United Healthcare Event

Hello everyone,
I want to report on another successful Healthy Habits event with our partners from United Healthcare. We had a great turnout for a raining, soggy, then humid Saturday!

Dr. Boehm provided diabetic care and drug information followed by a presentation by Shelia and Sean with United. Of course, we digested the information with a meal! That is just the way OIB rolls.

Special thanks to Barbara, Helen and Earl for their assistance in making the day successful.

Take care-get a nap then jump outside and soak up some of this glorious springtime sunshine!

Next event is our Spring Social on  May 21.  It will be our annual cookout, 11-3 in the courtyard!

See you soon,
Dr. Janet

MAYBE YOU SHOULD RETHINK THOSE SUPPLEMENTS YOUR TAKING

DR. MANNY: Are your dietary supplements killing you? By Dr. Manny Alvarez Published April 27, 2016.  

Every day, I see new patients in my office , and after I go through my normal Q&A, I'm always shocked by the answers I get to this question: "What medications are you taking? Typically, I'm interested in medications that relate to some underlying medical condition such as diabetes, hypertension or heart disease. But after going through some of their answers, I am always shocked to see the carry-on bags many patients bring along to show me of all the supplements that they're taking as well. Sometimes they number in the dozens. I see everything from vitamins and minerals to herbal "cures," that these individuals have somehow fallen prey to by either by Googling them, watching a TV commercial or program, or perhaps even being referred by a quack health care provider who led them to believe these supplements are the key to longevity. Let me give it to you straight: Vitamins and supplements are not going to make you healthier. As a matter of fact, a recent large-scale study which was presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) annual meeting found that that not only do over-the-counter supplements lack the potential for preventing cancer, but in some cases, taking more than the daily recommended allowance of certain supplements like folic acid, vitamin E and beta-carotene may actually increase your risk for the deadly disease. Researchers analyzed 20 years of published studies on supplements and cancer risk. They looked at over 300,000 patients who, in various trials, took either a dietary supplement or a placebo over a 10-year period and concluded that taking more than the recommended amount of beta-carotene, known for improving immunity and protecting vision, increased the risk for lung cancer and heart disease by nearly 20 percent. An increased risk of developing prostate cancer was observed in men who took vitamin E supplements, and folic acid increased the number of colon polyps and breast cancer risk in some patients. The scary thing is these vitamins are recognizable names. Can you just imagine the potential effects of all of the other herbal supplements out there that are being touted for their unproven potential to reverse aging and cure cancer? Folks, life is very simple: If you eat a balanced diet, you will provide your body with all the nutrition and vitamins it needs to function. Yes, there are medical conditions which require people to take vitamin and mineral supplements, such as gastrointestinal abnormalities, iron-deficiency anemia, pregnancy and metabolic conditions. But for the average person, you may actually be putting your life in danger by relying on these products. Recently, it was reported that a 21-year-old college student in the U.K. died after ingesting diet pills she bought online. These diet pills contained dinitrophenol (DNP), a highly toxic substance that essentially burned her cells from the inside out when her metabolism kicked into overdrive and her heart stopped. Another story of someone trying to find a quick solution to chronic problems online, and the outcome ending in tragedy. Now, I am not saying that all supplements are bad- if you need to take vitamins or mineral supplements because a licensed medical professional who has examined your blood chemistry suggested it, then by all means, take them. But if you're trying to do this on your own because you saw something or read something that led you to believe they will improve your health, you need to know that you could be playing Russian roulette with your life. Remember, the over-the-counter supplement business is not very well regulated. And you know how well we regulate things in this country ... so you can only imagine all the loopholes these supplement companies use to pitch a product. The New York State Attorney General's office recently made headlines when it settled a dispute with GNC stores for carrying herbal supplements that were falsely labeled, claiming they contained plant materials that were not detected in DNA testing. So basically these herbal supplements were full of fillers. How would you like to take chemical fillers every day? And spending your hard-earned cash on them, nonetheless. So here's the bottom line: Unless you need to take them for a medical problem, every time you feel the need to buy a supplement, take that money and donate it to a nonprofit medical research group. There are plenty out there looking for help. 

IMPROVING TREATMENT FOR THOSE WITH GLAUCOMA

iStent provides permanent relief for glaucoma patients Published April 27, 2016.  

Over 2.2 million Americans suffer from glaucoma - now a new procedure may relieve symptoms. Glaucoma is a disease in which there is a buildup of pressure behind the eye. The pressure often damages the optic nerve and can result in vision loss and blindness if not treated properly. Most glaucoma patients use eye drops to treat the disease. However, managing the eye drops- which sometimes need to be administered multiple times during the day- can be cumbersome. "I'm very bad in remembering to take medicine or eye drops. But I do my best," 78-year-old Emad Khaja, who used three different eye drops for his glaucoma, told FoxNews.com. One solution for managing the disease is a new minimally invasive surgical procedure that inserts a device called iStent, providing a more permanent solution for glaucoma patients. "iStent is a novel device that is the latest tool we have to fight glaucoma," said Dr. Tal Raviv, an ophthalmologist in New York City. "It's a small stent that's used to overcome the blockage that's present in glaucoma, iStent is the smallest device to be implanted in the human body and works by opening up the blockage to relieve the pressure. Like stents used in other parts of the body, doctors insert the iStent by visualizing the blockage and bypassing it. Currently, the iStent procedure is recommended for patients with cataracts and glaucoma. The procedure typically takes an additional ten minutes after the cataract surgery and patients can go home on the same day. "What's wonderful about the iStent is because it's so minimally invasive, the follow-up is no different than a typical cataract surgery follow up," Raviv said. In clinical trials, 85 percent of patients who received the iStent were off of the eye drops within a year. Khaja recently underwent the iStent procedure. "I can see better and hopefully, as the doctor mentioned, the drops will taper off," he said. Medicare and most insurance companies cover the cost of the iStent. "I think what's great about the iStent is it's the first in a whole line of products which is going to fundamentally change the way we treat glaucoma. This is just the first tool we have in this country... we can just bypass the blockage and avoid years of eye drops which have cost and side effects to the patients," Raviv said. 

SATURDAY'S HEALTHY HABIT EVENT

REMEMBER

 

The older blind project will be having a healthy habits event at WSB on Saturday the 30^th from 10 o’clock until 1:00 o’clock.  Dr. Tim and a representative from United Health will be speaking and United Health has some special financial assistance programs they will tell us about that might be helpful to some of us.  If you can attend be sure and call Dr. Janet by Thursday the 28^th to sign up and also let her know if you will need transportation.  Lunch will also be provided.  Her number is:

501-529-0106

Until tomorrow:

Bob and Johnye Pryor

 

PASSING OF IMOGENE JOHNSON

Below is a copy of the obituary for Imogene Johnson.  It includes service plans and pertinent information for memorials etc.


