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The 4th of July is a great holiday, full of fun and get-togethers with family and friends. Many times the 4th of July involves swimming and trips to a pool or swimming area. It’s wise to plan ahead as well as take a few precautions so that the day is not only fun but also safe.
Water Safety
Because almost everyone heads out to the lake or beach for 4th of July, it is important that you and your Family are kept as safe as possible while playing in the water or out in the water with your jet ski or boat. Here are some water safety tips for 2013 Independence Day:

  • Make sure the children – and even adults – always have a life jacket on when in the water or on a motorized water vehicle (boat, jet ski, etc.)
  • Never let your children swim alone. An adult should always be present and paying attention.
  • Always step “Feet First”* into shallow water and never try to dive.
  • Alcohol, fireworks and Fourth of July do not mix well. Drink responsibly and make sure to have a designated driver available.
  • Review safe boating practices.
  • Always have a phone handy should an emergency arise.
  • Know your limits when it comes to water.

*Water Safety promotion offered by ArmyMWR.com. Be sure to check it out for more safety tips related to water.
Sun Safety

  • Try to limit your exposure to the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Always wear sunscreen with at least a 15 SPF, although higher is recommended, and should be reapplied often.
  • Make sure to stay hydrated and watch for signs of heat stroke – rapid, weak pulse, fast, slow breathing, and hot, red skin.

If you follow all of these tips, you will have a much more enjoyable Independence Day celebration with your family.
 

As summer is soon approaching, and we are out in the sun more and more, we want to educate patients on sun-safe behaviors and the selection and use of sunscreen for maximum protection.
 
Here are three important points to remember when shopping for and using sunscreen this summer.
1. Make sure your sunscreen is labeled “BROAD SPECTRUM” meaning it protects against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Both UVA and UVB radiation contribute to the sun’s damaging effects, which include sunburn, skin cancer, and premature skin aging.  The best sunscreen offers protection from ALL UV light.
2. Choose an SPF or 15 or higher — only broad spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher can state that they reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging (when used as directed).
3. Use sunscreen early and often. Apply a good sunscreen liberally, and reapply after swimming or excessive sweating. There is no such thing as “waterproof” sunscreen. That term is no longer allowed on labels. Any claims of water resistance must indicate whether the sunscreen remains effective for 40 minutes or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating, based on standard testing.
But wait, there’s more! While knowing how to select and use the proper sunscreen is an important part of protecting your skin from the sun, these additional sun safety measures should be part of your routine this summer.

  • Avoid sun burns, intentional tanning, and use of tanning beds
  • Wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses
  • Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM
  • Use extra caution near water, snow and sand
  • Get vitamin D safely through food and supplements.

Enjoy your summer, but don’t let it damage or prematurely age your beautiful skin!
This information is brought to you courtesy of Dr. Bishara and The Paragon Plastic Surgery & Med Spa staff.
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Sun safety is never out of season. Summer’s arrival means it’s time for picnics, trips to the pool and beach—and a spike in the number of sunburns. But winter skiers and fall hikers should be as wary of the sun’s rays as swimmers. People who work outdoors need to take precautions, too.  Dr. Mark Bishara- with offices in Mansfield, Southlake and Dallas- focuses on educating patients about skin protection and wants to help patients restore or achieve their ideal appearance.

The need for sun safety has become clearer over the past 30 years. Studies show that exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer. Harmful rays from the sun—and from sunlamps and tanning beds—may also cause eye problems, weaken your immune system, and give you skin spots, wrinkles, and “leathery” skin.
Sun damage to the body is caused by invisible ultraviolet (UV) radiation. People recognize sunburn as a type of skin damage caused by the sun. Tanning is also a sign of the skin reacting to potentially damaging UV radiation by producing additional pigmentation that provides it with some—but often not enough—protection against sunburn.
Whatever our skin color, we’re all potentially susceptible to sunburn and other harmful effects of exposure to UV radiation. Although we all need to take precautions to protect our skin, people who need to be especially careful in the sun are those who have:

  • pale skin
  • blond, red, or light brown hair
  • been treated for skin cancer
  • a family member who’s had skin cancer

If you take medicines, ask your health care professional about sun-care precautions; some medications may increase sun sensitivity.

Reduce Time in the Sun

It’s important to limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest. Even on an overcast day, up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can get through the clouds. Stay in the shade as much as possible throughout the day.

Dress with Care

Wear clothes that protect your body. If you plan on being outside on a sunny day, cover as much of your body as possible. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves, and pants. Sun-protective clothing is now available. However, FDA only regulates such products if the manufacturer intends to make a medical claim. Consider using an umbrella for shade.

Be Srious About Sunscreen

Check product labels to make sure you get the following:

  • a “sun protection factor” (SPF) of 15 or more. SPF represents the degree to which a sunscreen can protect the skin from sunburn.
  • “broad spectrum” protection—sunscreen that protects against all types of skin damage caused by sunlight
  • water resistance—sunscreen that stays on your skin longer, even if it gets wet. Reapply water-resistant sunscreens as instructed on the label

Tips for Applying Sunscreen:

  • Apply the recommended amount evenly to all uncovered skin, especially your lips, nose, ears, neck, hands, and feet.
  • Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going out in the sun.
  • If you don’t have much hair, apply sunscreen to the top of your head, or wear a hat.
  • Reapply at least every two hours.
  • Give babies and children extra care in the sun. Ask a health care professional before applying sunscreen to children under 6 months old.
  • Apply sunscreen to children older than 6 months every time they go out.

Protect the Eyes

Sunlight reflecting off snow, sand, or water further increases exposure to UV radiation and increases your risk of developing eye problems.
Tips for eye-related sun safety include:

  • When buying sunglasses, look for a label that specifically offers 99 to 100 percent UV protection.
  • Eyewear should be labeled “sunglasses.” Otherwise, you can’t be sure they will offer enough protection.
  • Pricier sunglasses don’t ensure greater UV protection.
  • Ask an eye care professional to test your sunglasses if you don’t know their level of UV protection.
  • People who wear contact lenses that offer UV protection should still wear sunglasses.
  • Wraparound sunglasses offer the most protection.
  • Children should wear real sunglasses (not toy sunglasses!) that indicate the UV protection level.
At the office of Dr. Bishara and The Paragon Med Spa we want to help you take care of your skin and rejuvinate it as needed. Most people already have some sort of sun damage for improper sun protection.  Please contact our office to ask about our Skinceutical skin care line and sunscreens, as well as our Paragon Med Spa services.  We offer many treatments that can help you rejuvinate your skin.  Call (817) 473-2120 for more information on click on the button below.
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