Visit our web site:
w w w. e B a p t i s t H e a l t h C a r e . o r g
A Safety Guide to the
Great Outdoors
Summer … for many of us, it means
outdoor activities like hiking, camping
and swimming … possibly resulting in
blisters, bug bites and sunburn. But
planning ahead can help you avoid
unpleasant – or even dangerous –
consequences of fun in the sun.
Following are some outdoor safety tips.
Into the Woods … and Out Again Safely
Today’s Healthy Outlook
If your idea of camping is staking out a spot at an RV
park with satellite TV service, the worst you’ll probably
encounter are a few mosquito bites. But if you’re planning
a camping or hiking trip in the wilderness, or even a short
day trip in unfamiliar territory, these precautions may help
ensure your safety.
2
>> Plan your route and make sure someone knows when
you are leaving, where you are going and when you
plan to return. Use a map and compass.
>> Look at your campsite in daylight and check for riverbanks, cliffs and other potential hazards.
>> Wear insect repellent containing 10% to 30% DEET, or
try less-toxic alternatives like picaridin and oil of lemon
eucalyptus. Check each hiker or camper for ticks at
least once a day.
>> Be prepared for rain or abrupt changes in temperature,
especially when hiking to higher elevations. Bring layered clothing and rain gear.
>> Don’t drink water directly from springs, streams
or lakes. Treat the water with purifying tablets or
a special filtering pump, available at camping and
outdoor stores.
>> Be plant-smart. Familiarize yourself with poison ivy,
poison oak and poison sumac so you can avoid them.
Don’t eat berries or mushrooms you find in the woods.
>> If you are hiking in a wooded area, wear long pants.
Tuck pant legs into your socks to help keep ticks
from hitching a ride.
>> Bring along plenty of sunscreen, drinking water
and food. Nuts and dried fruit are lightweight and
provide nutrients and energy.
>> Wear comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes with
thick, moisture-wicking socks.
>> Assign each hiker a loud whistle in case you need to
signal each other or someone gets lost. Take along a cell
phone for emergencies, but be aware they often don’t
work in remote areas.
>> Don’t approach or feed any animals you encounter, and
store food in animal-proof containers at your campsite.
If bears are in the area, hang food at least six feet
from the ground between two trees. Never bring
food into your tent – you may attract
unwanted visitors.
Make a Splash with Water Safety
Smart Swimming
»» Never leave a child unattended at the ocean, lake or poolside.
»» Every family member should learn to swim, but remember
that even strong swimmers can drown.
»» At public pools and beaches, swim only in approved areas
attended by a lifeguard. Follow the safety rules posted.
»» Never dive into water unless you are 100% sure it is deep
enough and clear of obstacles.
»» Don’t swim when you are tired, in pain or not feeling well.
»» If you are at a lake or pond and you can’t see the bottom,
wear water sandals or other footgear to protect your feet
from jagged rocks or trash.
»» Don’t swim in the dark. In the ocean, avoid swimming
during dawn and dusk, when marine animals are more
likely to be feeding.
»» Avoid horseplay, and never pretend to be drowning.
>> Build campfires only
in approved fire rings
and keep them under
control. Douse them
with water before bedtime or whenever you leave the campsite.
>> Bring a flashlight with extra batteries, matches in
a waterproof container and a first aid kit.
Camping and hiking are great family-friendly
activities. The memories of fresh-air hikes, idyllic
sunsets and songs around the campfire will last
long after the backpacks are stashed away. Being
prepared can help assure that your trip is safe
and memorable for all the right reasons.
Brainy Boating
»» Always wear a Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device.
»» Take a boat operating course if you are piloting a motor boat.
»» Never drink alcohol when operating a boat.
»» If in a canoe, avoid sudden movements to one or the other
side of the canoe and don’t stand up.
»» Head back to shore immediately if bad weather threatens.
* Source: National Safety Council, www.nsc.org.
** Source: KidsHealth, www.kidshealth.org.
Outdoor Food Safety
There are few things more appealing than a picnic on a sunny
summer day, and few things more appalling than getting sick
from food that’s been improperly prepared or stored. Follow
these tips for handling food safely:
»» Keep cold foods cold with frozen cooler packs or ice
in an insulated cooler. Store the cooler in the shade
and limit how often you open and close it.
