| Can Exposure to the Sun Actually Be Good for You? |
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By John Carlson, PA-C
We’ve all heard about the potential harm the sun can cause, but what about the benefits? Can sunshine actually improve your health? How do you balance good exposure to the sun and avoid overexposure? Our patients often ask us these questions. Below are some guidelines for safe sunning!
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Sunshine is GOOD for you!
Humans need Sun exposure since it is our primary source of vitamin D. Vitamin D helps us absorb calcium. We don’t need much time in the Sun to get the vitamin D we need. Healthy sun exposure can contribute to losing weight and reducing depression. The sun stimulates a hormone in your body called HSH, which regulates your metabolism. And the Vitamin D we mentioned is also a necessary hormone that helps fight depression and regulates melatonin levels. As an added benefit, sunshine can also reduce our resting heart rate and destroys fungus and candida (the overgrowth of yeast in our bodies).
Learn More About the Good and Bad Qualities of the Sun . . .
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Heat-Induced Illness Easy to Get
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By Thomas Williamson, MD
Summer is time for beach vacations, long days on the lake, bike rides, hikes – you name it. Summer is time for outdoor activity and lots of fun. But Summer also results in the highest incidence of dehydration, heat stroke and heat exhaustion. All of these conditions are easy to prevent, but are sometimes hard to spot when symptoms first appear.
So let’s get a good understanding of what each of the heat-induced illnesses are, and how to treat and prevent them. |
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Here for Learning About Heat Related Illness . . . |
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Does Your Child Need A Sports Physical? |
By Donna Groover, MD
If he or she wants to play school sports, Yes! Here’s why . . .
The rate of overweight children and teens has nearly tripled in the last 20 years, but typically, children who play organized sports do not fall in this category. However, kids can run the risk of health problems and injury if not examined by their doctor, at least on a yearly basis. In fact, the state of Georgia understands the potential health risks for teens playing sports and requires a preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE) before students engage in practice or competitive play.
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A sports physical differs from a yearly exam in that the PPE is more specific about athletic issues. Rather than disqualifying a teen from playing sports, the PPE’s objective is to ensure safe participation. Students may not be aware of high blood pressure, a heart murmur, or anemia. If a risk is determined during the sports physicals, a physician may recommend a follow up exam in a few weeks, so it is important to schedule your PPE well in advance of the season, preferably at least 6 weeks.
Learn More about Why your Child Needs a Sports Physical . . . |
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