Hot Weather, Hot Topics: Sunscreen, Coffee, and Keeping Cool

Host Doug Stephan and Dr. Ken Kronhaus of Lake Cardiology (352-735-1400) cover a number of topics affecting our health. First up, Doug and Dr. Ken discuss the biggest news stories in the medical world, starting with a focus on handling the excessive summertime heat and how to combat heat exhaustion and heat stroke with prevention — like staying hydrated (which sounds easier than done), wearing a hat, minimize sun exposure during the hottest part of the day (usually around 9/10 AM - 3 PM), and being aware of symptoms of heat-related illness.

Summertime heat also brings stronger UV levels, and Dr. Ken shares his thoughts on wearing sunscreen, why it’s important to use in order to avoid sunburn — which is what can lead to skin cancer — and a dermatologist-recommended sunscreen is the best kind of sunscreen. Plus, a hot new item that is sun-protective clothing that blocks out harmful UV rays.

Next up, a caveat to the health benefits of drinking a cup or two of coffee every day may help you live longer but only if there aren’t any creams or sugar added — black coffee is the only way to get the health benefits of coffee.

Moving on, new information suggests some risk factors for lower back pain as we get older can be modifiable with fighting obesity, not smoking, getting rid of mental stress, lifting weights properly, and increasing the length of time and intensity of which you walk.

We know about the concussion danger of football, but did you know soccer is a sport that can lead to brain injuries as well. A new study looks at the risk of using the head instead of the feet (headers), and that MRI scans found evidence that heading the ball alters chemistry and nerve function in the brain and causes slightly elevated levels of protein that have been associated with brain injury.

Plus, Doug and Dr. Ken addresses fighting against muscle loss. Unfortunately, when it comes to weight loss drugs, a good amount of the weight coming off is from muscle, not strictly fat. However, there is an experimental drug to help people taking semaglutide keep their muscle while losing weight.

Lastly, Dr. Ken answers listener questions. First one has to do with poop. Does regularity matter, and if it’s in the morning, what is happening in your body overnight that causes some to have a bowel movement the first thing in the morning. Dr. Ken shares that while people should pay attention to their habits, he also encourages all of us to not overthink it. Constipation is typically a bigger issue than the time of day someone is having a bowel movement. If you’re wondering — once a day is a good daily rate to move your bowels, and make sure you’re getting enough water and staying hydrated.

Next question is about vitamin D deficiency, asking what symptoms for which to look, and the best ways to get vitamin D. 


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