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Sticky Snacks Spell Trouble

Dental & Mouth Concerns

Sticky, chewy foods-like cough drops, hard candies, and sugary pastries-cling to the surface of your teeth, where they mix with bacteria in the mouth and produce acids that gradually wear away tooth enamel. Granola bars, many dried fruits, and foods or cereals sweetened with honey, corn syrup, or molasses are particularly troublesome. But starchy foods like bread, crackers, potato chips, or pretzels-which are turned into sugar by saliva-can also be a problem. To minimize this difficulty:

* If you eat fruit and other foods high in sugars, eat them with meals. Finish a meal with foods that help buffer acid formation.

* Don’t eat sweets, fruit, or starchy foods before bedtime. Saliva production slows down overnight, enabling cavity-causing bacteria to feed on food particles more easily. Brushing your teeth doesn’t effectively prevent the problem.

* Avoid sugar-sweetened gum and beverages. Chew a sugar-free gum instead, especially one with the artificial sweetener xylitol.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Sexually Transmitted Infections (Sti)

Sexual Health

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are also called STDs. They are infections that pass from one person to another through sexual contact. STIs can be present without any symptoms.

Latex and polyurethane condoms reduce the spread of HIV and other STIs. They do not get rid of the risk entirely. Use a condom correctly and every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Do this unless you have sex with only one partner and neither of you has an STI.

Barriers made of natural membranes, such as lamb skin, do not give good protection against STIs. Buy condoms that state, “Protect against disease” on the package label. Also, do not use a male condom and a female condom at the same time.

Oil-based or petroleum lubricants can damage latex condoms. If a lubricant is used for sex, use a water-based one, such as K-Y Brand products.

If you are sexually active, talk to your doctor about screening tests for STIs.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Sprains, Strains & Sports Injuries

First Aid

Signs & Symptoms

For Sprains

A sprain happens when you overstretch or tear a ligament. (This is fibrous tissue that connects bones.) A joint is affected, but there is no dislocation or fracture. Symptoms are rapid pain, swelling, bruising, and a warm feeling at the injured site.

For Strains

A strain is an injury to the muscles or tendons. (These are tissues that connect muscles to bones.) Symptoms are pain, tenderness, swelling, and bruising.

For Sports Injuries

Sports injury symptoms depend on the injury. They include pain, tenderness, swelling, and bruising. Bones may be broken or dislocated.

Causes

Sprains occur from an accident, injury, fall, etc. A strain occurs when you overstretch or overexert a muscle or tendon (not a ligament). This is usually due to overuse and injuries, such as sports injuries.

Treatment

Treatment for sprains, strains, and sports injuries depends on the injury and on the extent of damage. Self-care may be all that is needed for mild injuries. Sports injuries and sprains may need medical treatment. Some sprains need a cast. Others may need surgery if the tissue affected is torn.

Broken bones (other than broken toes) need medical care right away.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / First Aid

* If the injury is not serious, stop what you are doing and use R.I.C.E.

* If you sprained a finger or hand, remove rings. (If you don’t and your fingers swell up, the rings may have to be cut off.)

* Take an over-the-counter medicine for pain, if needed. {Note: Many sports medicine providers do not recommend aspirin-like medicine at first, because it can make bleeding and bruising worse.}

* Try liniments and balms. These give a cooling or warming sensation by masking the pain. They do not promote healing.

* Once the injury begins to heal, use M.S.A.:

– Movement. Work toward a full range of motion as soon as possible. This will help maintain flexibility during healing and prevent any scar tissue from limiting future performance.

– Strength. Gradually strengthen the injured area once the swelling is controlled and a range of motion is back.

– Alternative Activities. Do regular exercises that do not strain the injured part. Start this a few days after the injury, even though the injured part is still healing.

To Prevent Serious Injuries (especially during contact sports)

* Wear the right protective gear and clothing for the sport (e.g., a helmet; shoulder, knee, and wrist pads; a mouth guard, etc.).

* Train in the sport so you learn how to avoid injury. “Weekend athletes” are prone to injury. Follow the rules that apply to the sport.

General Prevention

* Ease into any exercise program. Build up gradually.