Imogene Johnson of Little Rock, AR 1926 2016. - |  |  :  ,  

Ms. Imogene Johnson died April 25, 2016. She was born in London, Kentucky July 4, 1926. Visually impaired, she was proud to have worked at UAMS as a dark room technician for 42 years. She was a long time member and past president of the Arkansas Council of the Blind where she had strong and nourishing friendships. She was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock. Imogene helped raise her brother's three children for many years as a loving guardian. A sweet and caring soul, she loved her family and friends and took great pleasure in life. She was an inspiration to all. She is predeceased by her parents, Alda and Exie Johnson of Kentucky, and brother, Denton Johnson, of Benton, Ark. She is survived by her brothers, Alton Johnson and Jim Johnson, nieces, Jana Gregory (Jim) of Benton and Glenda Cooper of Little Rock, her nephew, Jeff Johnson (Michelle) of Benton and many great-nieces and nephews, and a great-great nephew. A visitation service will be held at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth Funeral Home, 5800 W. 12th Street, Little Rock, Thursday, April 28 at 10 a.m. A graveside service will be held at A.R. Dyche Cemetery in London, Kentucky on Monday, May 2 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Arkansas Council of the Blind, 4727 N. Cypress, North Little Rock, 72116. An online guestbook is available at griffinleggetthealeyroth.com. Order flowers for the Imogene Johnson family 

ARE YOU SLEEPY-MAYBE THIS WILL HELP

10 ways to make it through the day after a terrible night's sleep By Sarah Klein Published April 22, 2016.  

Wait a minute-we're supposed to get a good night's sleep to feel great all day? File that under, "Things we know we're supposed to do that are impossible. The problem isn't wanting to get a good night's sleep, it's actually making it happen. Uninterrupted hours can feel like a joke. So instead of beating yourself up for yet another crappy night of sleep, use these tips to make the most of what you got.  1. Don't delay the inevitable Remember how you spent all night waking up, drifting off, then waking up again? Doing that to yourself come morning via the snooze button just ain't smart. Research shows snooze-button sleep is fragmented sleep (no kidding), and fragmented sleep is not restorative sleep. It's a good rule of thumb for any morning: Set your alarm for the actual time you need to wake up, said Dr. Alice Doe, a sleep medicine specialist at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, MI, and then actually get up. Snoozing might also make the process of waking up physically take longer: Getting the gears turning-like increasing blood flow to the brain-takes some time, but snoozing tells your body it's not actually go-time yet and can delay those processes.  2. Give caffeine a fair chance to kick in. Experts typically stick to an upper limit of about 400 milligrams of caffeine a day, or roughly 4 'cup's of coffee. On your most sleep-deprived day, if you're not careful, you could hit that benchmark by 11 a.m. (hey, we've all been there), but too much coffee can leave you with headaches, heart palpitations, and a serious case of the jitters, Doe said. Keep in mind it takes about 30 minutes for caffeine to kick in, so pace yourself throughout the morning and have a 'cup' around noon or 1 p.m., she says. After that, stick to decaf. "Caffeine takes a long time to be eliminated from your body, so I say no caffeine 7 to 8 hours before bedtime," Doe said. 3. Avoid dwelling on it. Never underestimate the power of positive thinking. Yes, you didn't get enough sleep. No, that doesn't guarantee today will be a wash. Put on your favorite top, that special-occasions-only piece of jewelry, a fun lip color-something for you to feel good about, Doe said, then use it to keep up the sunny attitude throughout the day. "Try not to think too much about the sleepless night or blame it for everything that happens during the day," she said. "In time, that can create a negative association that will result in other sleepless nights. It's going to be a challenge, she said, but try to make this a Glass Half Full kind of day. It might not make you feel more awake, but studies say positive thinking can help you cope with stressful situations-aka this horror of a sleep-deprived day.  4. Tackle your tough projects first. Getting through any actual work may be the hardest part of today, aside from resisting the temptation to hit snooze. Budget your energy and get the big stuff out of the way early. Research suggests that you've got a two-hour window when you'll be at your best, starting one hour after you wake up, Doe said. If you woke up at 7, expect to shine between 8 and 10. She suggests tabling any major decisions, whether they're personal or professional, for a more well-rested day. "If you really can't avoid a meeting, try to get some exercise right beforehand so you can concentrate better," she recommended. Later in the day, cross off some of those mundane tasks on your to-do list you've been putting off forever. 5. Sit up straight. A sort of silly sounding little 2012 experiment asked 110 college students to rate their energy levels before and after walking slouched over for a few paces or doing a few minutes of skipping. After slouching, they rated their energy levels significantly lower than after skipping. We're not saying you should skip to your 4 o'clock meeting (although if you do, please send video), but you should check your posture while you sit there spacing out. 6. Keep your phone in your bag. With your impaired attention and focus, you really don't need any other distractions. If you want to stay productive, turn off your email notifications and power down your phone, or at least get it out of your direct line of sight. "Your concentration can be so decreased that your concept of time goes away," Doe said. You might think you've spent just a quick sec scrolling through Instagram when suddenly half an hour's flown by. "It's best to stay on task and then take more breaks to go outside for a quick walk," she said. "Just about anything will be more beneficial, like a quick nap or a coffee break, than just staring at your phone. 7. Don't skip breakfast. We know-you've heard it a million times before. But hear us out. Breakfast sends a powerful signal to your brain that it's time to wake up, Doe said, since food intake is intricately associated with our internal clocks. "If somebody is not a morning person, it doesn't have to be a big breakfast," she said. A shake or a smoothie will work just fine, as long as breakfast provides you with a good balance of protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats, Doe said. The better your nutrition on a sleep-deprived day, the more energy you'll be able to salvage. You've got a tough task ahead of you: Research shows that sleep deprivation messes with our brain activity, convincing us that things like doughnuts and French fries are absolute necessities. Unfortunately, both will only make you more sluggish, Doe said. "Fatty foods require more energy to break down, and simple carbs give us a rush initially but then you'll crash after that. Big meals, too, can slow us down, as our bodies struggle to digest, so stick to smaller meals and a couple snacks on your most tired days. Reach for nuts, an apple with peanut butter, or carrots and hummus between meals, Doe recommended, and pile on the veggies for lunch and dinner, with chicken, fish, or beans for protein.  8. Let the sunshine in. Another way to send a powerful wake-up signal to that sluggish brain of yours is by exposing yourself to natural sunlight.  your  Sleep experts say natural sunlight first thing in the morning helps communicate to our brains that it is "bright eyed and bushy tailed" time. In one 2012 study, artificial light was linked with more sleepiness and worse performance on certain cognitive tasks. "The more you're outside the better," Doe said of the days after terrible nights of sleep. At minimum, get in an early-morning walk and another stroll in the afternoon, when you feel that inevitable slump coming on, she says.  9. Force yourself to move for a little bit. While it feels like the last thing you can drag yourself to do at the moment, exercising is basically guaranteed to help, even if you can only stand a few minutes. Luckily, it can be an easy workout. A group of low-key exercisers experienced a bigger reduction in their fatigue than more hardcore sweaters in one study. In fact, strenuous exercise should actually be off the table, since you're at a slightly higher risk of accidents of all types when you're sleep deprived, Doe pointed out. Exercise improves blood circulation, which in turn improves attention.  So, sneak in a brisk walk when you're really feeling zonked. 10. take a nap.  Just 10 minutes can result in immediate improvements in cognitive performance and energy. Just make sure you're following a few important napping rules. First, no more than 20 to 30 minutes, max. Longer than that and you risk entering deep sleep, and if you're woken up in the middle of deep sleep, you're likely to feel worse than you did to begin with, Doe said. A nap too late in the day will set you up for trouble sleeping at night, so keep it early-preferably five hours or more before bedtime. 

