Sun Safety Tips For Older Adults

Have You Started Your Winter Skincare Routine?  Follow These 11 Steps for Supple Skin this Season   Most of us know how important it is to protect our skin from the suns damaging rays in the summer. But did you also know its important to have a winter game plan to keep your skin moisturized and glowing? In fact, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) designates November Healthy Skin Month to educate and empower people of all ages to learn how to take great care of their skin. Its the bodys largest organ, after all and everybodys got it!    Read on for some skin-loving actions you can take this month and all season long.   1.    Protect your skin from the sun if youre going to go outside. Yes, even in winter! Keep those summer habits alive and slather on sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and dont forget to cover up with protective clothing and a broad-brimmed hat. UVA and UVB rays are alive and well all winter long and they can still cause damage to your skin, raise your risk for skin cancer and contribute to premature aging.   2.    Avoid tanning beds. You may be tempted to keep your sun-kissed look going all winter long courtesy of a tanning bed, but resist. Research shows that UV rays from tanning beds can increase your risk for skin cancer and could age your skin, resulting in more wrinkles.   3.    Learn the ABCDEs of skin cancer. There are certain changes to your moles, birthmarks and skin that may be cause for concern. Known as the ABCDEs, if you notice these signs, the National Institute on Aging recommends making an appointment with your primary care provider or a dermatologist to make sure its not an indication of cancer:          Asymmetry (i.e. one half of the spot looks different from the other half)          Borders are irregular          Color changes or it has more than one color          Diameter is larger than a pencil eraser          Evolving; meaning it in size, shape, symptoms (such as itching or tenderness), surface (especially if its bleeding), or shades of color   4.    Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize. Winter brings colder temperatures and drier air, and your skin may need a little extra TLC to feel its best. To avoid or treat dry, itchy skin, the AAD suggests applying moisturizer right after you step out of the shower, so it can lock in the extra moisture. Further, the AAD recommends using an ointment or cream instead of lotion, because those products tend to be less irritating and more effective when dealing with dry skin. Just make sure the items you select are gentle and fragrance-free, otherwise they may feel a little harsh, especially if your skin is cracked or chapped.   5.    Dont neglect your lips. The cold weather, the dry air, the wind and the sun can all wreak havoc on your skin and cause your lips to chap. Use a non-irritating lip balm or lip moisturizer to seal moisture into your smile.   6.    When you shower or bathe, opt for warm water, not hot. It sounds counterintuitive and a little less enjoyable. Who doesnt love a hot shower when its freezing cold out? But in truth, hot water will only further dry your skin, because it may strip off natural oils you need to retain moisture.   7.    Consider using a humidifier. Winter air tends to be dry, and when the heater kicks on in your home, its even more so. A humidifier returns some of that moisture to the air, and your skin may thank you for it.   8.    Quit smoking. Have you ever met a 40-year-old heavy smoker who looked much older? Thats because tobacco isnt doing the skin or other systems in the body any favors. According to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology, the long-term effects of smoking may include dry skin, uneven pigmentation, bags around the eyes, sagging around the jaw and deepening wrinkles and furrows on the face. If you need help quitting tobacco, talk to your doctor or reach out to the American Lung Associations Tobacco Quitline.   9.    Make healthy food choices. What you eat and drink impacts the way your body functions, and research has shown that if youre not getting the right nutrients your skin may show it. Strive to eat a healthy diet, filled with whole foods, antioxidants and fiber. Make a habit of consuming lots of lean proteins, fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. And dont forget to drink lots of water. Proper hydration may also help your skin look and feel better.   10.  Find ways to manage your stress. Stress can worm its way through our entire physical being and cause disruptions in surprising ways. According to the AAD, stress can affect the way our skin appears by increasing inflammation, slowing down the wound-healing process and potentially interfering with skin conditions. Because our glands produce more oil when were stressed, people with acne experience breakouts, and people with psoriasis and eczema may have flare-ups. To help regulate your system, try different stress management endeavors, such as exercise, meditation, mindfulness, yoga and deep breathing. When you find one you like, make a daily practice of it.    11.  