Topic: Health

So, Let’s consider: Getting and staying Tech Savvy 0

Posted by on in Health, Hobbies, How To, Internet, Laptops and Tablet PC's, Life, Living, Making Life Better, Self Improvement, Technology Trends And Directions



So, Let’s consider: Getting and staying Tech Savvy

As the old addage goes: The only thing constant is change. The days of pencil, paper and protractor are quickly being replaced by every day tools the likes of which we first saw in Dick Tracy in the comics decades ago. The little toys that Diet Smith Industries came up with back then were the tools which we’re finding to be becoming standard and indispenseable items of today and tomorrow.

Now I have to confess, I’ve been in computers for over 45 years, and I still learn stuff every day. So, I’m writing this basically directed towards those of my generation and the one before as many of us now have to use these new toys as requisites to getting through our daily lives!

Once one learns what’s out there, where it is and how to use it, you’ll find your life can be very positively impacted. For many that are retired, living alone, etc., it is also a great way of rebuilding your life social and communication structure. The factors that lead to isolation for many can be replaced by the simple tools like FaceTime, Facebook, and other video and social applications. Even though you’re several time zones away, you’re basically in the same room. But, you don’t have to be retired to use and want to use these resources!

Learning about and how to use basic consumer technologies can help you keep current on events. You will no longer have to depend on Tom Brokaw, Huntley, Brinkley or any of the rest. It’s there for you to just got get and very current if not in real time. Your biggest challenge will be in selecting from the crowd!

This also lets you connect with other people that share your hobbies and interests. Explore new hobbies, places to go, and many other things of interest. The educational resources are amazing and many of them are free – and these are everything from simple how to’s to MIT and other university classes. They’re just a web browser or google(www.google.com) away! Had a nagging question that you just can’t find the answer to? Google it!

So how can you find and learn of these resources if you don’t know what, where or how?

Well, ask someone else or ask a kid. Kids are totally immersed in this world. Have them show you what they’re finding and using. And, by “kid” that also applies to high school, college and adult “kids” as well. Don’t feel you have to reinvent the wheel as chances are someone has done that already!

Get your feet wet! Take a class on basics. Libraries are a great resource for this and they can also tell you who are the good resources in your area to learn from. Sometimes this is a local civic group, club, community college, church group or university.

Don’t be afraid the ask the “dumb questions”. Many of us have found that they’re the best kinds of questions to ask. You’ll also find that Coursera and Udemy classes are really great places to start on many topics.

Use online resources like YouTube (www.youtube.com). This resource is loaded with how-to’s on most anything you’d ever want to know about or how to do. It’s also loaded with music and videos to just watch. And it’s free just for the browsing.

Search for it. Using search engines like google can make your life so much easier. Just go to the search line and ask you question. Keep it simple and then refine it details as you learn and see your options. For example you could enter “beekeeping” on the search line, and sit back as you get back and get inundated with responses. Then you’ll learn things like using “beekeeping mite control” and other ways to refine your search questions. And a “How do I…” is always a good way to start. If you’re looking for more advanced responses, try scholar.google.com.

As with the other parts of life, crawl before your walk, before you run. So, start small. Don’t feel you have to conquer the world with your first google search! Buy do get in there and play. The more you play, the more you learn. The more you learn the better your life will be.

I’m Don Rima and that’s the view From Where I Stand.

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So, Let’s consider: Have you had enough of the masks yet? 0

Posted by on in Health, Medical



So, Let’s consider: Have you had enough of the masks yet?

From what I understand from the biology folks, the covid-19 virus is about 0.125 MICRONS in size. Those flimpsy paper masks that you’re either wearing because it’s mandated or for some false sense of security you think will protect you from covid, basically, as I understand it, max out at filtering particles that are somewhere in the area of 0.40 – 0.35 MICRONS. Now, it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that there’s no way these things are going to block a particle substantially smaller than they can filter. Worse yet are those stupid scarfs people are wearing thinking that they’re getting some form of protection from them. Frankly, I see it as a placebo used as a panacea to placate the panicing populace, primarily because there is NO CURE FOR COVID! It’s a novel pathogen. And don’t blame Trump for this, the same would be correct to say for anyone in the presidency.