»» Don’t leave food sitting out for more than two hours, or more
than one hour if the outside temperature is above 90 degrees.
»» Wash your hands before preparing or cooking food.
»» Wash plates that have held raw meat, poultry or seafood
before putting cooked food on them.
»» Don’t reuse marinades on cooked foods.
»» Use a food thermometer to check the inside temperature of
meats and poultry to be sure it has come to a safe cooking
temperature. Seafood should be opaque when fully cooked.
»» Use a drinking straw rather than drinking directly from soda
cans or bottles to help prevent swallowing a bee that may
have wandered into the container.
Shield Yourself from the Sun
No matter what your outdoor pursuits, always
protect yourself against sun exposure.
»» Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at
least 15 at least 30 minutes before going outdoors. Read the
label to be sure it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Reapply every two hours and after swimming or perspiring.
»» Avoid direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
»» Wear a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
»» Consider wearing lightweight, long-sleeved tops and long
pants for more protection.
»» Drink plenty of water to reduce the risk of dehydration.
SUMMER 2008
Nearly 3,000 people drown every year in the U.S.,* and
drowning is the second most-common cause of injury or
death of children under age 14.** Don’t let yourself or a
family member become a statistic.
3
Use the Three S’s Rule for SAFE Fun in the Sun
Shirt, Sunscreen and Shades
p
People travel to and live in Florida because they
enjoy having fun in the sun. If you’re one of these
people, don’t let a favorite pastime become your
worst enemy. Have fun in the sun and remember
the three S’s rule: shirt, sunscreen and shades.
Currently, one in five Americans develops skin
cancer. Exercising preventive habits to reduce risk
factors is a vital step in saving lives. Remember
to protect the skin: Cover up with a shirt, apply
sunscreen frequently and protect your eyes by
wearing shades. Regular skin screenings are
another important component.
Sponsored by Baptist Health Care, the annual
“Mole Patrol” skin cancer screening event helps
sun lovers take a pulse on their skin health. To
help area residents prevent and identify skin concerns early, Baptist will again team up with the
Moffitt Cancer Center this July to bring the Mole
Patrol back to the Bay area. During the 2007 event,
half of all screenings revealed a skin condition

that needed further medical examination.
Several included melanoma, a serious skin
cancer that can be fatal if not treated.
Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage
UV Rays
 Avoid the strongest UV rays of the day, usually
The danger to skin lies in ultraviolet (UV)
rays. Sunlight contains UV rays that react
with a chemical in the skin called melanin.
Melanin defends our bodies from harmful
rays and absorbs them before they do serious
skin damage. Melanin is found in different
concentrations and colors, which is why we
have different skin colors. The lighter your
skin color, the less melanin and UV defense
you have. However, UV rays can damage both
light and dark skin.
Time in Sun
Sunburns can sneak up on you. We usually don’t
know we have had too much until it is too late. If
you’re in the sun for an extended period of time,
slip on a T-shirt. Follow all the tips for sun damage
protection and try not to let time get away from you.
between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
 Apply sunscreen on cloudy days. Clouds and cool
breezes do not provide UV protection.
 Cover up to shield skin from UV rays.
 Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside to
form a good layer of protection.
 Re-apply sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher every
two to three hours or after swimming or sweating.
 Protect eyes with sunglasses that provide 100%
UV protection.
 Be aware of medication sensitivity.
 Protect the young, especially infants. Those younger
than 20 years old also can get melanoma.
 Routinely examine your skin and ask your physician
to check you as well.
Symptoms of sunburn include pain and chills.
Confusion, nausea and vomiting are symptoms
of severe sunburn and should be reported to your
physician for medical attention. Peeling can occur
a week or two after the burn. The new skin is vulnerable to infection, so avoid scratching the burned
skin area. Avoid additional sun exposure, which
will increase the severity of the burn and the pain.
Symptoms and Relief
Today’s Healthy Outlook
Currently, one
in five Americans
develops skin cancer.
Exercising preventive
habits to reduce risk
factors is a vital step
in saving lives.
4
To help relieve some of the symptoms with
sunburn:
>> Take a cool (not cold) bath.
>> Apply pure aloe vera gel.
>> Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
>> Apply a topical moisturizing cream for
hydration.