HEALTHY HABITS EVENT SATURDAY AT WSB

The older blind project will be having a healthy habits event at WSB on Saturday the 30^th from 10 o’clock until 1:00 o’clock.  Dr. Tim and a representative from United Health will be speaking and United Health has some special financial assistance programs they will tell us about that might be helpful to some of us.  If you can attend be sure and call Dr. Janet by Thursday the 28^th to sign up and also let her know if you will need transportation.  Lunch will also be provided.  Her number is:

501-529-0106

Until tomorrow:

Bob and Johnye Pryor

 

SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT JELLY

7 things you didn't know about jelly beans Published April 22, 2016.  

Jelly beans may be one of the world's most versatile and universally liked candies. But the origin of this tiny jelly candy is shrouded in mystery. The delicious sweets are believed to have surfaced in the mid-19th century as a crossover between a chewy Turkish Delight with the hard shell of a Jordan Almond.  A few funny facts about the popular candy. 1.  President Reagan was pretty much obsessed. AP President Ronald Reagan was a big fan of the jelly bean and the blueberry flavored Jelly Belly was created for his 1981 inauguration. Guests consumed more than 3 tons over the course of the event. There's even a portrait of Reagan made of 10,000 jelly beans hanging in the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. 2.  They're traveled to outer space.  Reagan thought jelly beans were out of this world - literally. He enjoyed the candies so much he sent them to space. Jelly Belly brand beans were sent to space by Reagan on the 1983 space shuttle Challenger. 3.  They take a surprisingly long time to make. It can take between seven to 21 days to create a jelly bean. The main ingredients of a jelly bean are sugar, corn syrup, and food starch. Natural and artificial flavorings are added and then beeswax or carnauba wax-- and sometimes shellac-- are used to give the bean its shiny exterior. 4.  Civil War soldiers ate them. The earliest reference to the modern-day jelly bean is in the mid-19th century when people were urged to send the candies to soldiers during the Civil War. 5.  A Jelly Belly isn't just a brand. The term "jelly-belly" was early 20th century slang for a man of little substance who puts a lot of effort into his appearance. It can also be used to describe someone who has a hard exterior and soft interior just like a jelly bean. 6.  Get 'em by the pound-- not the piece. Jelly beans were the first candy to be sold by weight instead of piece. They also used to be sold separately by color or flavor. 7.  And the most popular flavor is...  While traditionally, jelly beans come in 8 different flavors, the Jelly Belly company has created more than 50 flavors including root beer and even earwax as part of their "Harry Potter" special edition beans. Their top-selling flavor? Very Cherry

SOME THINGS TO THINK ABOUT WHEN GOING TO THE GROCERY STORE

5 ways to avoid getting sick at the supermarket Published April 20, 2016.  

 

You can buy all the protein and produce you want, but if you don't handle it the right way at the supermarket, the healthiest food can still make you sick. Follow these smart safety strategies to protect your groceries as soon as you pick them up to the moment you store them in your fridge.  1. Double-Bag Your Meat The meat section in the supermarket may look sterile. But a Tennessee State University study says about 50 percent of poultry packages contain bacteria-including diarrhea-causing coliform and E. coli-on the outside. Plop one of those packages in your cart, and you could spread the bugs to your other groceries. Before reaching into the cooler to grab chicken breasts, stick your hand in a plastic produce bag, pick up the meat, and drop it in another empty produce bag. "When you use a bag, the risk of cross-contamination goes down to zero," said study author Sandria Godwin, Ph.D., R.D., L.D.M. 2. Wipe and Wait Researchers at the University of Arizona find that 72 percent of shopping carts contain illness-inducing bacteria like E. coli.  The bugs come from other shoppers who may have already had germs on their hands, or picked them up after touching contaminated food products. Before you grab a cart, take an antibacterial wipe at the front of the supermarket. Swipe a wipe over the cart's handle and wait 20 seconds for it to completely air dry. This will knock out as much bacteria as possible, says Goodwin. "Touching the handle when it's still wet can just smear the bacteria around or transfer them to your hands," she says. 3. Pick This Produce Grab the greens located at the front of the produce display case. Spinach is exposed to more fluorescent light up front than in the back, reports a study in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry . Research shows spinach that's exposed to artificial lighting stays fresher longer and produces up to 100 percent higher levels of nutrients including vitamins A, C, E, K, and folate.  4. Clean Reusable Bags You're helping the environment by using BYO bags. Now do your stomach a solid by washing them, too. Bacteria that may have hitched a ride from meat or produce can transfer to your bag and survive for more than 4 months, says Godwin. Half of all reusable bags contain nasty bacteria that can lead to diarrhea and vomiting, say University of Arizona researchers. But 97 percent of people never clean their bags.  Throw your bags in a hot wash with bleach between shopping trips. 5. Skip the Cold Cuts Purdue University researchers find that 1 in 10 samples taken from deli foods and surfaces-such as the retail machines used to slice meat and cheese-contain the bacteria Listeria monocytogenes . Listeria infections can cause flu-like symptoms like headache, stiff neck, fever, and meningitis. Listeria may also lead to miscarriages, stillbirths, and premature births in pregnant women. "Between the open packages, knives, workers handling the meats, and the fact that they don't always clean the machines between uses, there are just so many opportunities within the deli counter for bacteria to spread," Godwin said. Instead, opt for the vacuum-packed meat and cheese in the dairy aisle that are pre-packed in factories, which are less likely to become contaminated. 