SO, let’s consider what really happens when you go out to eat in the land of covid:

Arrive at restaurant, fish your three month old single-use surgical mask out of car’s filthy cup holder (still slightly sticky from this morning’s 84oz diet Pepsi). Even if it’s this week’s mask, the same concept would apply.

Strap up with three month old single-use surgical mask.

Guess what?!: *MAGICAL ANTI-GERM BARRIER ENGAGED!!!*

Proceed into restaurant, opening door with same handle grabbed by 200 people so far today.

Hostess has immediate seating for your “woke” party of three. Walk past entire restaurant of unmasked people. It’s ok, they’re sitting.

Sit down.

Surprise! *SEATED ANTI-GERM FORCE FIELD ENGAGED!!!*

Safely within your anti-germ force field, remove mask. Browse menu while making relaxed inhales of the same recirculated AC air previously inside the lungs of the 200 people that also grabbed the door handle.

Waitress drops off drinks bare handed.

Grab drink with your bare hand. Sip leisurely, secure in knowing you’re within your anti-germ force field of seatedness.

Too many drinks. Need to pee. Put on your magical anti-germ barrier mask as you leave your anti-germ force field of seatedness.

Walk past 40 unmasked restaurant patrons. Open bathroom with same door knob grabbed by 100 other people so far today.

Return to table past same 40 unmasked restaurant patrons.

Remove mask. Once again safe in your anti-germ force field of seatedness. Waitress takes your sweaty drink glass with her bare hand, refills, hands back to you. You accept with your bare hand. Grab some bread and eat it. Same hand. Yum Yum.

Meal complete. Mask on. Walk past 40 unmasked patrons. Make full body contact with at least 4 people waiting at the hostess stand as you squeeze your way back to the door – no matter, they’re all also wearing their magical anti-germ barriers.

Grab exit handle, which you are now the 220th person of the day to touch. Eating out successful.

Breathe a sigh of relief knowing that even after leaving the protection of your home and venturing out into the scary world of the public, you are essentially sterile thanks to your state approved methods of magical germ mitigation.

Yes, I’m being overly sarcastic, BUT, this is the reality of what we’re dealing with today! People just aren’t thinking about the reality of what they’re being told to do! Mindless minions are presuming that since they saw it on the evening propaganda show (Uh, we used to call it the evening NEWS), it has to not only be the gospel from God, but it’s what they have to be doing!

Thinking is now an optional exercise.

Speaking of thinking, if you can smell cigarette smoke through your “mask”, well, you may as well take it off as smoke particles are MUCH bigger than viruses.

Yes, covid is real. Yes, covid is dangerous. Yes, if you get it, you will probably survive. Yes, chances are that by now many of us have been exposed to it in some form or another and our immunity systems have saved us, at least thus far.

Oh, by the way, if you can smell cigarette smoke(Or ANY other kinds of smoke) through your “mask”, keep in mind that it’s a fact that smoke particles are SUBSTANTIALLY LARGER than viral particles…some would suggest your mask is basically useless.

Please people. Think…don’t be stupid…and stay well.

I’m Don Rima and that’s the view From Where I Stand.

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So, Let's consider: How really deadly IS this corona virus?? 0

Posted by on in Corona, Covid-19, Health, Inside The Beltway, Let's Consider..., Life





So, Let’s consider: How really deadly IS this corona virus??