For severely burned areas:
>> Add a thin layer of 1% hydrocortisone cream to
help reduce swelling.
>> Avoid petroleum-based products that prevent
excess heat and sweat from escaping.
>> Do not scratch, pop or squeeze blisters that
may form (may cause infection and scarring).
Being smart can make all the difference in your
Sunshine State experience! ❚
For more information about Mole Patrol,
call (850) 434-4080.
Coping with Postpartum Depression
Postpartum depression is an often misunderstood illness affecting more than 400,000 mothers a year. It is a period of depression following
pregnancy that leaves mothers feeling sad and
unhappy. Postpartum is often linked to the sudden drop in endorphins from the process of labor
and delivery or from sudden hormonal changes.
Depending on the severity, it can turn into a clinical mood disorder in which feelings of sadness,
loss, anger or frustration interfere with everyday
life for an extended time.
One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Pregnancy-related depression can range from
baby blues to full-blown postpartum psychosis.
Identifying depression early is the key to recovery.
Treatment may range from counseling to
medication.
Baby blues are the mildest form of depression,
usually occurring in the first few days of the postpartum period. Symptoms include mood swings,
weepiness, loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping,
fatigue, discomfort and feeling over-stimulated
with daily life events. The blues can last up to two
weeks and will usually disappear naturally with
support and understanding from loved ones.
Postpartum depression can occur up to one
year after delivery, but typically appears within
the first three weeks. Some of the more serious
symptoms are feelings of overwhelming sadness,
extreme fatigue, increased anxiety and personal
and parental insecurity, inability to cope with
daily living, difficulty concentrating, difficulty
sleeping and a lack of interest in daily activities.
Women with a history of depression, troubled
childhood, low self-esteem, stress at home or
work and no support system are at highest risk.
Postpartum psychosis is the most dangerous type
of post-pregnancy depression. Symptoms appear
within the first three months following delivery
and typically, but don’t always, affect first-time
mothers. Symptoms may include hallucinations,
delusions and phobias that can lead to a full-blown
Postpartum depression is an often
misunderstood illness affecting more
than 400,000 mothers a year.
Working through Depression
Although hormonal changes associated with
postpartum depression cannot be controlled,
some tips are available to help manage it:
>> Ask for help. Get rest, eat healthy, exercise
and request overall support.
>> Avoid alcohol, caffeine and other drugs or
medications unless recommended by your
health professional.
>> If you are concerned about developing postpartum depression, have your first postnatal
checkup three or four weeks after childbirth
rather than the usual six weeks.
>> Expectant mothers and family members
should discuss pregnancy-related depression
with their obstetrician prior to birth and be
alert to signs and symptoms.
“For women who suffer from this illness, know
that you are not alone,” Killam says. “Talk to
your physician, hospital nursing staff, friends
and family, and take care of yourself, so that you
are able to focus on nurturing your new baby.” ❚
For more information, call the
Baptist Mother Baby Care Center at
(850) 434-4567 or visit the Baptist web site
at www.eBaptistHealthCare.org/MotherBaby.
Take Care to Fight
Diabetes Depression
Schedule a Backto-School Checkup
People with type 2 diabetes who do not
properly follow diet, exercise and blood sugar
self-monitoring regimens are more likely to
experience major depression. A study reported
in Diabetes Care noted that out of 879 diabetic
patients, 19.3% met criteria for major depression
and 66.5% had some depressive symptoms.
Depression with diabetes can lead to higher risk
of health problems, so it’s important for diabetics
to seek help with diabetes
self-care as well as their
emotional health.
Communicating with
health care providers and joining a
diabetes support
group can help.
Help your child get ready for a healthy school year by
scheduling a back-to-school checkup. Some schools
require a well-child visit and a copy of up-to-date
immunizations before children can enter specific
grades or participate in sports. The
checkup should include a physical
exam and developmental assessment.
It’s also a time for your child to get
immunized against certain health conditions – this may depend on your
child’s health history and school
requirements. Taking your child
to a family physician helps
ensure a thorough exam.
What’s more, it can help
your child build a healthy
doctor-patient relationship
to last into adulthood.
