Summer is here! This July, we’re focusing on something crucial for our community: UV Safety Awareness Month. With our beautiful sunny weather, it’s easy to forget that those warm rays can also pose serious health risks. Let’s focus on how to protect ourselves and our loved ones from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

The Dangers of UV Radiation

UV radiation from the sun can cause significant damage to our skin and eyes. Here are some key points to consider:

• Skin Cancer: Prolonged exposure to UV rays is a leading cause of skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form. According to the American Cancer Society, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.
• Eye Damage: UV exposure can also harm your eyes, leading to conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
• Premature Aging: UV rays break down the collagen in our skin, leading to wrinkles and age spots.

UV Exposure in the Inland Empire

Our region is known for its sunny weather, which means we're at a higher risk for UV exposure. Here are some stats specific to the Inland Empire:

• High UV Index: The Inland Empire often experiences a high UV index, especially during the summer months. On a scale from 1 to 11+, our area regularly hits 8 or above, indicating a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
• Skin Cancer Rates: The incidence of skin cancer in California is higher than the national average, and the Inland Empire is no exception. According to recent data, the region sees thousands of new cases each year.
• Outdoor Activities: With our beautiful parks, hiking trails, and outdoor sports facilities, residents of the Inland Empire spend a lot of time outside, increasing the risk of UV-related health issues.

Tips to Stay Safe in the Sun

While enjoying our sunny weather, it’s essential to take steps to protect yourself and your family from harmful UV radiation. Here are some practical tips:

1. Use Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
2. Wear Protective Clothing: Opt for long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats to cover your skin. Look for clothing with UV protection labels.
3. Seek Shade: Stay in the shade, especially during the peak UV hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
4. Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes with sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
5. Check the UV Index: Pay attention to the daily UV index and take extra precautions when the index is high.

Final Thoughts

UV Safety Awareness Month is a great reminder for all of us in the Inland Empire to take sun safety seriously. By following these simple tips, we can enjoy our sunny climate while minimizing the risks associated with UV exposure.

Stay safe and enjoy your summer!

The post Stay Sun-Safe: Protect Yourself and Your Family appeared first on UCR Health.

On average, a computer keyboard, ATM, and dirty office desks carry around more infectious agents than toilet seats. Shaking hands or hand contact with different surfaces (doorknobs, keyboards, touchscreens) are the most common spread of infectious diseases, so it is important that many individuals know the proper way to wash their hands.

As many students start school around this time and the holiday season approaches, we also enter the season when many airborne infections are more contagious. Every year, these secondary infections cause thousands of health concerns in hospitals. These infections can be found in schools, workplaces, and even your own homes. Most people who catch these illnesses end up with cold symptoms such as cough, fever, muscle aches, sore throat, nausea, and headaches. However, older or immunocompromised folks are at increased risk of developing life-threatening symptoms and require hospitalization. Family Medicine, Dr. Tiffany Phon shares a few tips to keep yourself and your loved one safe during this season and prevent spreading infections.

Here are a few tips from Dr. Phon:

• Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth, especially in public areas.
• Wash your hands with soap and water often.
• Avoid touching your face. Often, people can become sick from bringing germs on their hands in contact with their eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Ensure good ventilation. Keep indoor air healthy by keeping it moving! Open windows, air conditioning, swamp coolers, and fans are great ways to keep air flowing.
• Get vaccinated! Everyone should get their flu vaccine each year as well as stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. You can also encourage your loved ones over 60 to get the RSV vaccine.
• If you come across someone that has COVID, continue to do the above, as well as get tested accordingly. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has a great step-by-step guide. You can read more about it here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/if-you-were-exposed.html

Learning and promoting ways to prevent infection helps improve the general health of people around the world. Good health is essential to human happiness and well-being which contributes to prosperity and economic growth. Healthy populations are significantly more productive allowing many to live longer and have better quality of life.

If you come in contact with any infectious disease, consider scheduling an appointment with Dr. Phon or any of our family medicine specialists. Contact us at 1-844-827-8000 or submit an online appointment form to schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment.

About UCR Health

UCR Health is comprised of a team of physicians, specialists, and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving people’s health. With five medical offices located throughout the Inland Empire and Coachella Valley, UCR Health is growing to meet the healthcare needs of the region, bringing innovative, culturally sensitive medical care to the community. Established alongside the School of Medicine at the University of California, Riverside, UCR Health’s patient-centered primary care and specialty services deliver university-based healthcare excellence and innovation to all communities.

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Contact us at 1-844-827-8000 or submit an online appointment form to schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment.

About UCR Health

UCR Health is comprised of a team of physicians, specialists and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving people’s health. With five medical offices located throughout Inland Empire and Coachella Valley, UCR Health is growing to meet the healthcare needs of the region, bringing innovative, culturally sensitive medical care to the community. Established alongside the School of Medicine at the University of California, Riverside, UCR Health’s patient-centered primary care and specialty services deliver university-based healthcare excellence and innovation to all communities.

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World Immunization Week’s goal is to highlight the action necessary to be taken within communities to protect people from vaccine-preventable diseases. Throughout history, we have encountered many various diseases such as tetanus, influenza, measles, mumps, etc. As time progressed, and with the proper research and technology, vaccinations became available to the general public. Now, immunizations prevent 3.5-5 million deaths every year from these vaccine-preventable diseases. It is important to get the annual influenza vaccine as it helps prevent individuals from falling ill from the yearly flu. 

