| How to Protect Yourself from UV Radiation Indoors Posted: 19 Apr 2017 05:00 PM PDT You already know it's important to avoid UV exposure as much as possible. While this is especially important outdoors, you are at risk of potential exposure to UV radiation indoors as well. For instance, sunlight that shines through windows is not as harmful as UV exposure outdoors, but it can still cause harm to your skin and eyes over time. Learn how to protect yourself from exposure to the sun, as well as other artificial UV sources indoors. EditReducing UV Exposure From the Sun - Apply a protective film to windows. Ordinary glass blocks "short wave" UVB light, but only blocks 50% or less of the more common "long wave" UVA light.[1][2] Add a UV-protective film to any windows that are not specially built to block UV light. This is especially important for windows near areas where you spend a lot of time, at home, at work, or in the car. The film blocks up to 99.9% of all UV radiation. You can install it yourself or hire professionals to do so.[3]
- You can purchase UV-protective film at home improvement stores or online.
- Note that vehicle windshields are UV resistant, but that side and rear windows are often not. Especially if you spend a lot of time in your vehicle during the day, add a UV protective film to these windows as well.
- Adjust your position relative to nearby windows. People who spend extensive periods of time near an open or unprotected window will experience more rapid aging of the skin on that side of their face. If you like to keep your window open, consider sitting a bit further away, and changing your location relative to the window from time to time.[4]
- Use sunscreen in sunny indoor areas. If you know you are exposed to sunlight despite being indoors, it may be worth wearing sunscreen. If you do, make sure you're wearing broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.[5]
- Broad spectrum sunscreen, which is necessary to block both major types of harmful UV radiation, includes some combination of the following ingredients: avobenzone (Parsol 1789), ecamsule, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide.
- Alternatively, you can use a moisturizer for UV protection indoors, as long as it has broad spectrum protection and an SPF of at least 15.
- Purchase a QTemp. A QTemp is a small, battery-powered device that reports the amount of UV radiation in your location. It can be used to alert you when an area is especially high in UV radiation, and prompt you to take the necessary steps to protect yourself with broad spectrum sunscreen in those areas.[6]
- The QTemp device works both indoors and outdoors.
EditProtecting Yourself From Artificial UV Sources - Use tanning beds infrequently, if ever. While using a tanning bed is not recommended, you can likely do so a few times a year (less than once a month) without adverse effects upon your health. However, more frequent use places you at greater risk of developing skin cancer, in addition to other harmful effects of UV radiation.[7]
- In short, tanning beds should not be considered a safe way to tan.
- If you do occasionally use a tanning bed, wear eye protection designed to be used in this scenario.
- For a safer option, use a sun-free tanning lotion.
- Apply sunscreen to your hands at the nail salon. The lamps used at nail salons to dry your nails use UV rays to do so. While the amount of radiation and risk of harm is low, it's worth applying a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least 15 SPF to the back of your hands before getting your nails done.[8]
- Use skin protection for occupational exposure. Various industrial and commercial manufacturing equipment requires the use of machinery that exposes the user to UV radiation. Arc welding is a common example, and can cause considerable damage to both your skin and your eyes.[9]
- In short, if you work with or near UV lamps or other equipment that emit UV radiation, always follow the protocols established by law to prevent injury. These will include wearing both skin protection and eye protection.
- Don't sit too close to fluorescent lighting. Fluorescent light bulbs, which are commonly used in various indoor environments, emit small amount of UV radiation. While this radiation does not usually cause significant risk, it's important not to spend time within a foot (30cm) of the bulbs for more than an hour.[10]
- Though blacklight bulbs do rely on UV light, they do not emit enough radiation to be considered a threat.
- Shield yourself from tungsten halogen lamps. These types of lamps are becoming more popular for a range of different indoor uses. They emit enough UV radiation to cause injury at short distances. Filters will greatly diminish this risk.[11]
- Note that light bulbs that emit a harmful amount of UV radiation will be labeled with a cautionary warning.
EditReducing Eye Exposure to UV Radiation - Equip your eyeglasses with UV resistant lenses. If you wear eyeglasses, use lenses that help protect your eyes against UV radiation. While most lenses do so to some degree, some require an added treatment for 100% protection. Next time you get new glasses, ask your optometrist about the best option for UV protection.[12]
- Note that UV resistant contacts can help, but cannot fully protect your eyes from UV radiation.