Get your zzzzzs. When you sleep, your body can focus its energy on repairing different systems, including your skin. Research has shown that people who arent getting enough sleep on the regular may show earlier signs of aging, experience diminished skin barrier functions and feel less satisfied with their appearance. Aim for seven to nine hours a night to get the biggest benefits from sleeping.    Itchy, uncomfortable skin isnt a winter requirement. By making a few simple changes to your routine in the fall, you can help put moisture back where it belongs, quickly, before things get uncomfortable.   If youve made the changes above, however, and you find that you still have some skin concerns, schedule an appointment with your primary care doctor or a dermatologist today. They can address any possible skin conditions and offer personalized advice to help keep you feeling healthy and radiant in every season.   To learn more about Medicare or Health insurance in our area in Alabama, contact Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama at 251-344-2115

What is Psoriasis? Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition caused by an abnormal autoimmune response. Its characterized by thick, scaly patches of skin that occur when the body generates new skin cells too quickly. Roughly 2 to 3 percent of the population(Opens in a new window), or over 8 million Americans, have psoriasis. The condition can appear at any age, but peak onset periods occur between the ages of 20 and 30 and again between 50 and 60 years old. In honor of Psoriasis Awareness Month this August, now is a great time to review how to identify and treat this condition in seniors. Psoriasis can affect your loved ones quality of life and even lead to seemingly unrelated health conditions. By catching the warning signs and beginning age-appropriate treatment, you can help prevent flare-ups. Psoriasis Causes While the direct cause of psoriasis is unknown, it results from an overactive immune system and commonly includes a genetic component. This means your risk is higher if an immediate family member has psoriasis. Many external triggers can cause psoriasis symptoms to flare up. These include: Stress Cold, dry weather Sunburn, bug bites, lacerations, and other skin injuries or infections Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption Some medications Vitamin D deficiency Everyone with psoriasis has different triggers, so its important to identify them on an individual basis. Symptoms of Psoriasis This skin condition has three levels of severity: Mild psoriasis covers less than 3 percent of the body. Moderate psoriasis covers 3 to 10 percent of the body. Severe psoriasis covers more than 10 percent of the body. The appearance, location, and severity of psoriasis vary. One person might experience a few localized areas of dandruff-like scaling, while another might suffer from vast flare-ups covering a large portion of their body. Most types of psoriasis go through cycles, flaring up for a few weeks or months and then going dormant for a while or even entering complete remission. Psoriasis most often appears on the knees, elbows, lower back, or scalp. Face psoriasis also develops in about half of people with this skin condition. The most common psoriasis symptoms include: Red patches of skin with thick, silvery scales Dryness and cracking, sometimes enough to bleed Itching, burning, or soreness Thick, pitted, or ridged nails Psoriasis can affect more than just the skin. If left untreated, it can lead to a range of health complications and increase the risk of developing certain diseases(Opens in a new window), including: Psoriatic arthritis Obesity, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes Cardiovascular, kidney, and Parkinsons disease Celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel illnesses Low self-esteem, depression, and withdrawal from social life Seek a medical evaluation and guidance from your doctor about how to treat psoriasis in seniors. Then, keep the following treatment options in mind. Psoriasis Treatment Psoriasis is a chronic condition that may last a lifetime once it sets in. Although psoriasis is not curable, many professional and at-home treatment options are available. Consider that psoriasis treatment for seniors may differ slightly from treating psoriasis in younger populations. For instance, you may need to lower your medication dose, change medications, or try an entirely new type of treatment to see results. Topical Treatments for Psoriasis The first approach is often to apply over-the-counter or prescription-strength creams and ointments. Options for older adults include: Corticosteroids such as cortisone and hydrocortisone Vitamin D analogs Tazarotene For topical treatment to be effective, a senior must: Be able to comfortably reach and apply the medication Know how much, how often, and where to apply the medication Spend the necessary time using the medication as prescribed Psoriasis Light Therapy Moderate to severe psoriasis may benefit from light therapy. Exposing the skin to artificial and natural UV light can slow skin cell turnover and reduce