safe and comfortable in the heat: • WATER: Always try to have fresh, cool drinking water available, even if that means having multiple water bowls. • SHADE: Make sure that there is plenty of shade when your pet is outside. As the sun changes, be aware of what shade is still available. • EXERCISE: Don’t over-exercise your pet, especially midday. Schedule walks for early morning or late afternoon/evening. • WALKS: If you are walking your pets, try to keep them in the grass or dirt. Hot pavement is just as sensitive for pets’ paws as it is for our bare feet. The pads on their feet can burn and cause them to overheat more quickly. Before walking, press your hand on the pavement. If you can’t hold it there for five seconds, it’s too hot for your pets! After the walk, check your pet’s paws for pain or redness and use cold water to ease the burn. • GROOMING: Your pet may need more or less fur in order to stay cool – check with a groomer or veterinarian to see what’s best for them.

For more information on Animal Control, go to the St. Peters Animal Control home page, and follow the St. Peters Health Department on Facebook.

St. Charles DAR member wins national photography award

The Saint Charles Chapter of The Daughters of the American Revolution member, Megan Atchley was awarded first place in the American Heritage Black & White Photography Contest for her photo “A Moment of Prayer by Col. Latimer.” The award was announced during the National Awards Presentation portion of the Continental Congress.

Atchley said this about her winning composition, “I chose to depict my ancestor Col. Jonathan Latimer who was at the Battle of Saratoga. I saw the picture of my model with his eyes closed and just felt that it was my ancestor, at the beginning of a pivotal battle when the outcome was uncertain, closing his eyes and praying for the American cause.”

“I took the photo of Mr. Koechig because I was going to do a painting! Even though I've had fibromyalgia since 2012, my health took a turn for the worse in August last year and I suddenly felt the worst physically I've ever felt in my life. I just didn't have the energy or pain level to paint so I chose to work on my photos as the contest entry instead. I would really like to thank my model, Mr. Marvin Koechig and give my thanks to the Fernando de Leyba chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution for their help. I also thank St. Charles County Parks and the Boone Home at Lindenwood Park for allowing me to do my photoshoot there.”

Submitted photos

(Left) The Saint Charles Chapter of The Daughters of the American Revolution member, Megan Atchley was awarded first place in the American Heritage Black & White Photography Contest. (Right) Megan Atchley’s photo “A Moment of Prayer by Col. Latimer” was awarded first place in the American Heritage Black & White Photography Contest.

Area’s first Wheel Fest ‘jam sessions’ roll out July 24 at St. Charles County’s Kinetic Park

Get your wheels in motion for St. Charles County Parks’ newest event—Wheel Fest—where riders show off their best scooter and BMX skills in a fun summer “jam session.” The County Parks Department and Dialed Scooters & BMX are hosting this family-friendly event from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., July 24, at Kinetic Park at 7801 Town Square Avenue in Dardenne Prairie. Admission is free and the event is open to beginner, intermediate, and advanced riders of all ages; spectators are welcome.

This exciting event is taking place on the nation’s largest asphalt pump track and Missouri’s largest outdoor skate and bike course, both located at Kinetic Park. Participants will be vying for best line, best trick, and biggest send, and more. Prizes from Fuzion Pro Scooters, Triad Scooters, Tilt Scooters, Kink BMX, Oath Components, Dialed BMX Company, S1 Hemet Company, Lucky Scooters, Inferno Scooters, and Cinema BMX will be awarded. Spectators and riders will have the opportunity to win a BMX bike, scooter, and other prizes by entering a raffle. Tickets are $10 each and the winners will be drawn at the end of the contest; guests must be present to win.

After the event, guests are invited to stay and enjoy the park until it closes at 10 p.m. Skateboards, roller blades, bikes, and scooters are permitted. Park features include the 30,000-squarefoot pump track with beginner, intermediate, and advanced sections and challenging jump line; the 33,000-square-foot skate and bike course with beginner, intermediate and advanced bowls that showcase several roll-in features; as well as a street course with trick rails; a snake run scattered with ramps, gaps and hubbas; nighttime lighting; and an inside complex with gaming area, 30-foot rock-climbing wall and concessions.

Space is limited and pre-registration is required by July 10 to participate in jam sessions. Call Dialed Scooter & BMX at 636-265-2532 to reserve a spot! All riders need a parent-signed waiver and a helmet to participate and must be over the age of 12 or in the sixth grade to ride without an adult present.

For a list of park rules, information on how to download the participation waiver, or if you have any other questions, please contact Kinetic Park at 636561-4964 or visit sccmo.org/ KineticPark.

Submitted photo

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