It is the strangest and smartest virus I’ve ever heard of.
It’s very dangerous the way it spreads.
It is so mysterious the way it lurks in schools, but then dies at Home Depot and Lowes. It can wreak havoc in churches; praying people are exceptionally vulnerable!
Although it’s Mind-boggling how it vanishes when people stand close together holding signs, destroying businesses, homes, property, monuments, etc.
Yet, standing to watch a marathon or a concert triggers its wrath.
It is sneaky. It can spread when buying clothes at Kohl’s but not at Target.
It is non-alcoholic. It can’t spread when you are buying beer.
It lives for two days on Amazon boxes, you must wait 48 hours to touch them but, it can’t survive on Dunkin Donuts coffee cups, so enjoying a hot cup of joe is safe.
Taco Bell can’t take your money directly from your hand, BUT they can take the same money directly from the cup that you put it in while paying at the drive through. Maybe it’s scared of plastic cups?
It is the most curious thing, how it lives on basketballs, baseball bats and ballet bars, but dies on WWE ropes and Walmart shopping carts.
It is spread by hair stylists, dog groomers, and dentists, but not by bank tellers, cashiers, and fast food workers.
It’s so smart. It won’t bother the first 10 people but it knows when the 11th person shows up so be careful if that’s you.
It even knows what you want vs what you need.
If you want a massage or your nails done it is very actively on the prowl and not even a mask can stop it. But If you need a plumber, it is weak, and a mask will keep it away.
It also seems to be most dangerous after 5:30pm so businesses must start to close before the virus comes out and wreaks havoc upon the populations.
Whoever heard of such a smart sneaky virus?!?

I’m Don Rima and that’s the view From Where I Stand.

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So, Let's consider: What makes a Movie or TV Show MUST SEE…and why? 0

Posted by on in Family, Health, Movie Reviews





So, Let’s consider: What makes a Movie or TV Show MUST SEE…and why?

OK, so I’m sitting in my mechanic’s waiting room and flip open the paper to occupy some time. The first thing that hits me on the entertainment section is some article about how a movie is “Must See”. Really? Who says it’s “must see”? Why? I read the article further and it delved into show’s plotline a bit, and how it was a MUST SEE.
Really? Frankly, it sounded just like the rest of the mindless schlock that Hollywood keeps cranking out in the hopes that I’ll spend my well earned money and time on. And, frankly, other than it was the author’s opinion that I must see this thing, I was really hard pressed to come up with any reasons why it warranted spending any time and money on! Considering that I have to get a second mortgage to go to a movie any more and the cost of popcorn and a coke is close to a house payment I’ve found myself being alot more selective on what I actually go see!
Marketing takes many forms. From would be “critics” that seem to always have a “thumbs up” positive must see/read spin on everything they’re paid to write about, to what can only be called “infomercial” articles in the papers or on the web that we can’t seem to get away from we seem to be more inundated with positive spin on things that someone wants us to spend money on. And, you have to keep in mind that they have to be politically correct and put a positive spin on almost everything…or they’d lose business from advertisers. After all, who’s going to support a newspaper that says their product sucks…even if it is the truth?
Think about it a minute…just when was that last time you read anything that said “this movie sucks! Avoid it!”??? It doesn’t happen and it never will! The presenters in the media depend on advertisement revenue for their profits and imagine how many people wouldn’t be advertising in their product(s) if we were actually told something like “this is a total waste of your time. You’d be better off watching championship sock matching!”???? Stuff that’s really bad just tends to always die a silent death…after being mega-hyped and taking a bundle of your time and money!
Considering that the average one hour TV show is about 38 minutes of show and 22 minutes of really expensive ads, it’s in their best interest to put a positive spin on everything they’re being paid, in one form or another, to present! After all, they want your face in front of that screen to see those ads! And considering how expensive movies are to get into nowadays, they want to put your butts in the seats…regardless of the quality of the movie! Just think, how many people actually depand their money back after sitting through a movie that really sucks? Face it, they’ve got your money and they’re on their way to the bank with it.
So, what to do? For starters, THINK. Is that latest must see about some chick on a cable channel that’s just become an empty nester and now is out to explore her long lost sexuality really the best use of your time? Or is it just more banal over hyped media designed to bring more soft porn to your living room? Is the time you’re spending on must see crap really the best use of your time? Most likely the answer to that is a resounding “HELL NO!”. Is being a couch potato in front of some mindless schlock in the best interest of your life, state of mind, family? I’ve yet to see any “must see” anything that would create a “yes” answer to that question.
Think. You have a life. Control it by the choices you make about what you feed your mind and how you use your time. I always hear “I just don’t have time to do…” from people that spend hours oogling some “must see” crap and sacrifice their time and resources to someone else’s agenda and totally lose control of their own life. It’s your life, take control of it, establish your own priorities and management to YOUR best interest.
If you don’t control your own life’s goals, desires and directions then you sacrifice them to someone else’s control and they may not have your best interests in mind… If someone has to tell you that something is “must see” that you wouldn’t watch on your own, then chances are it’s not a “must” anything, much less something that’s worth your time and money. Think what’s in your best interest first.

