Protect your lipsDid you ever stop to wonder how the skin of our lips differs from the skin on the rest of the face?
The skin over our lips is very thin and highly vascular, hence their typical “vermilion” or red color. Our lips also have more nerve endings, making them very tactile and sensitive.
These anatomical differences make our lips attractive and nice for kissing, but they also … read on
What do topical pain relievers do?A few weeks ago I posted about how to save money on oral over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
Then I decided to look into topical pain relievers. This post provides an overview of what’s available, and how to choose the right one and save money.
I was totally surprised at the scope of products available online and at the drugstore! … read on
Head lice: a back-to-school nuisanceHead lice and their eggs (nits) are a frequent irritation for school children and their parents.
Because they spread through person-to-person contact and by sharing personal items like hats and hair brushes, head lice are especially widespread in the fall and winter months.
And super lice, or head lice that are resistant to conventional treatments permethrin and pyrethrum, are now common in at least … read on
Overdiagnosis of melanomaI learned two things from a recent journey into the healthcare system:
I’ll explain.
Earlier this summer I shared that I had a small mole removed from my leg. I didn’t like the look of it, so I thought it prudent to have it checked out.
I had to wait almost a month for an answer, because … read on
This YouTube video fascinates me. Using an ultraviolet lens, the camera reveals how years of exposure to the sun’s UV rays can damage our skin. Even more interesting is how sunscreen looks.
(It’s best viewed full screen.)
The summer heat rages on, so I hope this video is a timely reminder to wear … read on
A common summer ailmentFew summer ailments are as common as sunburns.
If you or your kids get a sunburn, here are some simple steps you can take to stop the burning and promote healing.
You don’t need to buy a bunch of special or expensive products. The important steps are to stop the burning, treat the pain, and stay hydrated.
Use sunscreen! The American Academy of … read on
How to choose a sunscreen—what works?Do you know what to look for when choosing a sunscreen product?
Do you understand what SPF means and which ingredients offer effective protection?
If you aren’t reading labels, and are judging by brand, price or marketing claims alone, you might not be getting the best deal.
So what should you look for on a label?
Because protection from UVA rays is more difficult … read on
Spring is mosquito seasonMosquitoes love warm, wet weather. Spring is their favorite season!
Research has shown that mosquitoes prefer certain people over others. Blame your genes. 😕
But you won’t always be able to hide behind a tastier friend.
And even though mosquito bites are mostly a seasonal annoyance, in some parts of the country/world mosquitoes carry serious diseases like Zika virus, West Nile virus, malaria, chikungunya, yellow fever … read on
May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness MonthWe’re on the cusp of summer, which is a great time to think about protecting your skin from the sun.
More than 4 million people are diagnosed with some form of skin cancer every year in the US. Damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation is responsible for the majority of cases.
The best skin cancer prevention tip? Limit your exposure to UV light, … read on
Baby, it’s cold outside!Most of the headlines over the last few days have focused on the arctic “cyclone” and brutally cold temperatures affecting a big chunk of the US.
Low temperature records are being shattered. Many states are reporting wind chills of -30°F or less.
That’s not just cold—that’s life threatening.
Outside my house, in Seattle, the weather is a pretty seasonal 40°F. And rainy. Lucky us.
But anyone … read on