- Wear sunglasses more frequently. Whenever you are exposed to sunlight for extended periods of time, even while indoors, it's worth wearing sunglasses. The quality of the sunglasses matters substantially. They should meet ANSI UV requirements, meaning that they block at least 99% of UV rays. They may also be labeled "UV absorption up to 400 nm."[13]
- If there is not a label regarding UV protection, or if the label says "cosmetic," the UV protection the sunglasses offer will be partial at best.
- Note that the darkness of the lenses does not correspond with the sunglasses ability to deflect UV rays.
- Wear proper eye protection wherever occupational sources of UV radiation are used. Industry and commercial use of machinery that produces UV radiation can quickly and significantly damage your eyesight. For this reason, businesses and unions have strong, specific regulations about the required protection to use in these environments. Follow these regulations at all times.[14]
- In particular, goggles (usually built into a face shield) should be used whenever you're welding.
- Whatever the eye wear used at your place of work, it should fit snugly to your face, with no gaps through which UV radiation might reach your eyes.
- Protective equipment for these types of uses should be designed specifically for this use. Do not use anything else for this purpose.
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Clean Makeup Brushes with Vinegar Posted: 19 Apr 2017 09:00 AM PDT Vinegar is a great natural cleaner that can tackle a wide variety of cleaning projects, including your makeup brushes. Don't worry about them smelling like vinegar. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer, so once they dry, you won't smell the vinegar. You can use the vinegar to actually clean the makeup off your brushes, or you can use it to disinfect them once you've gotten the makeup off. EditCleaning Brushes in Vinegar - Create the solution. Place a cup of warm or hot water in a mug or jar. Add about a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Pour in 1/2 a teaspoon of dishwashing soap. Stir it in to make sure the solution is mixed well.[1]
- You can also just use two parts vinegar to one part water, skipping the soap.
- Swirl the brushes in the solution. Swish each brush in the solution. Move it around until you can see that it's clean, and then take it out to rinse in cool water. Repeat for each brush, washing and rinsing each one separately.[2]
- Let the brushes air dry overnight. On a clean paper towel, dab the brush a few times gently to get rid of the extra water. Smooth out any bent bristles with your fingers, reshaping the brush. Place the brushes flat on the paper towel to dry. They can sit out overnight to dry.[3]
EditUsing Vinegar for Disinfecting - Run the brush under water. Start by rinsing the brush under running water. Make sure the tip is down towards the sink, so the makeup runs out. Also, try to mostly just get the bristles under the water, as the water can weaken the glue and the finish on the brush.[4]
- Rub some shampoo into the brush. To clean the brush, use a bit of baby shampoo. You can use other shampoos, but baby shampoo is gentler. Rub it into the brush, using your fingers or by swirling the brush around your palm. Rinse the shampoo out, working until the water runs clear.[5]
- Create a vinegar solution to disinfect the brushes. Add one part water and two parts vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar) to a bowl or jar, giving it a swish to mix it up. Swirl the brushes in the solution for a minute or so, trying to mostly get the bristles. Once you're done, run them under water again to get the vinegar out.[6]
- Dry the brushes overnight on a paper towel. Pat the brushes gently on a paper towel to get most of the excess water out. Use your fingers to shape the bristles into the correct shape if they're bent. Lay the brushes on a paper towel to dry overnight.[7]
EditThings You'll Need - Dirty brushes
- White or apple cider vinegar
- Baby shampoo or dishwashing soap (optional)
- A jar or bowl
- Paper towels
- Between cleanings, rub the brushes gently on a towel to help keep them clean.
- Try to clean your brushes every two weeks. You can go a month if you use a quick-drying brush cleaner in between the times you deep clean the brushes with vinegar.[8]
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Transport a Bedridden Person Posted: 19 Apr 2017 01:00 AM PDT Transporting a person who is bedridden can be difficult. Emergency medical transport is covered under many insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid. Non-emergency medical transport is sometimes covered by insurance with a doctor's order. Non-medical transport is generally not covered by insurance.[1][2] People who are bedridden typically cannot sit up in a wheelchair.[3] However, someone who is on bedrest due to a medical condition may be able to use a wheelchair. If you are a trained and qualified medical professional, then you can transfer someone into a wheelchair and transport them this way. EditUsing Medical Transport Services - Talk to the doctor. When it comes to non-emergency medical transport, you can get it paid for by Medicare and other insurances, but it has to be ordered by a doctor and be medically necessary. If a person you are caring for needs this kind of transport, first talk to the doctor.[4]
- If the person doesn't qualify for transport, you can still book transport for them if they can pay for it out of pocket.
- Choose a medical transport company. Most doctor's offices will have a preferred transport service that they will call if you don't have the preference. In fact, in some states, the doctor's office must book the transport for you to be covered under Medicaid or Medicare.[5] However, you can also choose a transport company yourself if you are paying for the service out-of-pocket. Look for non-emergency medical transport in the phone book or online.