I’m Don Rima and that’s the view From Where I Stand.

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So, Let's consider: Under age drinking prevention and our kids 0

Posted by on in Around the House, Family, Health, Making Life Better, Self Respect





So, Let’s consider: Under age drinking prevention and our kids

OK, we all know that high school and college is the time to do our hell raising, stretch the limits, do things we know we shouldn’t because, well, we’re kids and it’s our time. And given some of the subjects raised during the last Supreme Court nomination fiasco, perhaps we should look at a few things.
One of the things being used to stretch limits and limit rational thinking is alcohol. No, I’m not writing a column about prohibition. I’m writing one because I’m concerned and you should be as well. I just want you to think about your kid’s future…or perhaps even your own…for a few minutes. Gimme that?
OK, so, the concerns are simple. In the last month: over 7 million people under the age of 21 drank. Over 30 percent of high school students drank. 14 percent of high school students binge drank. Over 6 percent drove after drinking alcohol and 17 percent rode with someone that had been drinking. By the time they get out of high school, over 62 percent of high school students and 23 percent of 8th graders will have experimented with alcohol.
Over 4,300 kids will die from alcohol related incidents this year and about 120,000 will be treated in hospital ER’s for alcohol related injuries.
And, if you’re not awake yet, under aged drinking is a direct lead to unwanted, unplanned and unprotected sexual activities, not to mention pregnancies and STD infections. It also directly leads to disruptions in a person’s normal healthy growth, physiological and emotional development and opens them up for physical and sexual assault.
By the way, these aren’t numbers I pulled off the top of my balding head, they’re directly from the CDC.
So, what’s causing some of these things? Well, let’s consider a few things: Major social and/or psychological transitions during middle and high school. Getting a driver’s license leaves one to a much free’er life. There’s also the situations where someone has a history of depression, social or other emotional issues. The ever looming use of alcohol in the family – face it, your kids are mirrors of you, and if you think you’re finding the answers to your problems at the bottom of a glass or bottle, so will they. Then there’s the ever present peer pressure of being a kid – my friends are drinking so I should as well to stay kool.
Many think under aged drinking during this time of development is normal and acceptable. After all, kids need to experiment to learn about life, so they say. Really? How many of you intentionally put your kid’s hand in the fire to prove to them it’s hot and dangerous? Likewise, it’s incredibly important to consider the incredibly negative ramifications and consequences of these actions and is it really worth what your kid may pay for this education either now or in the future?
So, how can we help our kids to have good healthy lives while developing normally mentally, socially and physically by preventing their underage drinking? Let’s look at a few things.
Stay involved in your kid’s lives. Be proactive in developing your relationship with them. They ARE your future, as well as part of all of our futures.
Get to know who their friends are as well as where your kids are and what they’re doing. A major part of successful parenting is proactive management. No, I don’t want you to become a little Hitler in their lives, but but you DO need to be involved and provide direction(s) – and that includes with who they associate with and when.
Part of parental guidance and management is setting and enforcing clear standards – and this includes standards regarding use of alcohol, drugs and other things that are damaging to your kid’s future and life.
Stay away from alcohol yourself. Especially in higher risk scenarios and don’t allow anyone to operate a vehicle or other dangerous activities after drinking.
Don’t allow under aged drinking in your home. Better yet, just don’t have booze in the house if at all possible.
A really important thing to remember is: none of us has a monopoly on brains. If you think you have an alcohol problem or your kid might have a problem get help! Talk to your family doctor, pediatrician, clergy or someone else that’s a medical professional. There’s no dishonor in understanding that we all have limitations and there are times when we need to get help that’s qualified and knows more than we do. Hell, you goto a mechanic when your car needs fixing, so don’t be bashful on other topics as well.
Finally, talk regularly with your kids. Let them know that you care and that you have expectations. Explaining these expectations to them and the “why” behind them today may be the reason that they’re here tomorrow…
I’m Don Rima and that’s the view From Where I Stand.


