Protecting Yourself in the Summer: The Summer Sun

As summer approaches it is important to have a plan for maximizing both fun and safety.  One very important consideration is protecting your skin during all those outdoor sporting events (and days at the beach) to minimize your risk of skin cancer.  The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) does a great job of delineating the things you can do to protect yourself from the sun, ultimately reducing your risk of skin cancer through an initiative called SPOT Skin Cancer.  The AAD uses the phrase, “Prevent. Detect. Live.” to highlight key components of how to successfully prevent skin cancer.  The purpose of this blog post today is use some of the resources provided by the AAD to familiarize you with some easy steps you can take to decrease your risk of getting a sunburn and/or skin cancer.

 Some of you may have heard the phrase, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” and that definitely holds true when enjoying the summer sun safely.  It’s much easier to prevent sunburns and other medical concerns than it is to treat them once they happen.  So, let’s focus on the things you can do to minimize your risk. 

Preventing Sunburn and Skin Cancer

 

According to the AAD the keys to prevention are:

·         Seek shade when appropriate

·         Wear protective clothing

·         Wear a broad-spectrum, water-resistant, sunscreen

·         Use extra care near water, snow and sand

·         Avoid tanning beds

For those of us who are athletes (and their parents) attending day-long tournaments and events, finding enough shade can be particularly challenging.  It can be a challenge for a few reasons, not the least of which is the rules of the sport or venue design may not be set up to allow for access to shade during the athletic event.  Additionally, athletic facilities may not offer shaded areas that athletes can utilize between games or matches.  Despite these difficulties it may not be impossible to create your own shade by bringing a tarp to put over an open dugout to create shade for the team when on the bench or consider bringing a portable tent so that you can at least create some shade between games/events.  Also, you should avoid being in the sun during its peak “shining hours” of 10a – 2p, if possible.

Another recommendation that may be potentially challenging for athletes to comply with is wearing appropriate protective clothing.  This clothing can be anything from long sleeve shirts, long pants, a hat and/or sunglasses.  While some activities have uniform requirements that may coincide with these recommendations, others may not.  The one positive in all this is that clothing technology as it relates to “heat gear” and “cold gear” is very common so that there are considerably more options for athletes than previously available.  If possible (since I’m aware some of this clothing can be more expensive), it may be worth investigating the viability of covering up more when spending long periods of time in the sun, especially if sunscreen isn’t as effective as you’d like or opportunities for shade are limited.

The final recommendation I am going to address today is the use of sunscreen.  The AAD recommends the use of a broad spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.  It is recommended that you reapply at least every 2 hours, even on cloudy day.  Before I go into a bit more detail about selecting a sunscreen it is important to know that because of a recent FDA requirement the labels on your sunscreen will be changing this summer (2013).  Look for the following on your sunscreen label:

·         It will state clearly whether the sunscreen prevents sunburn and skin cancer or sunburn only.  There are two tests it must pass to state it prevents skin cancer (see the above link).

 

·         It will carry the following warning if it does not provide broad spectrum coverage and at least an SPF of 15:  “This product has only been shown to prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early aging.”

·         The FDA will ban companies from using the term, “waterproof” or “sweatproof”.  This is not possible and you will now see the term “water resistant”.

For more information you can also check out this press release, “American Academy of Dermatology Association Welcomes New FDA Sunscreen Rules”.

Selecting a Sunscreen

It is important to know that everyone should use sunscreen, no matter their natural complexion. It should take approximately 1 ounce of sunscreen to cover the exposed areas of the body (one shot glass). 

According to a handout developed by the AAD users should select a broad spectrum, water-resistant, SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, but what does this mean? 

·         A broad spectrum sunscreen means that is protects against both UVA and UVB rays, both of which can cause cancer. 

·         A water-resistant sunscreen means that when tested it provides protection for 40 – 80 minutes.  If you will be wearing sunscreen in the water, it is especially important to re-apply, likely every hour or so, instead of two hours. 