EATING NUTS COULD LOWER YOUR CHANCES OF COLON CANCER

Eating nuts linked to lower risk of colon cancer By Sara G. Miller Published April 20, 2016.  

Eating nuts has been linked to a number of health benefits, such as a reduced risk of obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Now, new findings from South Korea suggest that a nut-rich diet may also reduce a person's risk of colon cancer. The researchers found a reduction in this risk for both men and women, according to the findings, presented here today (April 18) at the American Association for Cancer Research's annual meeting. Eating a serving of nuts three or more times a week appeared to have a big effect on risk, said Dr. Aesun Shin, an associate professor of preventive medicine at Seoul National University College of Medicine in South Korea and an author of the study. In the study, a serving of nuts was considered to be 15 grams (0.5 ounces), Shin said.  That's a smaller amount than what's considered a serving in the United States, she added. (A serving in the U.S. is 28 g, or 1 oz.) Although the researchers included many types of nuts in their analysis, peanuts were the most widely consumed nuts among people in the study. This may be due to the availability of peanuts in South Korea, the researchers said.  To examine the relationship between eating nuts and colon cancer risk, the researchers looked at 923 patients who had been diagnosed with colon cancer and compared their diets with those of 1,846 people who did not have colon cancer. The researchers found that men who reported eating three or more servings of nuts a week had a 69 percent lower risk of colon cancer than those who reported eating no nuts. Women who ate three or more servings had an 81 percent lower risk than those who ate no nuts, according to the study. In addition, the researchers looked at several different types of colon cancer, based on the location in the colon where the cancer is found. Nut consumption was associated with a reduced risk across all of the different locations that the researchers examined, Shin said. The study does not prove a cause-and-effect relationship between eating nuts and having a lower risk of colon cancer, the researchers said. However, the researchers hypothesized that some of the compounds, including fiber and antioxidants, found in nuts may help reduce a person's risk of colon cancer.  Shin noted that a limitation of the study is that participants were asked to recall their own nut intake, and it's possible that they may have made mistakes. 

THE TRUTH ABOUT CRANBERRY SUPPLEMENTS AND URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS

 

Not all cranberry supplements prevent urinary tract infections Published April 19, 2016.  

Taking cranberry supplements has long been recommended to prevent urinary tract infections (UTI), but it's important to choose the right products, researchers say. Tests of seven popular cranberry-pill brands in the U.S. showed that most contained too little of the key bacteria-fighting ingredient to have any effect. "There is a lot of variability in quality and efficacy of cranberry supplements, making it difficult for consumers to know which ones will work for them," said lead author Dr. Bilal Chughtai, assistant professor of urology at Weil Cornell Medical College in New York. UTIs affect some 8 million people each year in the U.S. Approximately half of all women will experience one at some point, Chughtai and his colleagues said.  UTIs are caused by bacteria and usually treated with antibiotics, but antibiotic overuse and resistance are problematic, so finding effective ways to prevent UTIs is important.  Cranberry juice and supplements have long been used to stave off UTIs. They were once thought to prevent the infections by affecting the acidity of urine, the researchers note. More recent investigations show that cranberries or cranberry juice may actually work because they contain proanthocyanidins - antioxidant "flavonoids" like those found in blueberries, grape seeds and chocolate that also prevent bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall and beginning the growth process. Past studies have shown that to prevent recurrent UTIs, cranberry products need to contain at least 36 milligrams of proanthocyanidins per gram, the researchers note. Herbal medications like cranberry supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration and so many brands may not contain the needed amount of proanthocyanidins or even any at all, Chughtai said.  He and his colleagues analyzed seven over-the-counter cranberry supplements, testing each product in cultures of bacteria and red blood cells to see how effectively it prevented bacterial growth. Only one supplement studied contained more than the needed amount of proanthocyanidins, with 175 mg of the compounds per gram of product. That supplement also prevented bacterial growth in culture. Another supplement contained 25 mg/g of proanthocyanidins and also showed activity against the bacteria, while the other four supplements contained less than 5 mg/g of proanthocyanidins and had no effects against the bacteria. The report does not identify the brands. Chughtai noted that cranberry powders may be made from dried juice or from dried skins left over from the juicing process. Supplements made from juice act much faster and are more effective than those made from skins, he said. "But since supplement manufacturers are not required to list which parts of the cranberry are in the supplement, all forms of powdered supplements (whether from juice or skins) are able to call themselves 'cranberry'," Chughtai said. "Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are very common, particularly in women, and result in major costs related to antibiotic use, hospitalizations as well as time lost from work," said Dr. Deborah Wing, a gynecology professor at University of California, Irvine, who was not involved in the study. "Approaches to either prevent or treat UTIs which are based on use of food products could reduce some health care costs and minimize human pain and suffering." 

STATE ACB CONVENTION

REMINDER

Don’t forget that today is the last day to arrange transportation to the ACB State Convention.  If you live in Pulaski County, the Older Blind Project will assist you with transportation but you must make arrangements today.  Contact Shelly at:

501-664-7100   ext 233

Until tomorrow

Bob and Johnye

MAYBE WE SHOULD BE WEARING THAT SUNSCREEN

Wearing SPF30 sunscreen has strong ability to prevent deadliest skin cancer, study finds Published April 18, 2016.  