So, Let's consider: Being Average vs Being Great! 0

Posted by on in Family, Health, Let's Consider..., Life, So





So, Let’s consider: Being Average vs Being Great!

OK, so, let’s take a few minutes to look at and consider our lives and where we want to take them.
Nobody wants an average life or to be an average person. Frankly, there’s just too many of them and they generally don’t go anywhere. We all want to be GREAT! We want to be ABOVE AVERAGE. We want to succeed and make good things for ourselves and our families. So, let’s consider a few things we can adopt in our lives that maybe can help us move in that direction.

Turn OFF the TV

Fewer things waste more of our time that just passively watching TV. There is NO such thing as “must see TV” regardless of how much we’re bombarded by that slogan from the networks, etc. Frankly, just watching the tube for the sake of watching the tube, watching “your show”, etc., is a huge waster of your time that could be spend helping to develop and better you. Instead, read something daily. It can be a book, newspaper, periodicals that help to build you. And, I’m intentionally excluding things like: romance novels, trash and gossip magazines, porn, etc. You need to be reading things that will BUILD you up…not keep you at the same level or worse yet, take you down.

Make some goals

Set some goals for your life. What do you want to do with your life? Where do you want to be? Where do you want to go? Think about these things and set some goals to work towards achieving. This doesn’t mean you may change them later, you can, and you will, but you have a direction for your life, and that’s incredibly important.

Compliment people vs criticize

Think more on the positive side of things than the negative. This doesn’t mean that you give up your standards. Nor does it mean that you allow yourself or your beliefs to be walked on. But a more positive person goes places further and faster than a negative one.

Respect Change

There are those would admonish us to “embrace” change. Frankly, change for the sake of change is totally counterproductive. Evaluate what is changing and what needs to be changed. If something needs to be changed or if change is inevitable or good for you, then go for it! Make sure that the changes are in your favor, not just being done for someone else’s benefit or for being politically correct. If you don’t see a benefit for you, then that change may not be for the good.

Be forgiving

It’s important to accept that we’re all human. We all make mistakes to one degree or another, and in one kind or another. Be willing to forgive the honest mistakes of other people. I’m not saying here that you should accept malicious attacks, but when someone makes an honest mistake or mistakes out of sincere best mutual interests, accept it and move on.

Develop ideas and people

Instead of talking about people, develop them. Instead of saying everything is wrong, develop ideas. Show that you not only care about making things better but that you have positive input into the processes involved.

Be a continuous learner

Always be learning and bettering yourself. None of us know it all, and nobody likes a “know it all”. Learning is easy. There are many web based classes, youtube lectures and presentations, community colleges, even joining a local trade or hobby association can be incredibly good resources to continue your learning as well as personal and professional development. There is no such thing as standing still. You either move ahead or you fall behind. This is very true in the use and development of knowledge. Don’t stop growing.

