As the summertime sunshine draws us outdoors, it is important to remember that summer is the time when the sun is the strongest and can be the most damaging. Exposure to the sun damages skin and there is a cumulative effect over your lifetime. The

• Stay out of the sun when it is the most intense, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Wear tightly woven fabrics and a large-brimmed hat to protect your head, face, ears and neck.
• Buy a broad-spectrum protection suncreen. Dermatologists recommend at least an SPF 15. Apply sunscreen frequently and liberally and reapply every two hours. Use sunscreen even on cloudy days.
• Babies less than six months are too young

for sunscreen; keep them out of the sun entirely.
• Be aware that reflective surfaces, sand, concrete and water can reflect up to 85% of suns damaging UV rays.
• Lips are vulnerable to skin cancer too, so look for lip protection with SPF 15 or greater.
• Avoid tanning salons and sun lamps. The ultraviolet rays emitted by these artificial sources are similar to those in sunlight and can cause premature aging of the skin and can also increase the risk of skin cancer.
• Examine your skin head to toe at least once every three months for any changes in moles, freckles or skin discolorations. At any sign of a change or appearance of a new lesion, see your dermatologist immediately.

• 1. Don't buy tempting food. If you are buying for a special occasion, buy only enough to serve.
• 2.  Serve one portion of the tempting food, and then freeze the rest. 
• 3.  Drink a large glass of water when

you feel a craving. Water will make you feel full.
• 4.  Use a small plate when eating a buffet meal.
• 5.  Store cut up fruits and vegetables in a bag or container for quick access.
  
  
  
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• 6.  Serve food from the stove in appropriate portion sizes.
• 7.  Keep serving dishes away from the 

table so you're less likely to have seconds.
• 8.  Clean up right away; soak cooking utensils while you eat so you won't be tempted to go back for more.
• 9.  Eat food from your plate only, not someone else's.
• 10.  Always sit down to eat to avoid unconscious munching.
• 11.  Slow down and savor the flavor.
• 12.  Brush your teeth after eating. A clean and fresh mouth will curb the urge to snack.

• Know your blood pressure and have it checked at least once a year. If needed take measures to lower it.

Lowering blood pressure also lowers risk of heart disease.
• Find out if you have arterial fibrillation, which encourages the formation of blood clots that could cause a stroke.
• If you smoke, stop.
• If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation.
• Find out if you have high cholesterol.
• If you have diabetes, take measures to control it.
• Include exercise in your daily routine. Regular exercise makes the heart stronger and improves circulation. It also helps control weight.
• Eat a low-salt, low-fat diet. Includes lots of fruits and vegetables everyday.
• Ask your physician if you have circulation problems that could increase the risk of stroke.
• If you experience stroke symptoms including sudden weakness of the face or a limb, a blurring of vision, dizziness, or an intense headache, seek immediate medical attention.

WARNING SIGNS of Stroke: Call 911 Immediately

The American Stroke Association says these are the warning signs of stroke. When any of these signs are present call 9-1-1 immediately. It is important to take immediate action. If given within three hours of the start of symptoms, a clot-busting drug can reduce long-term disability for the most common type of stroke.

• Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body.
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding.
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination.
• Sudden, severe headache with no known cause.

• Gender - Females carry a higher risk than males.
• Race - Caucasians are more likely to be affected than African Americans
• Smoking - Smoking may increase your risk of AMD.
• Family History- AMD appears to run in families.

Treatment:
Although there is no effective cure for Dry AMD, some cases of Wet AMD may be effectively treated with laser surgery. Some studies suggest that taking certain extra vitamins and minerals may slow disease progression, but more research is needed before it can be determined if this is helpful. There are also new forms of drug treatment that hold promising results.

Protecting Your Vision:
If you are age 60 or older, have a yearly eye exam through dilated pupils. See an eye doctor immediately if you experience any of the above signs and symptoms.

• Get your teeth and gums cleaned and checked by your dentist twice a year. Tell your dentist that you have diabetes.
• Tell your dentist if your dentures (false teeth) do not fit right, or if your gums are sore. Remove dentures and clean daily.
• If you smoke, talk to your doctor about ways to quit smoking.
• If your dentist tells you about a problem, take care of it right away.