Fw: Summer News Tips from UT Southwestern

[Guest guest]

Hi Ladies,

This information applies 100%+++ for BI Women, especially for us who have a Dx of Lupus and/or any version of MS.

As a result of my most recent accident which left me with multiple bruises & Black-Eyes, I learned if you get out in the sun with any under the skin bleeding, and sun exposure can leave you with these discolorations "tatooed" on the skin --- and there is nothing a doctor (PS), can do to get rid of these marks!

Have a great summer, in the shade!

Martha M / NSIF

----- Original Message ----- From: Robin Amerine

UTSWNEWS@...

Sent: Tuesday, June 26, 2001 4:16 PM

Subject: Summer News Tips from UT Southwestern

Media Contact: Mindy Baxter214-648-3404melinda.baxter@...

UT SOUTHWESTERN PHYSICIANS SUGGEST WAYS TO KEEP YOUR SUMMER SAFE AND COOL

DALLAS - Summertime injuries can be among some of the most preventable, doctors at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say. With a few simple precautions and common sense, summer can be a safe and fun time for everyone.

ALCOHOLAn ice-cold beer may seem like the perfect answer to hot summer weather, but Dr. Keyes, associate professor of emergency medicine at UT Southwestern, warns that water may be a more healthful option.

"When the weather is hot, your body needs more fluids to stay cool," Keyes says.

"Alcohol actually contributes to dehydration, so you need to be consuming lots of water - and not alcohol - to keep your body hydrated and cool."

Alcohol also can increase blood pressure, which can make your body overheat.

"The best thing to do is avoid alcohol when you're outside in the hot temperatures," Keyes says.

CHIGGER BITESThe old wives' tale may say a dot of nail polish on a chigger bite can relieve the itching, but Dr. Bergstresser, chairman of dermatology at UT Southwestern, says a proven treatment may be a better choice to decrease the bug bite's itching.

"Treatment with an over-the-counter topical cortisone cream is more likely to be helpful," he says. "Nail polish may not help, but it probably can't hurt either. But I don't encourage my patients to try it."

For itching not relieved by an over-the-counter cortisone cream, Bergstresser recommends visiting a dermatologist.

POOL-BORNE ILLNESSSwimming pools and summer go hand in hand, but swimming pools and illness should never go together, says Dr. , UT Southwestern assistant professor of emergency medicine.

If you have diarrhea, you shouldn't get in a swimming pool. Fecal matter can spread recreational water illnesses that can cause serious bacterial infections.

"You share the pool with everyone else," says. "That also means you share germs with everyone else."

Chlorine in the pool is designed to kill germs, but it doesn't work right away. recommends washing your hands with soap and water after going to the bathroom, changing diapers in the bathroom and not by the pool and taking your kids for frequent bathroom breaks to avoid accidents.

"And teach your kids never to swallow pool water," he says.

SUNBURNThe sun's damaging rays can cause a serious sunburn in just a short time, says Dr. Kathleen Delaney, professor of emergency medicine at UT Southwestern.

"Serious sunburn is an especially common problem in kids, usually caused by parents failing to pay attention," she says.

"Everyone out in the sun needs to take precautions."

If you get a serious sunburn, Delaney suggests taking a pain reliever and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of clear liquids. A cool bath or cool compresses placed on the burn can also relieve some of the pain.

"And, obviously, you should avoid further injury by using sunscreen in the future," she says. "Sunburn is a preventable disease."

###