Take responsibility

Some people like to limit this concept to just take responsibility for your failures. To me it’s more than just that. If you make a mistake, OK, own up to it and hopefully move on. Don’t blame someone else for your failures. But also take responsibility for helping other to NOT fail. Be a coach, a mentor, as well as a teacher. Also, don’t be afraid to be the student. It’s very important to know what you don’t know. Accept that. Build on it. Don’t blame others for it, but use it to identify where you need to be looking to expand.
OK, we’ve hit on a few topics. I’m sure you could probably think of a few more. If so, add them to your own personal list and build on them as you move forward to being someone great!

I’m Don Rima and that’s the view From Where I Stand.



Some thoughts on Sun, Health and Safety 0

Posted by on in Health, Medical








Some thoughts on Sun, Health and Safety
OK, so clearly it’s summer. It’s sunny. It’s hot! And all that means not only a lot of fun but also a lot of potential health risks for you.
Frankly, I’m a fair skinned white guy that was raised in Florida and the Caribbean in the early 60’s when there was little to no concern for skin cancers or sun burns. You go burned, it hurt, you peeled, you got over it and you went back out. Nowadays we know a little bit more about your skin than we did back then. I had a lot of fun in the sun, and I want you to really enjoy your time in the sun as well. But, I want you to do so safely.
Here’s a few thoughts to help you enjoy the summer sun and fun, yet still watch out for your health:
OK, so, we all enjoy the sun. It’s fun to be outside, at the beach, but overexposure to sun can result in skin cancers later in life.
Analysis of the dangers of ultraviolet(UV) exposure show us that on average children are receiving 3 times more exposure than adults. In addition things like concrete, sand, water and even snow can reflect 85% to 90% of the sun’s UV rays. And, you can get sunburns even on cloudy days.
There are more than 1.2 million new cases of skin cancer diagnosed every year in the US. And, in some parts of the world, melanoma is increasing at rates faster than any other cancers. Keep in mind, one serious sunburn can double a child’s risk for developing skin cancer later in their lifetime. And melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, kills one person each hour.
Keep in mind, people of all races can get sun burns. Whereas certain skin types are at higher risk, skin cancer affects everyone.
The cause behind these concerns are UV rays. These are the sun’s “invisible” burning rays which cause sunburns and in some cases skin cancer.
There are three type of UV rays:
UV-A: This is the more constant year-round and will penetrate deeper into the skin’s layers. UV-A rays are also harmful and contribute to premature aging of the skin, burning, and the development of some forms of skin cancers.
UV-B: This is the primary cause of sun burns, premature skin aging and skin cancers.
UV-C: These rays are blocked by the earth’s atmosphere and don’t reach the surface, so they’re not a concern in our discussion.
OK, this is going to sound obvious, but the more intense the sun, the greater the exposure. This varies with time of day and UV is greatest when the sun is highest in the sky and less during the morning and evenings hours. It also varies with the season, if it’s hotter outside, you’re going to have more UV exposure. It also varies with altitude – the higher in the mountains you are, the more UV exposure as you have less atmosphere to filter UV rays and shield you.
Geographic locations also is important. You probably remember studying about the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn in elementary school. Between these two tropics are where direct ray exposure is at the greatest, depending on the seasons, and it gets weaker as you move towards the polar regions.
And, like cooking chicken in the oven, the longer you’re in the sun, the more UV rays you will be exposed to.
It’s important to understand and know your local UV forecast. You can find this at most any weather forecast. Keep in mind that less than 2 is low, 3-5 moderate, 6-7 high, 8-10 very high and over 11 is considered extreme. Knowing this forecast can help you protect yourself from harm potential.
Considerations based on the UV index scale include:
2 or less – low: Wear sunglasses, cover and use sunscreen if you burn easily
3-5 – moderate: There is risk of harm, be cautious and stay in shady areas
6-7 – high: Sunscreen of at least SPF 30 is advised and you should be considering a hat and sunglasses.
8-10 – very high: Apply 30+ SPF sunscreen regularly, wear protective clothing and sunglasses and take extra precautions
11 – extreme: Avoid sun exposure between 10am and 4pm local time, use sunscreen and wear precautionary clothing.
Keep in mind that people of ALL races can burn. Your risks for burning increase with the amount of time you spend in the sun, having fair skin, having had severe burns from sun, tanning beds, etc., appearance of moles, living in the sun belt or higher elevations or if you have a family history of skin cancer.
