The Health Briefs TV Show Advices about Beach Bacteria

While health experts warn of the bacteria dangers in the oceans, there are also bacteria concerns about the sand on the beach, as the Health Briefs TV show learns and relays.

Researchers in Hawaii found that over the past 10 years, there is more fecal bacteria in the sand on the beach than in the ocean. In fact, there is 10 to 100 times more bacteria than seawater. The scientific study also learned that bacteria decays slower on the beach than in the water. This is more than likely why there is more fecal bacteria in the beach sand than the water. Wastewater bacteria can become embedded with biofilms in the sand which can shelter bacteria. The sun and seawater are deterrents to the bacteria, which is why there is less bacteria in the water than the sand.

Health Briefs TV advises readers to always sit on a beach towel or chair when on sandy beaches. Take a shower at a nearby shower stand before leaving the beach. Wear goggles in the water to protect eyes from any bacteria and other irritants. Use a hand sanitizer before handling any food on the beach.  America’s beaches are beautiful, relaxing places to spend time with friends and family this summer. Always stay close to life guard stands and towers both in and out of the water. Never swim too close to piers.  Be safe. Stay healthy.

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Health Briefs TV Reviews Sun Protection Information

There are many sunburn protection products on store shelves. All of them list a Sun Protection Factor or SPF number.  Health Briefs TV reviews what consumers need to know about the SPF number and which products work best to prevent sun-related skin cancers.

Medical experts and doctors advise consumers to look for and buy a sun care product which states it is a broad spectrum item.  This means that the product protects against the sun’s UVA rays, which cause skin aging and wrinkles, and also covers the UVB rays which can cause sunburn.

Contrary to common belief, a sun care product with a high SPF number does not mean that the product will be better at protecting skin from sunburn.  For example:  a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 means one can stay out in the run 30 times longer without getting burned. Thirty times is 300 minutes or five hours.  A key note to remember is that sunscreen only works if used properly:

Apply one ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) to cover every exposed area of the body.

Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

Remember to use on bare skin on the head, on ears, noses, and feet.

Use a sunscreen lip product to protect the sensitive skin on lips from sunburn.

Health Briefs TV recommends taking advantage of the sales on sun care products now. Buy in bulk to keep enough on hand for the next few months.  There are many good products available for children as well.

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Health Briefs TV on How to Prevent Summer Health Hazards

There are certain summer health hazards will have happened to many of us throughout the years. Sunburn, poison ivy or oak rashes, heat illness, anyone? Health Briefs TV shares some ideas on how to prevent summer health hazards.

Sunburn – The best and easiest way to prevent a bad sunburn is to use a good sunscreen and stay inside during the time of day when the sun is the strongest – noon to 4. If working or enjoying the sun at the beach or pool during this time period, take precautions to protect the scalp, eyes, ears, and feet. If a bad sunburn happens, use one of the over the counter remedies to relieve the pain.

Water-borne illnesses – There is a lot of bacteria in lakes, oceans and even pools that can make us ill over the summer. The water bugs can cause gastrointestinal, skin, ear, respiratory, eye, neurologic, and wound infections. For most people, diarrhea is the most common issue if we accidently swallow some bad water. If this happens, visit the drug store for a good anti-diarrheal medicine. And always cover wounds with a bandage that seals it from water.

Food-borne illnesses – Summer heat can spoil almost any kind of food. To prevent food-related gastro problems, wrap meat separately and securely. Store it with other food in a cold cooler when taking on a picnic. If food is left out for more than two hours, toss it. Food-related bacteria grows fast when the outside temp is 90 and above.

Bug bites can also cause summer problems. Health Briefs TV suggests wearing lightweight and light colored clothing to prevent mosquito bites, and always be sure to check skin and scalp for tick bites after hiking in the woods. 

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Health Briefs TV with Recent Consumer News on Best Sunscreens

Is a sunscreen with a higher SPF better than those with a lower one? Does cost matter when choosing the best sun protection? Health Briefs TV reviews the recent findings from a nationally consumer group.

Regardless of what people think, sunscreens with a higher sun protection factor (SPF) do not block the sun’s harmful UVB rays any better than those with a lower SPF. Price also does not affect the quality of the product. In recent tests, Consumer Reports found these products to be the best protection from the sun: Equate, Banana Boat, Coppertone, Neutrogena, Well, Up & Up and Bull Frog. Note that these brands are both store brand names as well as brands which can be bought at most discount stores. Coppertone Sensitive Skin SPF 50 and BullFrog WaterAmor Sport InstaCool SPF 50+ were found to match their SPF claims. Price and higher SPF make no difference in how effective a sun protection works. An SPF 15 products blocks 93% of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, while those with a higher SPF block a minuscule amount more. HealthBriefs reminds readers that the FDA has not approved new sun screen ingredients since 1999.

For the best sun protection, slather sunscreen liberally on body, face, neck, feet and ears. Use a spray lotion for the back and a special lip sunscreen for lips. Wear a tightly-woven, wide-brimmed hat to protect the scalp ears. Try to stay out of the sun from noon to 4 PM when its at its strongest. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Reapply sunscreen throughout the day if in the sun for most of it. Happy Summer!

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