* Avoid running on hard surfaces like asphalt and concrete. Run on flat surfaces. Running uphill puts added stress on the achilles tendon.

* Don’t lock your knees. When you jump, land with your knees bent.

* Wear shoes and socks that fit well. The widest area of your foot should match the widest area of the shoe. You should be able to wiggle your toes with the shoe on when you sit and when you stand. Wear shoes that provide shock absorption and stability.

* Stop if you feel pain. Don’t do the activity until you can do it without pain.

* Cool down after exercise. Do the activity at a slower pace for 5 minutes.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Splinters

Skin Conditions

Signs & Symptoms

* An opening near the skin where the splinter entered.

* Pain may not be felt and the splinter may or may not be visible.

* Bleeding, swelling, and/or pain at the wound area, especially for splinters stuck deep under the skin.

Causes

Splinters are pieces of wood, glass, metal, or other matter that lodge under the skin.

Treatment

Remove splinters so they don’t cause an infection. Self-care takes care of most splinters. A doctor may need to remove a splinter if it is not visible, if it is deep in the skin, or if it is in a person with diabetes.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

To Prevent Getting Splinters

* Wear shoes out-of-doors at all times and whenever you walk on unfinished floors.

* Sand, varnish, and/or paint handrails to keep from getting splinters in the hands.

* Clean up all broken glass and metal shavings around the house. Be careful when you handle broken glass.

* Wear hard-soled shoes when glass has been broken.

* Wear work gloves when you handle plants with thorns, sharp tips, or spines.

To Remove a Splinter

* Wash your hands, but don’t let the area around a wooden splinter get wet. A wooden splinter that gets wet will swell. This will make it harder to remove.

* Sterilize tweezers. Place the tips in a flame. Wipe off the blackness on the tips with sterile gauze if you use a lit match for the flame.

* Use the tweezers to gently pull the part of the splinter that sticks out through the skin. It should slide right out. If necessary, use a magnifying glass to help you see close up.

* If the splinter is buried under the skin, sterilize a needle and gently slit the skin over one end of the splinter. Then, use the needle to lift that end and pull the splinter out with the tweezers.

– Check to see that all of the splinter has been removed. If not, repeat the above step.

– If you still can’t get the splinter out, soak the skin around the splinter in a solution made with 1 tablespoon of baking soda mixed in 1 cup of warm water. Do this 2 times a day. After a few days, the splinter may work its way out.

– Once the splinter is removed, clean the wound by washing it with soap and water. Blot it dry with a clean cloth or sterile gauze pad. Apply a sterile bandage.

– To remove a large number of close-to-the- surface splinters, such as cactus spines, apply a layer of hair removing wax or white glue, such as Elmer’s, to the skin. Let it dry for 5 minutes. Gently peel it off by lifting the edges of the dried wax, gel, or glue with tweezers. The splinter(s) should come up with it.

– Contact your doctor if you still have the splinter(s) after using self-care measures. Also, see that your tetanus immunizations are up-to-date.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Sore Throat & Tonsillitis

Children’s Health

Tonsillitis is when the tonsils are swollen mostly due to infection. This can be viral or bacterial. Take your child to the doctor if he or she has a bad sore throat. Some sore throats that aren’t treated can lead to other problems like abscesses, kidney problems, or rheumatic heart disease. The doctor may take a throat culture to find out what is wrong. The doctor may give your child antibiotics if the sore throat is from strep or some other bacteria.

Signs, Symptoms & Causes

There are 2 kinds of sore throats:

* Bacterial sore throats usually cause a high fever, headaches, or swollen neck glands. But sometimes children with bacterial sore throats have no other problems. Strep throat is one kind of bacterial sore throat. Antibiotics can help cure a bacterial sore throat.

* Viral sore throats are more common. They may or may not cause the same problems as a bacterial sore throat. You can’t cure a viral sore throat with antibiotics.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care

Try these tips for your child’s sore throat pain:

* Have your child gargle with 1/4 teaspoon of salt in 1/2 cup of warm water. Do this every few hours. Only do this with children over 6 years old.

* Give your child warm drinks like tea and soup. The tea can be plain or with honey. (Don’t give honey to a baby under 1 year old.)