·         The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 sunscreens will block approximately 97% of the sun’s harmful rays, higher sunscreens will block slightly more, but no sunscreen is 100% effective.  Higher SPF sunscreens should also be reapplied every 2 hours or as recommended on the label, the higher SPF does not mean you can go longer without reapplying. 

In the end, wearing sunscreen is one of the best defenses against sunburn and skin cancer but, it needs to be used appropriately.  That means applying it at least 15 minutes before you go outside so that it can dry.  Reapplying at regular intervals and using enough sunscreen to maximize its effect.  More people are wearing sunscreen but, many of them do not apply enough to exposed areas to make the sunscreen maximally effective.

 

So, go ahead, get ready to enjoy the summer sun, just do it safely!  If you have additional questions about sunscreens and how best to protect yourself check out these FAQs from the American Academy of Dermatology.

 

Submitted by Heather L Clemons, MS, MBA, ATC

Trevor Brown, Athletes Saving Athletes Graduate, Saves a Life

WHAT YOU KNOW MAY SAVE SOMEONE YOU KNOW!

(or in this case someone you may not)

On April 10, 2013 Trevor Brown used skills he learned as part of the ASA program to save a life.  A PRESS RELEASE in the Del Mar Times highlights his actions.  Beth Mallon and those associated with A4IA are very proud of Trevor and his willingness to help. Moments like this are the reason so many of us are involved with A4IA and the ASA program.

To learn more about Advocates for Injured Athletes, click HERE.

To learn more about Athletes Saving Athletes, click HERE.

Submitted by Heather L. Clemons, MS, MBA, ATC

FREE Teen Cardiac Screening at Orange Glen High School

Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is not a heart attack.  SCA results from an abnormality in the heart’s electrical system that causes the heart to stop abruptly.  It is fatal in 92% of cases if not treated properly within minutes with the use of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and CPR.  Often times, SCA occurs suddenly without warning and results in the death of about 7,000 kids annually in the United States.  SCA is the number two cause of death in people under the age of 25 with athletes being more susceptible than non-athletes because SCA is 60% more likely to occur during exercise.

In some cases, there are warning signs of SCA, including unexplained fainting (particularly during or after exercise), lightheadedness, chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, and a family history of SCA or unexplained sudden death under the age of 50.  The best defense against SCA is to prevent it before it happens.  The best way to prevent SCA is to be screened using an electrocardiogram (EKG) that can detect many of the heart abnormalities that can lead to SCA.  Often times, screenings are not completed on teens because parents believe it won’t happen to their children, there is no family history or the family pediatrician did not recommend screening.  Thanks to the work of the Eric Paredes Save a Life Foundation teens in the San Diego area have the opportunity to be screened for free for potential catastrophic heart abnormalities.

On April 21, 2013 from 9a – 3p volunteers for the Eric Paredes Save a Life Foundation will be providing free cardiac screenings for teens at Orange Glen High School. Screenings consist of a health history questionnaire, an EKG and if indicated, an echocardiogram. Remember, this type of screening is not part of your child’s annual pre-participation physical or annual well screening.  Additionally, if you sought to complete these tests on your own the potential cost could range from $90 - $1500.  If you’re interested in more information regarding the screening or to register for the event click HERE.  If the date and time of the Orange Glen event doesn’t work you can check the schedule other upcoming events.  Important things to remember about the screening:

1. You must register in advance for the event online at EPSaveALife.org
2. You must download and complete the health packet and parent consent form.  This packet must be signed and brought to the screening by the teen in order to be screened. If you do not have the packet, you will not be screened.
3. The EKG and echocardiogram do not hurt and are non-invasive techniques.  There are no needles.
4. Every teen will complete an EKG.  An Echocardiogram will only be done as indicated.  The entire process takes no more than 30 minutes.
5. Your results will be reviewed by the foundation’s medical director and will be mailed to you (and your parents) within a few weeks of the screening.  The results will clearly indicate what sort of follow up (if any) is necessary with your family physician.

