PrimeCare of Novi
Newsletter

Volume 1, Issue 5            July 2011

July is UV Safety Month

Facts about harmful ultraviolet rays:

*The sun's UV rays are the strongest from 10 am to 4 pm.

*Reflected sunlight- light that bounces off water or snow, for example- can be the most dangerous type of UV light because it is intensified.

*The UV index uses numbers to represent level of exposure: 0-2=minimal; 3-4=low; 5-6=moderate; 7-8=high; 10+=high; 10+=very high.

*Sunglasses providing UV-A and UV-B protection of 99-100 percent will greatly reduce eye damage from sun exposure.

*Hats should offer sun protection to your eyes, ears, face and back of your neck.

*Sunscreen of SPF 15+ should be liberally applied 20 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or after working, swimming, playing or exercising outdoors.

*Identifying skin cancer early is the best step to prevention and cure.

 


By Lisa Maroun, Registered Dietitian

1. 

 

How Much Sun Exposure Do I Need for Vitamin D?

By Shereen Jegtvig, About.com Guide

Updated June 25, 2011

 

Your body makes vitamin D when you are exposed to the ultraviolet B (UVB) rays in sunlight. You probably need from 5 to 30 minutes of exposure to the skin on your face, arms, back or legs (without sunscreen) twice every week. Since exposure to sunlight is a risk for skin cancer, you should use sunscreen after a few minutes in the sun and even in the winter and on hazy, cloudy days.

The amount of exposure also depends on the time of the year. In the northern hemisphere, the UVB is more intense during the summer months and less intense during the winter months. In fact, if you live north of the 42-degrees latitude, you will have a difficult time getting enough vitamin D from the sun from November through February. If you live north of a line drawn on a map from the northern border of California to Boston, Massachusetts, you will probably need additional vitamin D from the foods you eat during the winter.

The intensity of UVB rays is also reduced by clouds, pollution and UVB will not travel through glass, so sitting next to a window will not give you enough sunlight to make vitamin D.

Vitamin D is found in oily fish like tuna and salmon as well as in fortified foods like milk and breakfast cereals. You can also take vitamin D supplements.

Vitamin D is necessary for absorption and utilization of calcium, so you need adequate amounts of vitamin D for healthy bones. A deficiency of vitamin D in children will cause rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Research studies also suggest that getting enough vitamin D may help to prevent high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis and some forms of cancer.

 

PrimeCare of Novi
Contact information:

39555 W. Ten Mile Road,
Suite 302, Novi

Phone:
(248) 426-7200

Follow prompts after hours to speak to on-call doctor

Fax:
(248) 426-7335

 Subscribe to our newsletter or find us on the web @
 www.primecareofmi.com

Twitter
www.twitter.com/ primecarenovi

Hours of operation:

  
Monday-Thursday
Friday        
Saturday  		 8-6:00pm
8-3:00pm
9-2:00pm

Editor: Maria McCuean

Nancy’s Quote

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.

"Mahatma Ghandi"

 

Special points of interest:

* Make sure you are keeping up with your routine visits.
* Don’t forget to give at least 24 hour notice if you are unable to keep your appointment.
 * Just a reminder that Co-pays are due at check-in the day of service.
 * It is helpful if you can bring in your medications during your physical.

 Behavioral Health
by Susan Decker LMSW

Stay Safe in the Sun!

Wear Sunscreen

Wear Sunglasses

Seek Shade

Check the UV index

 
Do you know that we handle occupational healthcare needs?  We are capable of taking care of pre-employment exams, drug screens and injuries on the job.  If you need a DOT physical or are an employer looking for a great place to care for your patients, give us a call.

WebView

We encourage you to call our office and ask about WebView!  We are now allowing all patients to review their records online and to communicate with staff.  This will be our preferred mode of communication in that it provides a secure e-mail and way to contact us.  You can request appointments, review labs, speak with staff and physicians.  This allows us to be more efficient in the office and allows us to respond to you immediately.  Please call us if you would like to try it out!

 

Supplements

Did you know that we provide a source for you to purchase high-quality vitamins, pro-biotics, Vitamin D,  Glucosamine and fish oil.  Ask at the check-out window the next time  you are in the office. 

Aviation Medical Examinations
 

Are you a pilot?  Do you know that Dr. Zaid and Dr. Shively can provide your  Aviation Medical Exams?  Come fly with us! Part of the week-long course involves experiencing a simulation of what happens when aircraft cabins loose oxygen pressure. 

 
Click here to subscribe to or unsubscribe from our mailing list and to receive our monthly newsletter.