Many other immunizations are more recent and have worked very well for the communities. For example, COVID-19 vaccinations. When the pandemic began, no vaccine was available to prevent this outbreak. Over time, immunization was available and helped prevent a large number of individuals and many communities from falling ill with the COVID-19 virus. 

Though many myths about immunizations have been circling around such as immunizations causing other illnesses or disorders, they are not true. The main and sole purpose of immunizations is to prevent an immunization-preventable virus and disease from happening to an individual. 

Let's do our part to protect our communities! Schedule your vaccine appointment today - give us a call at 1-844-827-8000 or submit an online appointment request form here.

About UCR Health

UCR Health is comprised of a team of physicians, specialists, and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving people’s health. With five medical offices located throughout Inland Empire and Coachella Valley, UCR Health is growing to meet the healthcare needs of the region, bringing innovative, culturally sensitive medical care to the community. Established alongside the School of Medicine at the University of California, Riverside, UCR Health’s patient-centered primary care and specialty services deliver university-based healthcare excellence and innovation to all communities.

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What Does the Thyroid Do?

The thyroid is a small gland found at the base of the neck. It almost looks like the shape of butterfly wings. It is responsible for producing hormones that play a role in the metabolism, growth, and development of the human body. 

What Are the Different Types of Thyroid Disorders?

There are a number of thyroid disorders, among which the most prevalent are:

• Hyperthyroidism: constituted by an overactive thyroid, hyperthyroidism is when there is an excessive production of hormones made by the thyroid gland which can cause symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, increased sweating, irritability, muscle weakness and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. 
• Hypothyroidism: constituted by an underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism is when not enough thyroid hormone is produced leading to symptoms such as unexplained weight gain, feeling cold, a slow heart rate, a puffy face and dry or thinning hair. 
• Hashimoto's disease: caused by an inflammation of the thyroid gland due to the immune system attacking it. The swelling of the thyroid can typically be seen or felt and can potentially lead to hypothyroidism.
• Thyroid cancer: a mass found on the thyroid which can typically be seen or felt as a lump at the base of one's throat. Thyroid cancer can cause symptoms such as pain, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, frequent coughing, and hoarseness in one’s voice. However, less than 10% of thyroid nodules are cancerous in adults and most types of thyroid cancer are treatable if detected early.

How Can I tell if I have a Thyroid Disorder?

Aside from the symptoms listed above, another way to tell if something is up with your thyroid is by taking a sip of water and as you swallow look for any bulges or protrusions in your throat area. Be sure not to confuse the Adam’s apple for a lump! If you suspect that you may have an issue with your thyroid, contact your primary care physician. To schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with a UCR Health physician, click here or give us a call at 1-844-827-8000.

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Outside of medicine, Dr. Glassy shared, “I like spending time with my husband and sons, cooking and enjoying the great outside weather here in Southern California.” She added, "I am a wife and a mother of two young boys. My time outside of patient care is devoted to my family. We enjoy outdoor experiences, reading, crafting, and music."

Want to schedule an appointment with Dr. Glassy? Contact us at 1-844-827-8000 or visit https://www.ucrhealth.org/make-an-appointment/.

The post January 2023 Physician Highlight – Crystal Glassy, DO appeared first on UCR Health.

Dr. Hernandez Schulte is board-certified in Family Medicine with a fellowship in Reproductive Health Care and Advocacy. As a UC Riverside School of Medicine graduate, she is happy to provide care to the individuals in the community. She strives to help individuals from diverse backgrounds and expertise in reproductive health care. She is glad to provide care for whole families, helping them navigate their care and advocate for the best care. Dr. Hernandez Schulte is fluent in English and Spanish.

Want to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hernandez Schulte? Make an appointment using the link here → https://www.ucrhealth.org/make-an-appointment/ or call 1-844-UCR-8000!

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To make an appointment, please visit: https://www.ucrhealth.org/make-an-appointment/

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Our team will help to ensure that you and your loved ones experience continuity of care when moving between care settings.

PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS

LIST OF INSURANCES WE ACCEPT

Please note that we are NOT currently accepting HMO plans at this time.

• Aetna PPO
• Blue Cross PPO
• Blue Shield PPO
• Cigna PPO
• First Health
• HealthNet
• Multiplan PPO
• TriWest Healthcare
• United Healthcare
• Medicare (straight)

PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS

• Nandini Gowda, MD
• Jin Seon Kim, MD
• Crystal Glassy, DO
• Brian Petrie, MD
• Zana Shirwan, MD
• Marc Debay, MD

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As men and women become older, their bones lose mass and strength due to a decline in the body’s bone-rebuilding process. The good news is there are multiple steps you can take to help strengthen your bones and reduce the threat of pain or injury. 

Jump and stomp 

Remember throwing a fit as a child? It turns out it was actually good for you! Moderate stress on the bones causes them to become denser and stronger. 

Stock up on bone-building foods 

Drinking milk is an obvious way to consume calcium, but there are plenty of other calcium-rich foods that have less fat. Yogurt, cottage cheese and fish are great for adding calcium into your diet. Increase your intake of vegetables — specifically leafy greens like kale, collards, spinach and bok choy — to promote healthy bones. Prunes and plums are also known to increase bone density. 

Get some sun 

Despite the warnings we hear to avoid the sun’s rays, sunlight remains an effective way to take in vitamin D, a valuable resource for maintaining bone health. This vitamin helps to improve the absorption of calcium and enhances muscle function. 

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