The Eric Paredes Save a Life Foundation has made it their mission to prevent the tragic loss of teens to SCA through these free screenings.  Ultimately, the goal is to make cardiac screenings part of the standard physical exams for youth and equipping schools and other public venues with AEDs and staff trained in the use of AEDs/CPR.  Rhina and Hector Paredes formed the foundation in 2010 to honor the life of their 15-year-old son, Eric, who died suddenly due to an undetected heart condition.  Since its inception, Eric’s Foundation has screened nearly 7,000 teens in San Diego County, detecting a heart abnormality in 164 of them.  It will continue to screen teens until more standardized testing is in place.

“SCA is not a heart attack.  It’s an abnormality in the heart’s electrical system that may be detected with a simple EKG, but these screenings are not part of our kids’ regular checkups.  It only takes a few minutes to prevent a tragedy that can be a heartbeat away, so we are dedicated to doing all we can to make these screenings and cardiac equipment accessible to teens and their families.”

                                                                                    -Hector & Rhina Paredes

Submitted by Heather L. Clemons, MS, MBA, ATC

April is Youth Sports Safety Month

March is ending and National Athletic Training Month (NATM) has come and gone for another year.  As NATM ends, Youth Sports Safety Month (YSSM) begins.  This awareness focus provides a continued opportunity to help youth and adolescents participate in sports safely.  NATM focused on appropriate medical coverage and care for athletes by advocating for athletic trainers, particularly at secondary schools, while YSSM provides a broader focus in youth sports safety.  One organization working to promote YSSM is the Sports Trauma and Overuse Prevention Sports Injuries campaign.  Better known as STOP Sports Injuries, an initiative started by the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine and other key groups in 2007, has worked to prevent injuries of all kinds in young athletes. 

To learn more about what STOP Sports Injuries is doing to promote YSSM, check out THIS link.  The group is encouraging everyone to get involved in YSSM by holding your own event, getting involved in their photo contest and participating in their sports safety tweet chats.  Chats are scheduled for April 10^th and April 24^th.  You can get involved at #SportsSafety, check out their twitter page for more information.  These chats are great ways to connect with experts and other parents who are concerned about protecting their children. 

STOP Sports Injuries is also great for expanding the ideas of safety and prevention beyond the traumatic (and potentially catastrophic) concerns of concussions, exertional heat illness, and sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).  They have resources that bring attention to minimizing overuse injuries in youth athletes, female athlete triad, and sports nutrition as well.  Resources are available based on specific sports, specific issues and for specific stakeholders ranging from parents, athletes, coaches, and health care providers.  For more information, check out the Sports Injury Prevention section of their website. 

STOP Sports Injuries is not the only group does work regularly to make youth sports safer on some level.  If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know A4IA continues to work to educate high school athletes through the ASA® program and other public advocacy.  The continued focus on youth sports safety should continue to educate us all on how we can allow children to take advantage of the positives that come from participating in sports while minimizing the negatives of chronic injuries and the potential for long-term disability.  According to recent information published by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) the awareness and education is beginning to have a positive effect; for athletes between the age of 5 and 14, sports injuries decreased 12% between 2000 and 2010. 

Some of the other organizations that have gotten involved in the youth sports safety education mission include:

MomsTeam

Youth Sport Safety Alliance

SAFE Kids USA

National Athletic Trainers’ Association

Korey Stringer Institute

Matthew Alan Gfeller Foundation

American Academy of Pediatrics

American Medical Society for Sports Medicine

National Strength and Conditioning Association

Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America

Sports Physical Therapy Section

This list is not an all-inclusive list of professional organizations and non-profits that have had some role in improving youth sports safety, but it is a sampling of some of the major national organizations.  As always, you are encouraged to get involved in your local community with your local organizations.  With a little help from the Internet, you may find there is a non-profit in your area that is working to improve safety in one way or another.  If you find something, find a way to get involved and make a change in your community.

Submitted by Heather L. Clemons, MS, MBA, ATC