inflammation. Treatment may involve taking light-sensitivity medication and visiting a medical center about twice a week for a few months. Oral or Injected Psoriasis Medications If psoriasis doesnt respond to other treatments, the doctor may prescribe pills or injectable medication. The safest options for people over age 65 include(Opens in a new window): Acitretin Apremilast Methotrexate Some biologics, including etanercept, adalimumab, infliximab, and ustekinumab Note: Cyclosporine should be used with great caution in older adults because it can cause kidney damage. Home Remedies for Psoriasis In addition to taking medication as prescribed, seniors may find relief from flare-ups with psoriasis home treatment. Heres what to try: Relieve dryness and itching with dermatologist-approved cleansers and moisturizers. Soak the affected skin in warm water with Epsom salt or dissolved colloidal oatmeal. Eat a heart-healthy, low-inflammatory diet. Psoriasis vs. Eczema People often confuse psoriasis and eczema. After all, they are both inflammatory skin diseases that cause scaling and itching, but they look quite different to the trained eye. Psoriasis has well-defined scaling lesions, while eczema is characterized by less-defined reddish or brownish patches of dry skin. Psoriasis may appear on the elbows and knees, while eczema more often develops in fold areas, such as the crooks of the elbows and knees. Psoriasis is mildly itchy, but eczema can cause extreme itchiness. 

If you or someone you know has had shingles, then you likely know how surprisingly painful it can be. Also called herpes zoster, shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox. Many of us had chicken pox as children. Even though we recover from it, the virus continues to live in some nerve cells. In one in three adults, the virus reactivates, causing shingles.Although shingles can occur at any age in adulthood, its more common in older adults.Shingles can affect various areas of the body. Symptoms may vary depending on where the shingles is and can include:FeverAn upset stomachHeadacheA painful rash that shows up one to five days after symptoms start. It may look at first like small, red spots that become blisters.Itching, pain, or tingling in the area of the skin with the rashSometimes, it can take a while for health care providers to diagnose shingles as the symptoms may be confused with other health problems. If you suspect that you or someone you care for has shingles, see a health care provider urgently. Blisters around the eye may cause lasting vision damage; shingles in the ear may cause hearing loss.Although there is no cure for shingles, there are drugs to help you manage pain and lower nerve damage. These include:Antiviral medicinesMedications that target nerve painCreams or lotions for itchingSteroidsShingles typically lasts three to five weeks, according to the National Institute on Aging. During your recovery, the blisters caused by shingles will scab over and dry up. Unfortunately, about 20% of people with shingles experience whats called post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), which is a pain in the area where the rash occurred. Its unpredictable how long the pain from PHN can lastit could be weeks or months. It is also associated with anxiety, sleep problems, and trouble completing daily activities. However, it should go away over time, and you should let your health care provider know as there are other treatments that may help with this specific shingles complication.Here are a few management tips for coping with shingles:As frustrating as it may be, have some patience with yourself and your recovery. For most people, shingles sticks around longer than youd like it to.Stay in communication with your health care provider about the effects of shingles. They may be able to recommend different treatments as your symptoms evolve. Keep your social plans light until youre fully recovered. Youll likely have some good and bad days as you get over shingles, and you dont want to find yourself part of a social outing or travel, only to experience some of the shooting pain associated with shingles. Check in with your health care provider if symptoms from shingles get worse instead of better.Call Secure Aging To Find Out How We Can Help Seniors With Care ManagementAt Secure Aging in Bradenton, we transform the weight of the world into a sigh of relief for our senior clients and their concerned family members. The mission of Secure Aging is to protect and preserve our clients independence and dignity through careful and thoughtful financial and care management. As our clients age, it is their desire to remain independent and age with dignity. Our services protect our clients from talented con artists looking to exploit and deplete the financial resources of our vulnerable seniors. Secure Aging helps families in Manatee County and Sarasota County and in and around the communities of Anna Maria, Bradenton, Bradenton Beach, Ellenton, Holmes Beach, Lakewood Ranch, Longboat Key, Myakka City, Palmetto, Parrish, and Sarasota. Call us at 941-761-9338, or visit us online at www.secureaging.com.