* For strep throat, give cold foods and liquids, like popsicles and frozen yogurt.

* Keep your child away from secondhand smoke.

* Use a cool-mist vaporizer in the room where your child spends most of the time. Clean it every day. Use distilled (not tap) water.

* Feed your child foods that are soft and/or cold. The food should be easy to swallow. Don’t give your child spicy foods.

* Have your child suck on a piece of hard candy or a cough drop if he or she is 5 or more years old. You can give corn syrup to a younger child.

* For pain and fever give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Make sure to give the right kind and dose for his or her weight. (Note: Do not give aspirin. Aspirin and other medicines that have salicylates have been linked to Reye’s Syndrome.)

* Don’t use throat sprays. Some throat sprays have benzocaine. Benzocaine bothers some children.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Sore Throats

Ear, Nose & Throat Conditions

Signs & Symptoms

* Dry, irritated throat.

* Soreness or pain in the throat, especially when you talk or swallow. Swollen neck glands.

* The back of the throat and/or the tonsils look bright red or have pus deposits or white spots.

* Enlarged tonsils that feel tender (tonsillitis).

Fatigue, fever, postnasal drip, bad breath, headache, and/or earache can also occur.

Causes

* Smoking

* Dry air

* Postnasal drip

* Cough

* Allergies

* Viruses, such as with a cold or the flu.

* Infection from bacteria, such as strep throat.

Treatment

Self-care treats most sore throats. Your doctor may take a throat culture to see if strep or another type of bacteria is the cause. If so, an antibiotic may be prescribed. Strep throat needs medical care to prevent other health problems. Sore throats caused by viruses do not need an antibiotic.

Questions to Ask

Self-Care / Prevention

* Don’t smoke. Avoid secondhand smoke.

* Gargle every few hours with a solution of 1/4 teaspoon of salt dissolved in 1 cup of warm water. Don’t eat spicy foods.

* Drink plenty of fluids like warm tea. For strep throat, have cold foods and liquids.

* Sit in the bathroom while hot water runs in the shower. Use a cool-mist vaporizer in the room where you spend most of your time.

* Suck on a piece of hard candy or throat lozenge every so often. (Don’t give to children under age 5.) Rest your voice, if this helps.

* Take an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine for pain as directed on the label. Take an OTC decongestant for postnasal drip, if okay with your doctor.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Help For People Who Snore And Twitch

Mature Health: Over Age 50

Does your bed partner snore or toss and turn during the night? Does he or she periodically twitch like a mackerel out of water for no reason at all? Are you faced with two alternatives: Sleeping in the guest room or not sleeping at all?

Older adults-especially men-tend to develop two kinds of sleep disturbances. One is sleep apnea: Breathing stops for short periods of time and is followed by loud snoring. The other is nocturnal myoclonus, or restless legs-frequent jerking motions that sometimes awaken both the jerker and the person who shares the bed.

Sleeping with the head of the bed elevated can make breathing easier and discourage snoring. Since being overweight and drinking alcohol seem to aggravate both sleep apnea and myoclonus, losing excess pounds and avoiding alcohol can help. Sleeping pills, too, can aggravate sleep apnea, so people who have this problem should use other ways to get a good night’s sleep.

You may suffer one or both of these sleep disturbances and not even know it unless your partner complains-and you should take the complaints seriously.

Sleep apnea may seem like nothing more than a nuisance, but it can be life-threatening if left untreated. So if you or your partner has this problem, see a doctor.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
How Smoking, Drinking, & Drugs Affect You & Your Baby

Pregnancy & Prenatal Care

When you smoke, drink, or take drugs, your baby does, too! Smoking, drinking, and/or taking drugs can increase your risk for problems. Your baby is at more risk for problems, too.