Dermatologists tout sunscreen for its ability to prevent signs of aging and protect against skin cancer. But now, new research suggests a measurable benefit of slathering on sunblock with as little as SPF30: a reduced risk of melanoma . "Sunscreens are known to prevent skin from burning when exposed to UV sunlight, which is a major risk factor for melanoma. However, it has not been possible to test whether sunscreens prevent melanoma, because these are generally manufactured as cosmetics and tested in human volunteers or synthetic skin models," principal investigator Christin Burd, assistant professor of molecular genetics at The Ohio State University, said in a news release. "We have developed a mouse model that allows us to test the ability of a sunscreen to not only prevent burns but also to prevent melanoma. According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer and the leading cause of death from skin disease. The group estimates that more than 76,000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma in 2016, and that more than 10,000 will die. The disease is over 20 times more common in white people than black people, and this risk increases with age.  Previously, Burd and her team detailed their mouse melanoma model, whereby the genetically engineered rodents spontaneously developed melanoma about 26 weeks following application of the chemical 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4OHT). In the new study, which was presented Sunday at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2016, researchers saw melanomas appeared more rapidly and with more tumors when mice were exposed to a single dose of UVB light a day after applying 4OHT to the skin. "Melanoma-free survival was reduced by 80 percent, to about five weeks," Burd said in the release. Next, researchers tested the ability of numerous SPF30 sunscreens to prevent melanoma. They found that they all delayed melanoma onset and reduced tumor incidence. "There were some minor differences in melanoma prevention amongst the different SPF30-labeled sunscreens," Burd said. "However, we later discovered that even though the sunscreens were all marketed as SPF30, some were actually predicted to have a higher rating. For this reason, it is hard to compare the melanoma-preventing capacity of the different sunscreens at this time. 

ACB STATE CONVENTION

REMINDER

Remember, this is ACB State Convention week.  If you are planning to attend, the Older Blind Project can provide transportation for you if you live in Pulaski County.  If you need this service you will need h to contact Shelly by Wednesday in order to be scheduled for pick up.

Contact Shelly at

501-664-7100  ext 233

THE COLD FACTS ABOUT A GOOD NIGHTS SLEEP

 

A good night's sleep may keep colds away By Rachael Rettner Published April 14, 2016. 

Here's another reason to get a good night's sleep: Too little shut-eye may increase your risk of catching a cold or other common infection, a new study suggests. Researchers analyzed information from more than 22,000 Americans who participated in a national survey between 2005 and 2012. The participants answered questions about their sleep habits, as well as whether they'd had a cold, the flu, pneumonia or an ear infection in the past month. Participants who said they slept for 5 hours or less on an average weeknight were 28 percent more likely to report having a cold in the past month, and 82 percent more likely to report having the flu, pneumonia or an ear infection, compared with those who slept for 7 to 8 hours on weeknights. People who said they had a sleep disorder , or said they had talked with their doctor about sleep problems, were also more likely to have had a cold or an infection in the past month, compared with people who didn't report these problems, the study found. The study did not find a link between sleeping a lot (9 hours or more) and the risk of catching a cold or an infection. "This finding adds to the growing scientific literature linking sleep with physical health," the researchers, from the University of California, San Francisco said.  "It may be time that sleep assessments become more commonplace in medical settings, as sleep may serve as yet another vital sign for health," they said..  The findings agree with previous research in smaller studies. For example, in a study of 164 people who agreed to be given nasal drops containing rhinovirus (the virus that causes the common cold), those who got less than 6 hours of sleep per night were about four times more likely to actually come down with a cold , compared with those who got more than 7 hours of sleep a night. The new study is one of the first to look at the link between sleep and risk of infection in a large population of people, the researchers said.

THE MYTH BEHIND MAYONNAISE

Today at 6:28 PM

The truth about mayonnaise and food safety By David Tamarkin Published April 14, 2016  

Is mayo safe to eat if it's been left out?  Of all the anxieties surrounding taking work to lunch-and there are plenty, from what to carry said lunch in, to making sure said lunch isn't stolen-perhaps none is as nagging as the anxiety around mayonnaise. In short, people seem convinced that, if left at room temperature for even a short period of time, the mayonnaise on their sandwich will sprout all sorts of bacterial growths-growths that will cause illness, financial ruin, and all sorts of other tragedies. Like so much other drama, it's unnecessary. A seminal study from 2000 took a look at the fragility of mayonnaise and set the record straight: "Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, E. coli, L. monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Yersinia enterocolitica die when inoculated into mayonnaise and dressings. To put it just as plainly, but in layman's terms, store-bought mayonnaise contains enough acid (from vinegar or lemon juice) to not only kill food-borne pathogens, but also to prevent them from forming. What this means is that the angst around an egg salad sandwich-that is, the fear of letting the sandwich sit out for an hour or two at room temperature because the mayo might spoil-is actually backwards. If anything, the mayonnaise is preventing microbial growth. The eggs (and turkey, and sliced ham) would be more dangerous without it. 

Upcoming events

Good morning everyone!
I want to give you a list of upcoming events so you can plan to join in the fun.


April 22-23 is the ACB State Convention in North Little Rock. We are offering transportation to Pulaski County folks. Call Shelly if you need a ride.

April 30 - Meeting at WSB. Lunch will be served. This will be a great meeting with Dr. Boehm and a very special guest. Come and get all your insurance questions answered while we have the doctor in the house to help us! Call Shelly if you need a ride.

May 11 - Barbara and Cidny will be presenting to the Mountain Home Vision Group

May 21 - Spring social and cookout. We will be turning the WSB Courtyard into the OIB party Center. Come join in the fun! Call Shelly if you need a ride.

Busy days so call if we can help!

Until tomorrow,
Dr. Janet

A LITTLE POLITICAL HUMOR

One liners in an election year

 

If God wanted us to vote, he would have given us candidates.

 

 The problem with political jokes is they get elected.

  

 

We hang the petty thieves and appoint the great ones to public office.

 

If we got one-tenth of what was promised to us in these State of the 

Union speeches, there wouldn't be any inducement to go to heaven.

 

Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even 

where there is no river.

 

When I was a boy I was told that anybody could become President; 

I'm beginning to believe it.

 

Politicians are people who, when they see light at the end of the tunnel, 

go out and buy some more tunnel.

 

Why pay money to have your family tree traced; go into politics and your 

opponents will do it for you.

 

Politics is the gentle art of getting votes from the poor and campaign funds 

from the rich, by promising to protect each from the other.

 

I offer my opponents a bargain: if they will stop telling lies about us, I will stop 

telling the truth about them.

 

A politician is a fellow who will lay down your life for his country.

 

I have come to the conclusion that politics is too serious a matter to be left to 

the politicians.

 

Instead of giving a politician the keys to the city, it might be better to change the locks.

 

There ought to be one day -- just one -- when there is open season on Congressmen.

HOW LAZY ARE YOU

Have we reached peak laziness when it comes to ordering food? By Sky McCarthy Published April 12, 2016.  

