MedWest Wellness
May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month.
“Protect the Skin You’re In” by applying a sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection that has an SPF of at least 15. UVA rays are associated with aging. These rays are present year-round and penetrate clouds - so use sunscreen even on cloudy days. UVB rays are associated with “burning”. A sunscreen’s SPF system rates protection against these rays. Apply sunscreen liberally and reapply it every 2 hours and after perspiring or swimming. Sunscreens don’t last forever so check the expiration dates! Some clothing [NOT including white t-shirts], hats, and sunglasses provide protection as well as umbrellas, trees, and other forms of shade. Avoid the peak sun hours between 10am and 2pm.
Free skin screenings will take place at Medwest’s Flourish 2012! May 19th at Harrah’s Casino.
May is also National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month.
After age 40, our bone density decreases by about 1% each year; for menopausal women that rate is 2-3% each year. Because of this, osteoporosis is often considered a “woman’s disease” but the truth is that 1 in 4 men over the age of 50 will have a broken bone due to osteoporosis. Broken bones are common, and fixable, among children but when they occur among older adults because of osteoporosis, they can be a primary cause of disability and even death. Consume at least 1000 mg of calcium/day [1500 mg for post-menopausal women], exercise regularly, limit caffeine, alcohol, and sodium intake, and avoid tobacco.
Free bone density screenings will take place at Medwest’s Flourish 2012! May 19th at Harrah’s Casino.
May is also National High Blood Pressure Education Month.
High blood pressure damages blood vessels and vital organs such as the heart, brain, and kidney and can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease. Pre-hypertension is having a blood pressure between 120/80 and 140/90. If left untreated, pre-hypertension will lead to hypertension, or high blood pressure. Oftentimes, people have high blood pressure or “pre-hypertension” and not ever know it so it’s important to have your blood pressure checked regularly as well as live a heart healthy lifestyle of regular exercise, 5-7+ servings of fruits and vegetables daily, limited sodium and alcohol consumption, and one that is free from tobacco.
Free blood pressure screenings will take place at Medwest’s Flourish 2012! May 19th at Harrah’s Casino.
May is also Employee Health & Fitness Month and National Senior Health & Fitness Day on the 30th.
Did you know that physical activity improves concentration, creativity, performance, self-image, sense of well-being, sleep, and libido; reduces stress, anxiety, and frustration; strengthens bones and muscles – including your heart, lungs, and brain; reduces your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, osteoporosis, back pain, being overweight or obese, and certain cancers? Commit to moving your body each day in May for at least 15 minutes and see how exercise doesn’t take time out of your life… but puts life into your time! [quote by Linda Maxwell]
Find free fitness screenings and info at Medwest’s Flourish 2012! May 19th at Harrah’s Casino.
If you would like to check out the MedWest Health and Fitness Center click here.
MedWest Wellness is a proud supporter of the Jackson County Get Fit Challenge