A Time For Change Magazine - Working Toward Wellness

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Skin is the largest organ in the human body and acts as a protective barrier from the external environment. Th e skin also helps to prevent moisture loss, regulate body temperature, produce vitamin D, insulate the body, and provide sensory feedback. Th e skin has three main layers; epidermis (outer layer), dermis (middle layer), and subcutaneous tissue (deep layer). Everyone will experience changes to their skin as they age. In fact, we can see changes in our skin as early as our 20’s. Th ere are two types of skin aging processes. Intrinsic aging is known as the natural aging process and occurs due to the passage of time. <strong>For</strong> example, as we age, our skin becomes thinner, paler, and fi ne lines or wrinkles may appear. Extrinsic aging is known as premature aging because it’s caused by external factors that the body is exposed to in the environment. External risk factors include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, and prolonged exposure to the sun. Th e most signifi cant of these external factors is sun exposure. In fact, approximately 80% of premature facial aging is due to sun exposure (Uitto, 1997). The accelerated change to the skin from sun exposure is known as photo-aging. As we age, the number of melanocytes located in the epidermis layer of the skin decreases. Melanocytes are cells that produce the pigment (i.e., melanin) that gives the skin its colour and helps protect against the sun. Th e older we get, the more vulnerable we are to the sun (due to the reduced melanin) and the more at risk we are for developing skin cancer and other skin conditions. Th e melanocytes that remain as we age can grow in size and create large coloured spots on the skin known as lentigo. Th ey typically appear on sun exposed areas such as the face, ears, and neck. Th ese large coloured spots may be brown or black. Th ey’re commonly referred to as “sun spots” because they appear in people who’ve had long-term overexposure ov over er erex ex expo po p su sure re to th tthe e su sun (W (Wat (Watkins, at a ki k ns ns, , 20 2011 2011). 11 11). ). ) 6 Repeated sun exposure and sunburns can also damage the elastin protein located in the dermis layer of the skin (Watkins, 2011). When this area of the skin becomes damaged, it may result in Red Neck Syndrome (also known as solar elastosis) which appears as thickened, leathery, and wrinkled skin, particularly on the back of the neck. Protect THE SKIN YOU’RE IN PHOTO-AGING IS PREVENTABLE Unfortunately, Unfo we can’t stop the intrinsic (natural) aging process. However, we can prevent preve extrinsic (premature) aging by eating healthy, avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol alcoh consumption, and most importantly, limiting direct sun exposure. • Avoid the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest. • Use sunscreen with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 15 or higher. Choose sunscreen with SPF 30 if you plan to be outside for an extended period of time. • Wear a wide brimmed hat that covers the face, ears, and back of the neck. • Wear lightweight, loose fitting, tightly woven clothing to cover your arms and legs. (Canadian Cancer Society, 2012) Key Ke References Watkins, W J. (2011). Dermatology diff erential diagnosis aging skin, part 1: Normal aging. Practice Nursing, 22(5), 250-257. Uitto, Ui J. (1997). Understanding premature skin aging. Th e New England Journal of Medicine, 337(20), 1463-1465. Canadian Ca Cancer Society. (2012). Reduce your risk of skin cancer. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.ca/ Canadawide Publications/Alphabetical%20list%20of%20publications/~/media/CCS/Canada%20wide/Files%20List/ English%20fi les%20heading/Library%20PDFs%20-%20English/Skin_RYR_Feb2012.ashx
HORIZONTALMambo There’s a perception in our society that sex is just for young people. The truth is, sexual desire is experienced throughout life. That’s a good thing, as there are many benefits to sexual activity, including the release of endorphins and hormones that have positive effects on the body. Sex also plays a role in slowing the aging process. Although one’s sexual experience may change with age, sexual activity is a key part of a healthy lifestyle. Sexual desire is experienced throughout throughout life No matter how old you are, if you’re sexually active or looking to begin a new relationship, you need to be aware of the risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and be prepared to take certain precautions. Here are some tips to help you reduce your risk of STIs while enjoying a healthy and vibrant sex life: • Talk to your partner(s) about their sexual history. • Reduce your risk of STIs. Practice safer sex by wearing a condom or using a dental dam. • Get a Pap test. Th e provincial guidelines vary, but typically recommend a Pap test every two to three years if you’re a woman who is, or has ever been, sexually active. To access the cervical screening guidelines in your province, visit www.cancerview.ca (click on “prevention and screening”, then “screening programs across Canada”). Talk to your health care provider (HCP) to make sure that your screening is up to date. • Get tested for STIs (including HIV). Some STIs don’t have any symptoms, so you may have an STI and infect your partner without even knowing it. Be sure to share your results with your partner and ensure that they get tested and share their results with you too. HAVING PROBLEMS BEING SEXUALLY ACTIVE? Key References Health Canada. (2006). It’s Your Health. Seniors and aging – sexual activity. Retrieved from http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/alt_formats/pdf/iyh-vsv/life-vieseniors-aines-eng.pdf Nusbaum, M. R. H., Lenahan, P., & Sadovsky, R. (2005). Sexual health in aging men and women: Addressing the physiologic and psychological sexual changes that occur with age. Geriatrics, 60(9), 18-23. • Talk to your HCP about possible treatments for erectile dysfunction or vaginal discomfort. There are many products on the market, but you want to be sure that you’re using the product that’s right for you. • Ask your HCP about medications or products that may affect your ability to engage in sexual activity or reduce your sexual experience. Your HCP might not ask you about your experience with sexual activity. Th erefore, it’s important you talk to your HCP about any concerns or questions you may have... CONTACT YOUR LOCAL SEXUAL HEALTH CLINIC FOR MORE INFORMATION AND FREE STI TESTING. Th e more you know, the safer you’ll be, and the more you’ll enjoy your sexual relationships. 7
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