Smoking

Pregnant women who smoke have more chances for these problems:

* Vaginal bleeding

* Ectopic pregnancy

* Miscarriage or stillbirth

* Preterm birth

Babies born to pregnant women who smoke have more chances for these problems:

* Low birth weight

* Crib death

* Less able to fight infections, like colds, after being born

* Some may learn more slowly when they go to school

Drinking Alcohol

Pregnant women who drink alcohol have more chances for these problems:

* Miscarriage

* Stillbirth

Babies born to pregnant women who drink alcohol have more chances for these problems:

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) – when the mother drinks a lot. With FAS, the baby is apt to have one or more of these things:

* Low birth weight

* Mental problems (the baby could be retarded)

* Behavior problems

* Learning problems

* Health problems

* Body defects

{Note: No one knows a safe level of alcohol for pregnant women. It is best not to drink at all.}

Taking Drugs

From cocaine (also called “crack”):

* Early miscarriage

* High blood pressure

* Heavy bleeding late in pregnancy

* Sudden death, heart attack, or stroke

* If the mother shares needles with other drug users, she also is at more risk for Hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS.

From heroin and other narcotics:

* Preterm birth

* Stillbirth

* If the mother shares needles with other drug users, she is at more risk for Hepatitis B and HIV/AIDS as well.

From Marijuana – (also called “pot” or “grass”):

* Changes in mood and sense of reality

* Preterm birth

From cocaine (also called “crack”):

* Low birth weight

* Slow growth

* Tend to have smaller than normal heads and brains

* May have brain injury

* Crib death

* Body defects

* Learning problems

* Behavior problems

From heroin and other narcotics:

* Low birth weight

* Slow growth

* Addicted to the drug when born

* Trouble thinking and learning

* Behavior problems

From Marijuana – (also called “pot” or “grass”):

* Low birth weight

* May have behavior problems

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Sleep Disorders & Snoring

General Health Conditions

Not getting enough sleep can cause you to be sleepy during the day. It can make you less able to function. Snoring and sleep disorders can cause these problems, too.

Insomnia

Signs & Symptoms

* Having trouble falling asleep. Waking up in the middle of the night. Waking up too early and not being able to get back to sleep.

* Feeling like you didn’t get enough sleep.

Causes

* Too much caffeine. Drinking alcohol and/or smoking before bedtime.

* Too much noise when falling asleep.

* Emotional stress. Depression. Anxiety. The manic phase of bipolar disorder.

* Fibromyalgia.

* Over active thyroid gland.

* Any condition, illness, injury, or surgery that causes enough pain or discomfort to interrupt sleep. Heart or lung conditions that cause shortness of breath when lying down. Side effects of some medicines, such as over-the-counter diet pills or decongestants.

* Changes in sleep/wake schedules, such as with work shift changes and jet lag.

* In children, nightmares or bed-wetting.

Treatment

* Self-care and prevention tips.

* Treating the problem.

* Prescribed short-acting sleeping pills.

Self-Care / Prevention

* Avoid caffeine for 8 hours before bedtime.

* Avoid long naps during the day.

* Have no more than 1 alcoholic drink with or after dinner.

* Avoid using electronic devices, such as a laptop computer before falling asleep and in the middle of the night. The type of light that emits from these devices makes it hard to fall asleep.

* Avoid nicotine. Don’t smoke. Stay away from secondhand smoke.

* Get regular exercise, but not within a few hours of going to bed.

* Before bedtime, take a warm bath or read a book, etc. Avoid things that hold your attention, such as watching a suspense movie.

* Keep your bedroom quiet, dark, and comfortable.

* Follow a bedtime routine. Lock or check doors and windows, brush your teeth, etc.

* Count sheep! Picture a repeated image. Doing this may bore you to sleep.

* Listen to recordings that help promote sleep.

* Take over-the- counter sleep aids, (e.g., melatonin, Tylenol PM, etc.) as advised by your doctor. Don’t take anyone else’s sleeping pills.

* If you wake up and can’t get back to sleep or can’t fall asleep, after 30 minutes, get out of bed. Read a relaxing book or sit quietly in the dark. In about 20 minutes, go back to bed. Do this as many times as needed.

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS) and Periodic Limb Movements in Sleep (PLMS)

Signs & Symptoms

* Creeping, crawling, pulling and/or painful feelings in one or both legs.

* Jerking or bending leg movements that you can’t control during sleep.

Causes

The cause is not known. These factors play a role:

* Family history of RLS.

* The last months of a pregnancy.

