Health Direct - Summer 2019 - 4

HEALTHYHAPPENINGS

Do's and Don'ts:

Sunscreen
Warm, sunny days are perfect for
trips to the beach, outdoor barbecues and afternoon baseball
games. But all of this fun in the
sun leaves you exposed to intense
ultraviolet rays. Follow these tips
to get the most protection from
your sunscreen:
Do choose a sunscreen with
an SPF of at least 15. If you have
fair skin, opt for a product with
SPF 30 to 50.
Don't use sunscreen that has
passed its expiration date or is
more than 3 years old.
Do choose a broad-spectrum
sunscreen, which protects
against two types of ultraviolet
radiation: UVA and UVB.
Don't wait until you're at the
park or pool to apply sunscreen.
It works best if you apply it 30
minutes before you go outside.
Do reapply sunscreen every two
hours, and after you've been
swimming or sweating.
Don't leave your sunscreen out in
the sun. To keep it in good condition, place the container in the
shade or keep it covered.

WAYS to Live
with Heart Failure

Getting a heart failure diagnosis can be scary: It might sound like your heart has
stopped working properly, but it really means your heart isn't pumping blood
as well as it should be. Many people with the condition manage their symptoms
and lead normal lives-and you can, too. Here's how to increase your chances
for success:
1. Track key numbers. Your weight, blood pressure and heart rate can all play
a role in your heart function. Monitor these numbers daily and talk to your
doctor about any worrisome fluctuations.
2. Watch for symptoms of depression or anxiety, which can strike up to
50 percent of people with congestive heart failure, making it difficult to
adhere to treatment plans and decreasing quality of life.

DON'T GET BURNED

4. Take your medication. It can help minimize symptoms, including reducing
swelling and shortness of breath, and boost energy.
5. Monitor fluid intake. People with heart failure often retain extra fluid, so talk
to your doctor about how much liquid you should be drinking.

HELPFUL RESOURCES
Learn more about how to be proactive after a heart failure
diagnosis. Visit cardiosmart.org/heartfailure.

DISCOVER more tips on how to live well by visiting heart.org and clicking "Healthy Living."

PHOTOS BY GETTY IMAGES

Want to know how your sunscreen ranks in safety? Read
the Environmental Working
Group's sunscreen guide
at ewg.org/sunscreen
for information on
the best-scoring
products.

3. Get vaccinated against the flu and pneumonia, illnesses that can place
extra stress on your heart.

http://www.ewg.org/sunscreen http://www.cardiosmart.org/heartfailure http://www.heart.org

Health Direct - Summer 2019

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Health Direct - Summer 2019