My Safe Health

How do you protect yourself from the winter sun (or any other season)? Follow these simple sun safety action steps recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency:

1. Limit Time in the Midday Sun – The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Whenever possible, limit exposure to the sun during these hours.

2. Wear a Hat – A hat with a wide brim offers good sun protection to your eyes, ears, face, and the back of your neck – areas particularly prone to overexposure to the sun.

3. Cover Up – Wearing tightly woven, loose-fitting, and full-length clothing is a good way to protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays.

4. Wear Sunglasses that Block 99-100% of UV Radiation -Sunglasses that provide 99-100% UVA and UVB protection will greatly reduce sun exposure that can lead to cataracts and other eye damage. Check the label when buying sunglasses.

5. Always Use Sunscreen – Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 or higher liberally on exposed skin. Reapply every 2 hours, or after working, swimming, playing, or exercising outdoors. Even waterproof sunscreen can come off when you towel off, sweat, or spend extended periods of time in the water.

6. Avoid Sunlamps and Tanning Parlors – The light source from sunbeds and sunlamps damages the skin and unprotected eyes. It’s a good idea to avoid artificial sources of UV light.

7. Watch for the UV Index – The UV Index provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities in ways that prevent overexposure to the sun. Developed by the National Weather Service (NWS) and EPA, the UV Index is issued daily in selected cities across the United States.

Fitness is defined as a state of being healthy, which prepares the body for the physical necessities of daily life. To be more precise, fitness provides strength, flexibility and stamina for the proper functioning of the body. It is a total solution for a perfect, fine-tuned life.

Fitness lowers the risks of various health issues such as obesity, cardio-vascular problems, habitual inactivity and depression. It helps to prevent age-related problems. Moreover, fitness makes one feel relaxed and active throughout the day.

The right kind of physical and mental exercises and proper intake of nutritious food are the factors that contribute to fitness. A well-balanced diet not only makes one fit, but provides all necessary nutrients for the body. Mental fitness, essential for the psychological well-being of a person, is also a key factor in sustaining a healthy state.

To stay physically fit doesn’t entail spending hours in a gym or on costly fitness to develop muscle mass like body builders. All you need to do is improve power and endurance and get mobile. Nowadays, immobility has become part of a lifestyle, with people spending more time in front of the computer. So the need for exercise is a must.

The fitness methods adopted must be person-specific. It varies for men, women, children and the aged. Individuals have to choose exercises that are ideal for their body. Fitness methods include meditation, yoga sessions, aerobic classes and muscular fitness exercises.

Today, more and more people are struggling to keep their body and mind fit. This has resulted in the growth of a range of sophisticated multi-gyms, professional fitness institutions and clubs.