* Chronic diseases, such as kidney failure, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment

* Self-care and prevention tips.

* Prescribed medicines to control symptoms.

* A type of electric nerve stimulation.

Self-Care / Prevention

* Take medications as prescribed. Let your doctor know if the medicine no longer helps.

* For relief, move the legs. Walk, rub, or massage them or do knee bends.

* Limit or avoid caffeine.

* Take a warm bath before bedtime.

Sleep Apnea

Signs & Symptoms

* Loud snoring and snorting sounds while sleeping on the back.

* Repeated periods when breathing stops 10 or more seconds during sleep.

* Waking up many times during the night. Excessive daytime sleepiness.

* Exhaustion. Hard time concentrating. Acting very cranky. Depression or other mental changes.

* Early morning headaches.

Causes

* Too much muscle tissue is in the airway or the tissue relaxes and sags. These things narrow or block the airway. Persons who snore loudly and are overweight are more prone to these problems.

* A physical problem in the nose or upper airway.

Treatment

The goal is to keep the airway open during sleep. This is done with self-care measures and one of these treatments:

* A mouth guard dental device custom made by a dentist. This is worn during sleep. It pushes the lower jaw forward to open the air passage behind the tongue.

* A nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device. Pressure from an air blower forces air through the nasal passages using a mask worn over the nose during sleep.

* Surgery to correct the cause of the airway obstruction.

Self-Care / Prevention

* Lose weight, if you are overweight.

* Don’t drink alcohol. Don’t use tobacco products.

* Don’t take sleeping pills or sedatives.

* Use methods, such as those listed under Self-Care / Prevention – For Snoring to keep from sleeping on your back.

Snoring

Signs & Symptoms

* Loud sounds. Harsh breathing. Snorting sounds. These occur during sleep.

Causes

* Sleeping on the back. The tongue falls back toward the throat and partly closes the airway.

* Nasal congestion from allergies or colds. Smoking. Drinking alcohol. Taking sedatives. Overeating (especially before bedtime).

* Sleep apnea or chronic respiratory disease.

* An obstructed airway. This can be due to enlarged tonsils or being overweight.

* Changes in hormones, such as during menopause or the last month of pregnancy.

Treatment

Self-care treats most cases. Other options are:

* Wearing a dental device that holds the jaw in a forward position.

* Surgery, if needed, to correct the problem.

* Treatment for sleep apnea, if needed.

Self-Care / Prevention

* Sleep on your side. Prop an extra pillow behind your back so you won’t roll over. Sleep on a narrow sofa for a few nights to get used to staying on your side.

* Sew a large marble or tennis ball into a pocket on the back of your pajamas. This can help you stay on your side when you sleep.

* If you must sleep on your back, raise the head of the bed 6 inches on bricks or blocks. Or buy a wedge that is made to be placed between the mattress and box spring to elevate the head section.

* Lose weight, if you are overweight. Excess fatty tissue in the throat can cause snoring. Losing 10% of your body weight will help.

* Don’t smoke. If you do, quit. Limit or don’t have alcohol, sedatives, or a heavy meal within 3 hours of bedtime.

* To relieve nasal congestion, try a decongestant before you go to bed.

* Get rid of allergens in the bedroom. These include dust, down-filled (feathered) pillows, and down-filled bed linen.

* Try over-the-counter “nasal strips.” These keep the nostrils open and lift them up. This helps lessen congestion in nasal passages.

Questions to Ask

How Much Sleep is Needed?

* Adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night.

* Teens need at least 8-1/2 to 9-1/4 hours of sleep each night.

* After 6 months of age, most children sleep between 9 and 12 hours at night. Up to age 5, children may also take daytime naps for a total of 1/2 to 2 hours a day.

Resources

National Center on Sleep Disorders Research (NCSDR)

301.435.0199

www.nhlbi.nih.gov/about/ncsdr

National Sleep Foundation

703.243.1697

www.sleepfoundation.org

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026
Skin Safety

Skin Conditions

The skin is your body’s largest organ. It protects your internal organs from environmental irritants, infections, and ultraviolet light; all of which can be harmful. Take good care of your skin so it can do its job. Keep your skin clean and protect it from injury.

