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Picnic Perfection

Picnic Perfection

Health Roundup Our [415] Top Doctors share tips and remedies to keep you at your best all summer long.

Golden Days

WHO WOULDN’T LOVE pizza without gaining weight, travel without costs or a glowing tan sans skin cancer risk? As it turns out, the latter is possible. To achieve a great sunless tan from a bottle, Dr. Kim Frederickson at Novato Dermatology recommends first prepping skin by using a glycolic-acid cleanser for several weeks — “it exfoliates dead skin cells and plumps the other cells” — but choose a 15 percent solution, max, as any higher can cause irritation. After this regimen, “let the skin rest for several days,” Frederickson suggests, since “using tanner immediately after the glycolic acid can cause itching.” To protect skin from the sun, opt for physical, not chemical, blockers. “Ninety to 95 percent of sunscreen in stores are chemical blockers, which absorb heat and lead to burning eyes,” Frederickson adds. Instead, choose a product containing zinc oxide or titanium oxide, which are physical blockers and reflect rays away from the skin. “Look for those under ‘active ingredients,’ ” she says. You can also now buy a sunscreen pill made with extract of Polypodium leucotomos, a South American fern the Mayans used for healing; look for brands like Heliocare, widely available at drugstores. “When I vacation in Tahoe or Hawaii I take the pill and use it in conjunction with sunscreen,” Frederickson says. KASIA PAWLOWSKA

Stay in the Game

Here, spinal surgeon Dr. Brian Su at Mt. Tam Orthopedics and Spine Center shares prevention tips and remedies to keep you active. K.P.

INJURY PREVENTION HOME REMEDIES GET HELP

Whiplash/ Neck Pain

Adjust the headrest in your car just like you would your mirrors — it should be the same height as the back of your head to provide support if you get rearended. Keep your computer screen at eye level to prevent poor neck posture.

Low Back Pain Core strength is key and it’s not all about abs. Core stabilizers include the smaller muscles that surround your spine, pelvis and hips. Static exercises such as planks and bridges are better than traditional sit-ups.

Sciatica (Buttock and Leg Pain)

Sitting increases pressure on the discs in the spine; vary your position and get up regularly to avoid prolonged sitting; try a standing desk that allows you to alternate positions throughout the day. Anti-inflammatory medications can be useful but are not as effective for nerve inflammation compared to their effect on soft tissue. Sleeping with a pillow under your knees will relax the sciatic nerve and decrease pain. Be watchful for numbness in the saddle region, leg weakness, and loss of bowel and/or bladder control.

Rest and ice within the first 24 to 48 hours. Motrin or Aleve are more effective than Tylenol or narcotics. Maintain a consistent level of anti-inflammatory medication in your body by taking it every day for the first two weeks regardless of whether you have pain.

Ninety percent of people get better within 90 days with the same treatment outlined above for whiplash/neck pain. Stay moderately active, as prolonged bed rest is never the answer. Ask your trainer/yoga/Pilates instructor to adjust your workout. Avoid deep back bends, and if something hurts, don’t do it. Watch for tingling, numbness or arm weakness. If symptoms are worse when tilting your neck upward and/or better when putting your arm behind your head it may indicate nerve compression.

Pain after a fall from significant height and/or trauma could indicate broken vertebrae. Fever, chills, or night sweats with increasing back pain may mean an infection.

Allergen Alert

Many residents are struggling with debilitating allergies after an unusually rainy season. We spoke with Dr. Schuman Tam from the Asthma and Allergy Clinic of Marin and San Francisco about symptoms and treatments. K.P.

• What are the most common allergens in Marin?

For indoor allergens it’s usually dust mites, but it can be a cat and/or dog, as well. Patients can have horse allergies, too. During spring, the most common pollens that trigger symptoms are juniper, cedar, cypress, oak and olive trees; another major allergen is grass. Weeds can cause reactions in fall but it’s not that big of an issue in Marin. Outdoor molds like alternaria and hormodendrum can also trigger allergies in late summer and fall.

• What are the symptoms of these allergens?

All allergens cause similar symptoms. Dust, cat hair and dog fur can trigger rhinitis (runny nose, sneezing, postnasal drip, nasal congestion, sinus headache), conjunctivitis (itchy eyes, watery eyes, red eyes) and sometimes asthma. Grass and trees usually provoke rhinitis and conjunctivitis in spring and if grass and/or tree pollen counts are high like this spring, asthma is a possibility as well.

• What are the treatments available? Rhinitis

treatments include over-the-counter nonsedating antihistamines, decongestants or nasal steroids. For conjunctivitis, in addition to OTC antihistamines, ketotifen eye drops may help. Talk to a doctor if these remedies don’t bring relief. Medication may be prescribed, or you may benefit from allergen immunotherapy, by injection or sublingually (under the tongue).

I’m Jake, and this is my healing place.

Fireman and avid baseball fan Jake Peterson was only 29 years old the first time his heart went into atrial fibrillation (AFib). After having his heart shocked back into rhythm, Jake began seeing a cardiologist at Marin General Hospital. Under his cardiologist’s guidance, Jake made lifestyle changes that helped keep his AFib at bay for more than ten years. Then, his AFib recurred and the episodes became more frequent. As a Fire Captain, Jake could not afford having physical limitations that might jeopardize his livelihood. He was referred to a Marin General Hospital cardiac electrophysiologist who recommended a transcatheter cardiac ablation. Jake had the minimally invasive procedure at Marin General Hospital and has been clear of arrhythmia ever since. With AFib a thing of the past, Jake is back on the job—and at the bat.

To read more healing stories, visit www.maringeneral.org/healing

MADE BY MARIN

BRU Broth

SOME PEOPLE ARE born with a propelling drive, a grinding tenacity. They’re the go-getters unable to do anything halfway, tough to the bone. Count former corporate executives and BRU Broth founders Mary Butler (left) and Soo-Ah Landa as members of this club. The two originally met at a supper club Landa started, whose participants would cook and taste dishes for up to seven hours. It was here that they started experimenting with homemade bone broths. PHILOSOPHY The San Anselmo–based duo has been making cold-pressed bone broth since 2015. After spending six months working on and taste-testing the flavors, Landa and Butler began to personally deliver the broth to local CrossFit gyms and customers throughout the county. BRU Broth has been organic since day one and is the first heat-and-sip USDA Certified Organic bone broth on the market. THE SCOOP A martial artist, Landa was looking for a nutritious drink to sustain her during workouts. Butler, a skier and trail runner recovering from arthroscopic surgery, was also seeking something to help her mend. Containing gelatin, collagen and healthy amino acids and minerals, bone broth was just the thing. BEYOND MARIN BRU Broth’s six flavors are currently available at most Whole Foods locations throughout California in addition to local markets. Broth can also be ordered through the website. WHAT THEY SAY “I began looking at nutrition differently after having kids and after my father was diagnosed with colon cancer,” Landa says. “It all starts with the bones,” Butler adds. “We only use the best — organic pasture-raised chicken and organic grass-fed beef with fresh pressed vegetables and roots.” brubroth.com KASIA PAWLOWSKA

BETWEEN $6.99–$8.99 EACH

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