So how are skin cancers detected in the first place? Frankly, you can be your own first line of defense. Start with performing a self exam. Look for any chances in your skin. Look for changes in size, color, textures or shape of a dark spot of mole. Check any new moles for bleeding and also check for any unusual bumps or growths. If you find anything of concern or out of the ordinary, contact your doctor or a dermatologist as soon as you can.
This takes us to our next concern: heat stroke. Heat stroke is the most serious form of heat related illness and results when the body is unable to control and regulate its core temperature. Sweating will stop and the body can’t cool itself. Heat stroke is a major medical emergency and could result in death of not treated quickly and properly.
So, how would I know if someone is suffering from heat stroke? A person could have confusion, loss of consciousness and/or seizures. If a person has been out in the sun and has dry skin (isn’t sweating) that could be a concern for heat stroke as sweat is a way your body regulates its temperature.
So, what to do if you think there’s an issue: Get the person into the shade and cool them down with water (NOT alcoholic beverages – even pour the water on them! ). Monitor their body temp and seek medical assistance as soon as possible.
There’s also the condition referred to as Heat Exhaustion. This is exhibited with signs of muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, weakness and fainting, headaches and dizziness, paleness(skin color loss), fatigue, and heavy sweating. Should you feel you’re experiencing these symptoms, drink a cold non-alcoholic beverage, rest in a cool place, cold shower or bath, use of light weight clothing and getting into an air-condition environment are advised. If you don’t see improvements in your condition, get medical attention quickly.
Two other issues to keep in mind are heat cramps and heat rash. Heat cramp occur to those that sweat a lot during strenuous activity and is caused by temporary imbalances in your body’s fluid and electrolyte levels and balances. Should this happen, stop all activity and sit down. Drink a sports drink or clear juice and don’t resume your normal activity for at least several hours. Seek medical attention if the cramping doesn’t stop. Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot weather, generally displayed with a red cluster of small blisters. Go to a cooler area, keep the rash area dry and powder can be used for additional comfort.
We talked about using sunglasses. It’s important to protect your eyes. Sunlight can reflect off of snow, sand and water with UV radiation risks increasing with the reflection.
Consider these guidelines to help protect your eyes:
– look for sunglasses with 99 – 100 % UV protection.
– ask your eye care professional to test your sunglasses if you’re not sure
– if you’re wearing contacts, you should be wearing sunglasses
– wraparound sunglasses will offer the most protection
– your kids need sunglasses with UV protection.
OK, so we still want to enjoy this great weather and sunshine. So, make sure you dress appropriately. Use light weight, light colored cotton fiber clothing as synthetics materials tend to keep in body heat. Wear a hat for sun protection as needed and shoes that let your feet breath. If you have kids, dress infants in cool, loose clothing and shade their heads and faces with a hat or umbrella. Use a sunscreen if they’re exposed to the sun.
Hey, we all want to have fun in the sun, and frankly our bodies NEED the sun. Vitamin D is called the sunshine vitamin for a good reason. UV-B rays that are absorbed by the skin product vitamin D. We need this vitamin for proper calcium absorption, bone growth, cell growth and normal immunity functions, and it helps reduce things like osteoporosis. The amount of vitamin D you will get depends on the time of day and amount of time you spend in the sun, your location and the color of your skin. Interestingly enough, pale skinned people make vitamin D quicker.
We don’t need to get a tan or a burn to enjoy and benefit from the sun. Sunlight has many benefits ranging from improving our mood through increases in endorphins and seratonin, to balancing out hormones, stimulating red blood cells and oxygen in the blood and actually reducing the risks of certain cancers. So, don’t be afraid of the sun! Enjoy it, but also respect it.
So enjoy the sun. Make sure you’re properly hydrated by drinking additional fluids. Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages. Eating fruits also helps you stay hydrated.
Get out and enjoy the sun, apply your sunscreen and reaply after swimming, perspiring and toweling off. Make sure to stay hydrated and stay in the shade when possible.
Here’s a few links for any further research you may want to do:
– www.cdc.gov
– www.cancer.gov
– www.sunsafetyalliance.org
– www.epa.gov
– www.fda.gov
– www.vitamindcouncil.org
OK, some legaleze: What we’re talking about here is for informational and educational purposes only and you shouldn’t be using it to diagnose or treat any known or unknown medical symptoms or conditions. If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of illness or you think you have a medical condition, you need to consult your physician or appropriate medical professional.
OK, now go have some fun in the sun! But, be smart about it.
I’m Don Rima and that’s the view, From Where I Stand.