SUMMER 2008
“One of the things I have had to overcome is the
stigma that society puts on people suffering from
postpartum depression,” Killam says. “Some even
say we are overdramatic or crazy.”
psychotic break, requiring hospitalization and psychiatric care. This condition is very dangerous and
can result in physical harm to mother and child.
HEALTHNOTES
c
Connie Killam, R.N., Mother Baby Care Center,
Baptist Hospital, understands postpartum depression. Not only does she work with mothers who
may be facing depression after giving birth, but
she has also experienced it.
5
Help
for Headaches
i
It can start as a dull ache – barely noticeable
– but by the end of the day you’re clutching your
forehead in pain. Most of the time, headaches are
a nuisance and nothing to worry about. If headaches disrupt your life on a regular basis, however,
they should be discussed with a physician.
When a Headache Is
an Emergency
Today’s Healthy Outlook
If you have a headache that feels different from
other headaches you’ve had, you should err on the
side of caution and seek emergency care. And if you
have head pain after an injury, call 911 immediately.
6
A headache can be a sign of a serious condition
if you experience:
»» Sudden and severe pain »» Confusion or
»» Fever
difficulty speaking
»» Stiff neck
»» Double vision
»» Rash
»» Numbness or
»» Seizure
weakness
Many Varieties of Headaches
Headaches can come and go with no warning and
no clear cause. Other times, they can be a symptom of another disease or condition. Knowing the
symptoms of different types of headaches can
help you get the appropriate treatment.
>> Tension headache. Your headache might be
due to tension if the pain is dull and achy.
Tension headaches are also usually accompanied by a sore neck and can often be treated
with over-the-counter pain medications.
>> Migraine. A migraine is characterized by throbbing, severe pain that lasts from four to 72
hours. The pain can also be accompanied by
nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and
sound. If you feel the symptoms of a migraine
coming on, rest in a quiet, dark room. A hot
or cold compress on the forehead can help,
as can trying to sleep. If home remedies don’t
work, talk to your physician about other nondrug therapies or prescription medications.
>> Chronic headache. If you experience headaches more than 14 days of a month, you
might have chronic headaches. They can feel
moderate to severe, and they may be a sign
of an underlying condition. If you experience
headaches frequently, check with your doctor to see if headaches are signaling another
health condition.
>> Rebound headache. Unfortunately, sometimes what helps headaches can make them
worse. If you take pain medication for headaches often, and the headache returns, you
might be experiencing a rebound headache.
The only way to stop the cycle of rebound
headaches is to discontinue the use of that
particular medication.
>> Cluster headache. A cluster headache is a rare
condition that affects less than 1% of adults.
It is characterized by a sharp, severe pain that
is often only on one side of the head. It is very
painful, but lasts a short time – about 45 to
90 minutes. If you have cluster headaches, a
doctor may prescribe preventive medicines.
Help Ease the Pain
Headaches don’t have to ruin your day or quality
of life. Talk to your health care provider about the
treatment options that may be right for you. ❚
Facts about
Ph
bias
Almost everyone has a fear
about something – you may be
apprehensive about giving a
presentation in front of a group or
uneasy about flying in a plane.
Categorizing a Phobia
Phobias usually fall into one of three groups,
depending on the cause.
> Agoraphobia is a fear of being on your own in
a place or situation you feel you can’t escape
from. People with agoraphobia may avoid driving over bridges or going down busy streets.
They may also avoid places with crowds of
people, such as shopping malls. People suffering
More than 500 types of phobias have been
named. Phobias can produce serious and
debilitating symptoms and should not be taken
lightly. If you think you have a phobia, contact
your physician or a mental health professional.
from a severe form may find it difficult to even
leave their homes. Typically, people develop
this phobia after having several random panic
attacks that occur without warning.
> A social phobia is an intense fear of social situations. People with a phobia in this category
may be extremely self-conscious or immensely
fearful of being humiliated in public. A social
phobia should not be confused with shyness.
People with social phobias may think others are
watching or judging them. The most common
social phobia is the fear of speaking in public.
> Specific phobias are fears of specific objects or
situations. The most common specific phobias
are fears about animals, such as dogs, snakes or
mice. Another common phobia is claustrophobia, a fear of enclosed spaces.
» Acrophobia is a fear of heights. This phobia can be
particularly dangerous if a sufferer can’t get down
from a high place safely.