First there was GrubHub and Seamless. Then came Postmates, Caviar, and a slew of other apps owned by fast food restaurants. Most recently, Uber and even Amazon Prime are getting into the digital food delivery business. In the modern age, ordering a meal is easier than ever. But is it too easy? Last fall, Domino's launched its "one touch" pizza button-a limited edition device that, when synced to a smartphone for payment details-- allowed users to place a pre-programmed pizza order with just one touch. But now America's second largest pizza chain has taken food ordering to a new level of laziness with its "zero touch" ordering system. All you have to do is open the app-so it's barely a touch, more like a gentle tap or swipe. The Meatball Shop owner and co-founder Dan Holzman jokingly admonished the new invention. "This is absolutely brilliant," he said. "Often I want a pizza, but just dialing that number and talking to people or typing in my computer is just cumbersome. All jokes aside, research indicates that the proliferation of these trendy apps--which make it increasingly easier for us to order high volumes of calorie dense food quickly-is fueling the obesity epidemic. Sure, for those truly lazy   days, the path of least resistance to a delicious meal is key. But Domino's zero touch may be a little too convenient and could bring about several unintended consequences. Like what happens if you open the app by accident? Or what if your phone ends up in the wrong hands? "Do you think that there's the potential for your friends to play pranks on you and order like 20 pizzas with it?  But dozens of prank pizzas may be a small price to pay for the ultimate culinary convenience. 

THE PROS AND CONS OF DAILY ASPIRIN THERAPY

Daily aspirin is most beneficial in your 50s, panel says By Cari Nierenberg Published April 12, 2016. 

People in their 50s or 60s may benefit from taking aspirin daily, but those who start during their 50s get the most benefit from its use in preventing a heart attack, stroke and colon cancer, according to new recommendations from a government-appointed panel of independent experts. Daily aspirin is also beneficial for men and women who start taking it in their 60s, but its overall benefits are smaller than those for people who start taking it in their 50s, according to the new advice from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). Taking one daily low-dose (81 milligrams) aspirin tablet may be an inexpensive and effective way to help reduce the rates of heart disease, cancer and stroke, which are major causes of deaths for adults in the U.S., the USPSTF said. But when people are in their 60s, the balance between the potential benefits and possible harms of using aspirin changes, said Dr. Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, chairwoman of the USPSTF and a professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. As people get older, they face an increased risk that aspirin use will result in bleeding in the gut, she said. Moreover, people may not live long enough to realize the benefits of aspirin as a preventive for colorectal cancer, Bibbins-Domingo added. The advice issued April 11 marks the first time that the task force has made a recommendation for using aspirin to prevent both cardiovascular disease and colorectal cancer. (Previously, the task force released separate recommendations for aspirin use in curbing colon cancer risk in 2007, and one for staving off cardiovascular disease in 2009.) The new recommendations apply to adults ages 50 to 69 who have a 10 percent or greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the next 10 years and who are not at increased risk for bleeding from aspirin therapy, according to the USPSTF, a medical advisory panel that makes recommendations on the effectiveness of preventive health services for Americans.  5 Interesting Facts About Aspirin ] When determining a person's cardiovascular risk, doctors consider factors such as age, sex, blood pressure, cholesterol and lipid levels, as well as a history of diabetes and smoking. Heart and cancer protection To form the recommendations, members of the task force reviewed the latest research on the role of aspirin therapy in preventing heart disease, stroke and colorectal cancer, and they developed computer models to estimate aspirin therapy's benefits and harms in adults ages 40 and older. The data showed that the health benefit is definitely larger the earlier a person starts taking aspirin, Bibbins-Domingo said.  But this does not mean that adults in their 40s should begin taking daily low-dose aspirin to prevent heart disease and cancer. The USPSTF did not find enough scientific evidence to make a decision about the pros and cons of initiating aspirin use in people younger than 50, or in those ages 70 and older. About 40 percent of U.S. adults older than 50 take aspirin to prevent heart disease and stroke, according to a recent review study .  Studies have found that people need to take regular low-dose aspirin use for at least five to 10 years before they see the benefits of protection from colorectal cancer, Bibbins-Domingo said. The preventive benefits for cardiovascular disease are more immediate, and seem to begin within the first five years of daily aspirin use, she said. Aspirin may work to protect against heart attack and stroke by helping to prevent blood from clotting in the arteries that lead to the heart and brain that may be narrowed by atherosclerotic plaques. Aspirin's role in preventing colon cancer is not well understood, but it may help reduce inflammation that can promote cancer development, the researchers said. For adults who begin low-dose aspirin use in their 50s, the benefits outweigh the increased risk of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding by a moderate amount, Bibbins-Domingo said. The benefits of daily aspirin use are smaller in people in their 60s because of a higher risk of GI bleeding and hemorrhagic stroke (which occurs when a blood vessel bursts) in this age group, she said. Before starting to take aspirin daily for preventive reasons, people should have a conversation with their doctor to understand the benefits and risks, and this discussion should recur as people age if they remain on low-dose aspirin over time, Bibbins-Domingo said. 

SOME THINGS TO HELP KEEP YOU SAFE AT HOME

Tips help prevent falls at home.  

"When thinking about staying healthy, your home may seem like the safest place," says Mayo Clinic Health System family physician Marie Morris. "A big part of being healthy means preventing accidents and injuries in your own home. In order to improve your well-being, consider the following tips for reducing falls, lessening household chemical incidents, properly managing medications and disposing of sharps appropriately. Dr. Morris offers the following tips to make sure anyone who enters your house is protected from accidents. FALL PREVENTION Falls are quite common, especially among the older population and during the winter months. Here are a few strategies to help you avoid slips and falls. Light it up. Keep your house, inside and out, well lighted. Dark rooms and areas pose greater risks than spaces with adequate lighting. Remove clutter. Excess boxes, cords and rugs should be stored in a safe place. These things, among others, are all hazards. Use support as needed. If you move around better with a cane or walker, use that device. And make sure you have hand railings, seating and nonslip treads throughout your home, including in your bathroom and shower. Wear practical shoes. Choose sturdy, well-fitting shoes with skid-proof soles. High heels, sandals, slippers and stocking feet can be a catalyst for falling. Stay active. Physical activity keeps you moving and enhances your strength, balance, coordination and flexibility -- all of which help reduce falls. Talk with your health care provider. Discuss medications and health conditions that could possibly contribute to falls. Additionally, cover your fall history and what led to those incidents. MEDICATION SAFETY Always keep your medications in their original containers, except for medications you choose to place in a daily pill box. Use this pill box to assist with compliance, and always store medication in a safe place. Never take another person's medication, share your medications or take more or less of a medication than directed. Dispose of unused or unneeded controlled substances and all old medications. HOUSEHOLD CHEMICAL SAFETY Another common and often overlooked danger at the homestead is the common chemicals you have on shelves, benches and countertops. Follow this advice when it comes to household chemicals. Store chemicals in original containers. If that's not an option, be sure to clearly label the bottle or can. Keep cleaners and other toxins out of the reach of children. Read warning labels. Follow safety instructions. Have the poison control center phone number available: (800) 222-1222. Properly dispose of expired, leaking or contaminated chemicals. Don't combine chemicals (ammonia and bleach can be deadly). Keep chemicals far from food items. Stay diligent about hand-washing after using cleaners and other chemicals. SHARPS DISPOSAL According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, sharps, including needles, lancets and syringes, should be stored in a sharps disposal container or a laundry detergent bottle with a cap. Sharps disposal containers are sold at most pharmacies. Destroy sharps at home by using an incinerating device or needle cutter. Melted metal and remaining parts of syringes can then be safely deposited in the garbage -- not the recycling bin. Dispose of clipped needles at a sharps collection site or via a sharps mail-back program. 