New Shingles Vaccine – Shingrix – and you should be looking it over 0

Posted by on in Family, Health, Medical, Prevention








New Shingles Vaccine – Shingrix – and you should be looking it over
OK, so this week it was time to once again make a periodic pilgrimage to my family doctor. This also meant filling out the same forms I seem to have to fill out with each visit…it’s like they think my name, birthday,
sex, etc., have changed in 6 months. Haven’t these people ever heard of computers?
Anyway, back to my point. I’m a big proponent of prevention. Keeping current on my vaccines is generally high on my hit parade of discussion topics during these meetings. Come to find out there’s a relatively new vaccine out for shingles. It’s called Shingrix. It’s a two-part process, which means you get one shot today and the 2nd one in a month or so as part of the standard regiment plan. You can generally get it at your local pharmacy and if you have a chemist like mine, she has this unique smile when you mention getting a vaccination – I think she likes giving shots – but frankly I wouldn’t trade her…and my local pharmacy is generally where I get my vaccinations.
The older version of this vaccine was called Zostavax and like many of you I had that as well. But, come to find out, it is believed to be only 50% effective over time whereas Shingrix is believed to be closer to 97%. Shingrix is also made with a completely different biological process – you could say it’s the new and improved, latest and greatest. And, I’m all for this kind of progress!
For those of you that haven’t had shingles, trust me, you don’t want them. We’re talking painful…as in kidney stones and giving birth levels of pain. I’ve not had it, but everything I’ve ever read and heard has assured me conclusively that it’s not to be on my bucket list of things to do. If you’ve ever had chicken pox you’re a good candidate for shingles. But you don’t have to have had a full blown case of c.pox to get shingles.
So, why am I even bringing this out, after all, I’m not a doctor nor do I play one on TV…? Simple. Prevention is the better part of cure. Clearly there’s something that’s new, safe and substantially more effective than the older version and it’s something you need to be talking with your primary care provider(s) about. Like many other vaccinations, it’s one you can get easily at most local pharmacies.
So, I recommend you add this to the conversation list of your next doctor’s visit and give it serious consideration. A couple of shots could save you some major pain and discomfort.
Here’s a few links for your continued research and study:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/shingles/public/shingrix/index.html
https://www.shingrix.com/discover-shingrix.html?google=e_&rotation=71700000033581026&banner=58700003904241858&kw=31389062318&cc=4C1454B60168&pid=43700026976662995&gclid=CLjdp926xdsCFQprgQodd28Ndw&gclsrc=ds
https://www.gsksource.com/pharma/content/gsk/source/us/en/brands/shingrix/pi/home.html
https://www.consumerreports.org/shingles-vaccine/new-shingles-vaccine-shingrix-what-you-should-know/
https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/892264
Standard legal CYA caveat: Always talk with your medical professional before making medical decisions.
I’m Don Rima, and that’s the view, From Where I Stand.