» Arachnophobia is a fear of spiders.
» Automatonophobia is the fear of ventriloquist’s dummies
or wax statues. People with pupaphobia fear puppets.
» Coulrophobia is a fear of clowns or mimes.
» Nyctophobia is a fear of nighttime or darkness. This
is common among young children but can also be
present in adults. People with this phobia fear
something happening to them at night and often
suffer from sleep disorders.
» Obesophobia, also known as pocrescophobia, is a fear of gaining weight. People
with this phobia may also have an
eating disorder.
Getting Help
There is no universal reason why people develop
phobias – although chemicals in the brain, genetics and traumatic experiences are believed to be
potential triggers. Without treatment, phobias can
lead to social isolation, depression or substance
abuse. If you think you have a phobia, contact
your physician or mental health professional. He
or she may recommend therapy, medication or
both to help combat the condition and improve
your quality of life. ❚
SUMMER 2008
b
But when your fears affect how you function in
your daily life, you may be experiencing something more serious. You may have a phobia. A
phobia is a persistent, irrational fear of an object
or situation. Phobias can occur gradually or all of
a sudden, and can happen at any age. According
to Mental Health America, formerly the National
Mental Health Association, as many as 12% of
people in the United States suffer from a phobia.
Phobias most commonly occur in men over 25
and women of all ages. Someone with a phobia
may experience feelings of panic or terror, a rapid
heartbeat, shortness of breath or a desire to flee
when faced with their fear.
Types of Phobias
7
New Technology Treats Hard-to-Reach Cancer Cells,
Preserves Healthy Tissue
t
The Baptist Cancer Institute offers a new cancer and neurological treatment as an option for
some hard-to-treat cancers and neurological
dysfunctions. Stereotactic radiosurgery and body
treatment delivers a highly concentrated, tightly
focused dose of cancer-killing radiation.
Greater Treatment Options
The new treatments are especially effective for
certain types of tumors found in the brain, liver,
lungs, head, neck and spine as well as for nerve
damage in the brain. Stereotactic radiotherapy
allows radiation to begin in the earlier stages of
cancer when it is most curable as well as making
many inoperable tumors treatable. In addition,
radiosurgery can help patients with benign brain
tumors or neurological dysfunctions avoid surgery.
Greater beam precision also means that previously
untreatable cancers using standard radiation therapy are now treatable with stereotactic radiation.
For example, because of toxicity and/or significant
side effects to healthy tissues, most liver cancer
patients could not be treated with traditional
radiation therapy.
“The bottom line is we are going to
see better results and outcomes. This
includes an improved quality of life
and hope for patients with cancer.”
Better Accuracy
“Stereotactic radiosurgery enables us to treat
brain tumors with an accuracy of less than
a .5 millimeters margin of error,” says Donna
Campbell, director, Baptist Cancer Institute.
“Before Baptist invested in the technology, patients
with certain types of brain and other hard-to-treat
cancers had to travel long distances to receive this
highly specialized treatment. Now, these patients
can receive treatment in their own community.”
Shorter Treatment Times
With traditional radiation therapy treatments,
patients receive a series of radiation doses over
a period of weeks. But with stereotactic radiation
treatment, patients are able to receive a much
higher dose, due to the beam’s precision. Another
benefit is that the treatments can be given in a
short course of a few days – or in some instances,
a single session. This treatment strategy can be
more effective at killing or controlling certain
types of cancer, making them more manageable
and giving patients a higher quality of life.
“The bottom line is we are going to see better
results and outcomes,” Campbell says. “This
includes an improved quality of life and hope
for patients with cancer.” ❚
For more information, call Baptist Health
Care at (850) 434-4080.
This publication does not constitute professional ­medical advice.
Although it is intended to be accurate, ­neither the ­publisher
nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to
reliance on this material. If you have a medical question, consult
your medical professional. Images may be from one or more of these
sources: ©Jupiterimages, ©Getty Images, ©iStock, ©PhotoSpin.
©2008 Priority Publications prioritypub.com
For more information
about outdoor safety,
headaches or phobias,
call Baptist Health
Care at (850) 434-4080.
Want to
know more?
www.eBaptistHealthCare.org
P.O. Box 17500
Pensacola, FL 32522-7500
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Pensacola, FL
Permit No. 18