YOUR PET-A GOOD STRESS RELIEVER

4 ways to beat stress with your pet By Lindsey Murray Published April 09, 2016. 

Not only do our furry friends offer companionship, they can also help us relax when we get overwhelmed. In fact, in a recent survey conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health, 87 percent of men and women said that spending time with their pet helped them feel less wigged-out. Next time you're distraught, seek out a four-legged pal and reap these benefits.  1. They lower your stress hormones When you're petting Fido, he's not the only one getting calmed down by the head-to-tail massage. Hanging out with a dog after experiencing something stressful reduces your levels of the stress hormone cortisol and possibly buffers the impact of the event, says Sandra Barker, PhD, director of the Center for Human-Animal Interaction at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. A 2012 review found that being with your dog can also lead to an increase in oxytocin, a hormone with anti-stress effects.  2. They can bring down your blood pressure "Stress does a number on our bodies and is associated with an accelerated heart rate and blood pressure state," said Lynne T. Braun, PhD, professor of nursing at Rush University in Chicago. "By promoting relaxation, exposing someone to a pet can certainly help with this. In fact, one Australia study showed that pet owners had significantly lower blood pressure than non-owners. 3. They let you step outside your own problems If you feel your worries piling up, a pet can help you put it all into perspective. "Our pets give us an opportunity to reach outside ourselves," explained Debra F. Horwitz, DVM, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. Her tip: Whenever you're extra stressed, take your dog for a quick 10-minute walk. Seeing your pup appreciate the little things as you stroll will help you do so, too.  4. For some people, animals really do provide the best therapy Does being with your dog make your out-of-control anxiety a little more manageable? With a note from a doc, you may be able to get him certified as an emotional support animal, which will allow him to accompany you out and about. But don't think this is an easy way to get around your landlord's strict no-pets rule. You need to have a mental or psychiatric disability that's treatable through animal companionship. "It's not as simple as saying, 'I have a pet and I want it to be a therapy dog,'" said Debra F. Horwitz, DVM. "It's important to see a physician to determine whether this is the best option. 

SOME MORE THINGS THAT MIGHT HELP WITH THOSE ALERGIES

7 foods that can help fight seasonal allergies By Allison Young Published April 08, 2016. 

Ah, glorious spring. Birds are happily chirping, plants are sprouting, and that mountain of snotty tissues by your desk is growing exponentially-at least if you have allergies. But before you restock your supply of allergy meds and tissues, try rethinking your diet instead.  "When someone suffers from seasonal allergies, her body perceives allergens like grass, pollen, dust, and dander as dangerous foreign substances and launches an immune response," said Dr. Deborah Gordon. The result: A flood of antibodies and histamine is released into the bloodstream, causing all those icky symptoms. A-choo! ) The good news: The right lineup of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich, and probiotic-packed whole foods can help temper your body's response to these allergens and help keep sneezes at bay. Here are the ultimate eats to quash symptoms so your spring won't (literally) blow. Coconut milk yogurt Probiotics, the good gut bacteria you've been hearing so much about, don't just make your digestive system happy, they can also crush allergic reactions. A study in the journal Clinical and Experimental Allergy found that allergy sufferers who downed a probiotic drink had significantly lower levels of the antibodies that trigger allergy symptoms. "Probiotics are like a wise friend, helping our bodies to figure out when we should be upset-or release these antibodies-and when we might be better served to calm down," Gordon said. .   But before you start downing probiotic-packed yogurt, kefir, or fermented veggies like sauerkraut, consider this: In some individuals, certain proteins in dairy as well as the natural histamines present in fermented foods may actually exacerbate allergy symptoms-so it may take a little trial and error to see which camp you fall into. Not up for that kind of experimentation? You can always opt for a supplement (just be sure to talk to your doctor before starting a new supplement). Apples Apples are rich in quercetin, a bioflavonoid also found in onions, garlic, cabbage, berries, and cauliflower that helps prevent your body's immune cells from releasing histamine. Putting the brakes on histamine lessens your symptoms, said Jonathan Psenka, ND, a naturopathic physician practicing in Phoenix.  What's more, another study found that pregnant women who ate apples and fish during pregnancy reduced the risk of their children developing both asthma and allergies. Strawberries The vitamin C in strawberries is not only an immune system booster, it helps put the kibosh on histamine, a neurotransmitter that causes your runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing fits. One study found that vitamin C supplementation decreased histamine levels by 38 percent, while other studies have shown that vitamin C deficiency can send blood levels of histamine soaring. "We all make the enzyme diamine oxidase [DAO] to keep the histamine levels at a tolerable level," Gordon said. "Taking extra vitamin C, vitamin B6, zinc, and copper can all help with DAO synthesis.  Turmeric The Indian spice has long been hailed for its anti-inflammatory properties, and research has found that curcumin, the active component in turmeric, can block the release of histamine to prevent allergy symptoms from developing. "Curcumin has shown a powerful ability to inhibit all sorts of inflammation," Psenka said. "The higher your inflammation, the higher your potential for allergies. Add turmeric to your morning scramble, smoothies, soups, and nut milk. Pumpkin seeds These are loaded with magnesium (just 1/4 'cup' of pumpkin seeds provides half of the daily requirement)-a mineral that relaxes muscles and helps open up airwaves so you can breathe easier. Animal studies have shown that magnesium deficiency can boost histamine levels. Other magnesium superstars include almonds, sunflower seeds, oatmeal, broccoli, leafy greens, and dark chocolate. Wild Alaskan salmon Eating salmon is one of the best ways to amp up your intake of omega-3 fatty acids, which can dial down the allergic response by keeping inflammation at bay. One German study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a high content of omega-3 fatty acids in red blood cells or in the diet was associated with a decreased risk of hay fever. Another study found that children from the Greek island of Crete who ate a Mediterranean diet (high in fish!) were less likely to develop allergy and asthma symptoms. Omega-3s are also linked to stronger hearts, boosted moods, and better memory.  More whole foods, less processed You know you're better off eating whole, fresh foods than processed or fast foods. The latter are high in omega-6 fatty acids, pro-inflammatory fat that research has linked to allergies. "Someone who eats processed foods can have too many omega-6s, which increase the general level of inflammation in his body, putting him at higher risk of allergy symptoms," warned Gordon. Sticking with antioxidant-rich whole foods also means less refined carbohydrates and sugars, which can increase levels of inflammatory messengers called cytokines. 