- If you're unsure which one to choose, ask for a recommendation at the doctor's office.
- Another way to help you narrow choices is to ask the transport company if they are authorized for Medicare or Medicaid. Companies that are contracted by the government for these services must meet certain standards.
- You can also ask about their safety record. If they're not willing to discuss it with you or send you information, they are likely not very safe.
- Compare costs. Cost is of course a factor when choosing a medical transport company. For instance, even if your transport is covered by Medicare, you'll likely need to pay the 20% co-pay. Therefore, it's a good idea to call several places to figure out which will be the cheapest for you overall.[6]
- Some companies may require prepayment, particularly if you're not covered by insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid.
- Make an appointment. Once you have a medical appointment scheduled for the person, generally the doctor's office will schedule the transport for the person if they need it and if they qualify for it. Be sure to let the office know that the person needs transportation to the appointment.[7]
- Use 911 for an emergency. Obviously, emergency transportation services are reserved for when it's an emergency. If the person needs immediate care, due to a fall or other serious injury or illness, then calling an ambulance is appropriate. Generally, this service is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurances.[8]
EditTransporting Someone Who Cannot Walk in a Medical Setting - Do not attempt to transfer someone unless you are trained and qualified. Only a trained, qualified medical professional should attempt to transport a bedridden person. Do not attempt to do this at home or in a medical setting if you are not trained and qualified to do so.
- Tell the person what is going to happen. Before you start moving the person, you need to make sure they are aware of what you're doing. Tell them exactly what you're going to do and why (they need to be transported) before you start the process of transporting them. In addition, talk to them as you perform each step so they know what to expect.
- Place the wheelchair next to the bed. If the person is able to sit in wheelchairs for short periods, you may be able to transport them yourself. To begin, make sure the wheelchair is next to the bed with the seat facing you. The side of the wheelchair should be close to the bed.[9]
- Ready the wheelchair. The wheelchair needs to be stable and ready for the person to sit. Set the brakes so that the wheelchair doesn't move around. Pull the footrests up towards the wheels so that the person has a clear path to the seat.[10]
- Brace yourself properly. When trying to move someone, you also need to protect yourself, particularly your back and legs. Make sure you keep your legs shoulder-width apart with your knees bent. Also, don't bend at the waist. Rather, keep your spine in a natural position.[11]
- Keep in mind that it can take some strength to move someone. Have someone assist you if you're not sure you can do it by yourself.
- Help the person sit up. If the person can't sit up themselves, you'll need to help lift them to sitting. Place an arm behind their back. Place your other arm under their knees, looping it in so you can pull them towards you. Turn the person's lower body towards the edge of the bed while simultaneously lifting from the top. You should end up with the person sitting up with their feet on the floor.[12]
- Let the person sit for a moment, as the process can make them dizzy.[13]
- Lift them from the bed. Place your legs around the patient's outside leg (the one not near the wheelchair). Keeping your back straight, bend at the knees. Grasp the patient by placing your arms under theirs, going around the chest. Grasp your own hands in the back. Lift the patient up.[14]
- Use a Hoyer lift if needed. If the person cannot support their weight at all, you should use a Hoyer lift to transport them. Start by placing the sling under the person by rolling them to one side and positioning it under them. Adjust the leg loops around the thighs, crossing them underneath for security.[15]
- Move the lift into place. The legs position under the bed, while the top of the lift (the cradle) moves over the bed to attach to the sling. Push the lift in as far as it will go. Do not lock the brakes.
- Attach both sides of the sling to the appropriate sides of the cradle. Once the sling is attached, lift the person up slowly until they are just above the mattress. Swing their legs out towards the lift to clear the edge. Gently move the person away from the mattress, lowering the bed if you need to do so.
- Lower the person into the wheelchair. Turn the person towards the seat. The patient should try to provide as much support as they can with their legs. Lower them gently when they're legs hit the edge of the seat. Tell them to grab the arms of the wheelchair to help if they can.[16]
- A gait belt can give you something to grasp. You put it around the patient's waist and then use it to help lift them.[17]
- If you're using a Hoyer lift, position the person over the wheelchair using the lift. Gently lower them into the wheelchair.[18]
- Transfer the patient to a car. A van with a wheelchair lift will work best. However, in a car, you can do a similar transfer as you did to the bed. Lift the person, in the same way, setting them down on the seat of the car. Place one arm behind their back and one arm under their legs to pivot them into the car. Help them buckle in.
EditSources and Citations
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