TAKING PRIDE IN YOUR HEALTH!
The nation is celebrating PRIDE season with joy-filled festivities, parades and parties. Sunshine, heat, alcohol and increased libido are all part of the experience of the PRIDE parades and festivals. However, too much of a good thing can be detrimental to a fun celebration. Let’s focus on the simple and effective ways to take pride in your health this PRIDE season!
by darren farnesi, m.d. and bridget o’connell, n.d.
SUNSHINE: A beautiful sunny Southern California day is perfect for the Pride parade
and festival; however, too much sun exposure can cause pain, dehydra- tion, heat exhaustion, wrinkles and a nasty tan line. To minimize the harsh sun effects, decrease your sun exposure, especially during the peak hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., wear a hat or loose fitting clothing and apply sun- screen frequently throughout the day. A good sunscreen will have either zinc or titanium dioxide, or Mexoryl, to block both UVA and UVB rays with an SPF rating of at least 30. Don’t forget to wear UVA/UVB-blocking sun- glasses that wrap around the eyes to the sides, above and below. The more they wrap, the fewer “crows feet” you will have in the future! For skin care before and after Pride consider a moisturizing lotion or serum containing anti-oxidants and a microdermabrasion to restore sun-damaged skin.
HEAT: As temperatures rise, the risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion
increases. Be sure to stay hydrated by beginning the day with a sugar-free electrolyte drink. Consume cool water frequently throughout the day and avoid caffeine and high-sugar beverages, which only worsen dehydra- tion. Bring a bandana to soak in water and wrap around your neck or head, find shade and mist your body with cool water to bring your core body temperature down quickly. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include head- ache, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, dizziness or light-headedness and cool/moist skin. Signs that the condition is worsening are confusion, flushed dry face, inability to sweat, increased heart rate and unconscious- ness. Get into the shade and seek medical attention immediately if you should experience any of these symptoms.
ALCOHOL: If you plan on imbibing this Pride season, there are ways to decrease
risk of dehydration, “hangovers,” while supporting your liver and its detoxification of alcohol. Avoid sugary or caffeinated alcoholic drinks by substituting with club soda or seltzer water as the mixer, you decrease the calorie count as well as reduce the risk of sickness caused by dehydration. B-vitamin injections can help your liver detoxify alcohol thereby reducing the risk of a debilitating hangover. A pre and post-Pride B-complex injec- tion can ensure you are receiving 100 percent of what is needed for the most effective detoxification, energy and mood boost.
LIBIDO: Maintaining a healthy libido is an important aspect of health. As
anti-aging doctors, we aim to optimize a patient’s libido as sex raises endorphins, improves heart and prostate health, and increases youth- ful hormones like testosterone, estrogen and oxytocin. Unfortunately, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can be an unwanted consequence of unprotected sex. Infections such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, human papilloma virus, syphilis and HIV can be asymptomatic in many people. Therefore proper protection should always be used. Seek medical care if you experience symptoms such as frequent or painful urination, white/clear/yellow discharge from the genitals, lesions or warts around the groin, testicles, anus or mouth, rash on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet, flu-like symptoms, pain or itching of the vaginal area, pain during intercourse or bleeding after.
Taking pride in your health includes getting regular STI testing if you
are sexually active, discussing sexual health with your partners and using protection during intercourse. Happy Pride Season!
For more information and help in making PRIDE 2012 fabulous, contact the practitioners at Medical Age Management by calling 619.795.6700 or go to
manageyourage.com.
54 RAGE monthly | JUNE 2012 RAGE monthly | JUNE 2012
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