THAT CUP OF JAVA MAY BE A BETTER FRIEND THAN WE KNEW

Think fast! Caffeine speeds up older adults' reaction time By Sara G. Miller Published April 07, 2016.

Coffee has been linked to a slew of health benefits, and now, a new study suggests that it may improve reaction time in older adults. In the study, presented today (April 5) here at the Cognitive Neuroscience Society's annual meeting, researchers set out to examine the effects of caffeine on a number of cognitive abilities in healthy, older adults. Ultimately, their goal is to see what role caffeine may play in treating dementia, said Kanchan Sharma, a neurology researcher at the University of Bristol in England and the lead researcher on the new study. [ 10 Interesting Facts About Caffeine ] Currently, some treatments for dementia work by boosting attention, Sharma told Live Science. Caffeine is also thought to boost attention, but interestingly, this hasn't been proven in research, he said. To study the effects of caffeine on attention , Sharma and his colleagues tested 38 healthy adults who ranged in age from 55 to 91, Sharma said. The participants first took a series of tests that measured different aspects of attention. Then, the participants were asked to stop drinking caffeine for one week. After one week, one group was given 100 milligrams (1 'cup') of caffeinated coffee , and the other group was given decaffeinated coffee, and they were asked to perform the tests again. The next day, the drinks were switched. This way, the participants could serve as their own controls, Sharma said. The researchers found that drinking the caffeinated coffee improved the participants' average reaction time. They also found that the caffeine improved participants' accuracy on a test called the "Stroop test," which measures skills such as planning and focusing. In the Stroop test, participants are shown the name of a color, but the name is written in a different color. For example, the word "blue" may be written in red text. The participants are then asked to identify either the name of the color, or the color of the text. Drinking caffeine had no effect, however, on the participants' motor speed, or how quickly they could press a button when prompted. Sharma noted that the improvements the researchers observed in the study were small. However, in people with cognitive impairment, caffeine could have a much greater effect because their baseline would be lower, Sharma said. In future studies, Sharma plans to look at the effects of caffeine on people who have cognitive impairments , such as dementia, he said. 

WANT TO FEEL AND LOOK YOUR BEST FOR SPRING

10 grooming tips to help you start spring off right By Stephen J. Praetorius Published April 07, 2016. 

Spring is awesome, isn't it? Especially after the frigid weather we've only just escaped from, there's no beating the feeling of warm April sun on your mug, coupled with the knowledge that it's only bound to get better from here on out. But before you go ahead and dive headlong into the season, you're going to need to reassess a few things- particularly when it comes to grooming..  You see, now that the climate's on the upswing, the same routine that got you through the depths of winter simply isn't going to cut it. Which makes sense, if you think about it: A different set of conditions will naturally call for a different set of steps to keep you looking your best. That's where we come in, with a handful of hair and skin care tips to ensure you get a fresh start heading into spring. You can thank us later. 1. Lighten Up Your Moisturizer. Winter is indeed a trying time, so it makes sense that you've been using a thick, rich moisturizer to keep your skin looking its best. But as the mercury begins to rise, that same lotion is all of a sudden going to start feeling way too heavy, and fast. So before you get to that point, swap it out for something a little lighter.  It'll also help control oil, which definitely won't hurt as we get closer to summer. 2. Never Forget SPF. Now, I'm sure you love the sun- but don't forget what it's capable of. Left unchecked, UV rays will burn in the short term and leave you looking older, sooner in the long term. That's why it's important, especially as the days grow longer, to always apply some level of broad spectrum SPF on the daily.  3. Exfoliate Like It's Your Job. Chances are that no matter how hard you tried, winter's left your skin a bit worse for wear. A dry patch here, a callus there; whatever, it happens to everyone. Give yourself a clean slate for the season by wiping it all away with a solid exfoliator.  4. Turn Up Your Sweat Protection. Honestly, this one couldn't be more obvious. With the weather getting warmer each and every day, so too increases the likelihood that you're going to sweat through your shirt. Likewise, don't wait until it's too late to invest in better full-body perspiration protection . You never know when you're going to need it.  5. Trim Away Winter. The same way that winter's been harsh on your skin, it's also probably done a number on your hair- that goes double if your locks fall on the longer end of the spectrum. Which is why it's not a bad idea to refresh your look as spring rolls around, snipping off burnt-out bits and split ends. Another benefit: A shorter 'do won't get nearly as sweaty. 6. Swap Out Moisture-Rich Washes. So you took our advice and started using "nourishing" conditioners during the cold months, eh? Happy to hear it. But while these moisture-intensive options may have kept things status quo in the winter, they may very well be overkill as we head into spring as the humidity increases. Likewise, tag them out for their "clarifying” counterparts. .  7. The Same Goes For Conditioners. Keywords you should be looking for when picking out a conditioner for spring: weightless, light, clean.  8. Turn Up the Heat. As the humidity continues to rise, keep in mind the best way to get movie star-quality hair is with heat. Besides making it easier to to apply product, hot air by way of hair-dryer will help to tamp down frizz.  9. Pick Up a Rain-Resistant Pomade. With all this talk of better weather, it's easy to forget that spring isn't all sunny days. In fact, there's probably a good bit of rain ahead. So, to keep from your style getting cramped every time you get trapped in a deluge, go ahead and give something like Triumph and Disaster's Coltrane Clay a shot. Made with Brazil wax, it's the waterproofing your look needs to make it through April showers. 10. Invest in a New Scent. , Your cologne should change depending on the season, becoming increasingly more refreshing as the days get longer. Not