Tattoo and Body Piercing Safety

You may already have one or more tattoos and/or area(s) of your body pierced. You may be thinking about getting one of these procedures done as a way to fit in and look like others; as a way to express your individuality; and/or to get noticed. Before you get a tattoo or a part of your body pierced, consider the following:

* In many states, the law does not allow minors to get tattoos. Find out about this in your state.

* Unsterile tattooing equipment and needles can transmit serious infectious diseases, such as tetanus, hepatitis B, and HIV. Never do one of these procedures on yourself or have anyone else do it that is not certified by the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) or the Alliance of Professional Tattooists (APT). Certified members are trained in strict safety and health requirements. Because of the high risk of infection, you cannot donate blood for one year after getting a tattoo.

* Tattoos and body piercings also carry the risk of less serious local infections. You will need to follow proper care procedures for weeks or months after the procedure to reduce the risk of getting an infection. You may also get large growths of scar tissues called keloids.

* Tattoos are not easily removed and in some cases may cause permanent discoloration. Keep a record of the dyes used in the tattoo you get. This includes the lot number of each pigment. If you choose to get a tattoo removed in the future, this information will be helpful. Think carefully before getting a tattoo and consider the possibility of an allergic reaction. Know that it is expensive, too, to get a tattoo removed. Don’t get a tattoo or body piercing done on an impulse. Wait at least 24 hours.

* Visit several tattoo parlors to see whether the tattooist follows recommended safety guidelines and sterilization techniques, such as using a heat sterilization machine regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

* For body piercing, to avoid allergic reactions and infections, jewelry made from non- corrosive, non-toxic metals should be used. Examples are solid 14K gold (not gold-plated), niobium, surgical stainless steel, and titanium.

* After the procedure, follow the skin care guidelines provided by your skin piercer or tattooist. Care of the site will depend on its location and/or the procedure you had done.

* According to the APT guidelines, these practices should be followed:

– The tattooist should have an autoclave (a heat sterilization machine regulated by the FDA) on the premises.

– Consent forms (which the customer must sign) should be handed out before tattooing.

– Immediately before tattooing, the tattooist should wash and dry his or her hands thoroughly and put on medical latex gloves, which should be worn at all times during application of the tattoo.

– Needle bars and tubes should be autoclaved after each customer. Non-autoclavable surfaces, such as pigment bottles, drawer pulls, chairs, tables, sinks, and the immediate floor area, should be cleaned with a disinfectant, such as a bleach solution.

– Used absorbent tissues should be placed in a special puncture-resistant, leak-proof container for disposal.

Protect Your Skin From Sun Damage

Do you look forward to semester breaks so you can relax in the sun and get a tan? Many students do. A suntan looks good, but it is a sign that your skin is trying to protect itself from damage. Be especially careful not to get sunburned. In fact, you should never get sunburned! It can lead to premature aging, wrinkling of the skin, and skin cancer. (Be extra cautious if you have a family history of skin cancer.) Even if you are not concerned about these problems now, the pain and blisters that come with a severe sunburn can make spring break unbearable.

The risk for sunburn is increased for persons with fair skin, blue eyes, red or blond hair, and for persons taking some medicines. These include birth control pills; some antibiotics, such as tetracycline and sulfa drugs; and Benadryl, an over-the-counter antihistamine.

To Prevent Sunburn

* Avoid exposure to the midday sun (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. standard time or 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daylight saving time).

* Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 to 30 or more when exposed to the sun. The lighter your skin, the higher the SPF number should be. Apply the sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before you go out in the sun. Use about 2 tablespoons to adequately cover all exposed body parts. Reapply sunscreen every 60 to 90 minutes, even if the sunscreen is water-resistant.

* Along with sunscreen, use moisturizers, makeup, lip balm, etc. that contain sunscreen. Use water- based ones if you have acne.

* Wear a wide-brimmed hat and long sleeves.

* Wear clothing with sunscreen protection or muted colors, such as tan. Bright colors and white reflect the sun onto the face.

* Wear sunglasses that absorb at least 90% of both UVA and UVB rays.

© American Institute for Preventive Medicine

January 23, 2026