December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month. Please remind everyone not to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The statistics are astounding:

• In 2005, 16,885 people died in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes, accounting for 39% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States (NHTSA 2006).
• An alcohol-related motor vehicle crash kills someone every 31 minutes and non-fatally injures someone every two minutes (NHTSA 2006).
• Drugs other than alcohol (e.g., marijuana and cocaine) are involved in about 18% of motor vehicle driver deaths.
• Alcohol-related crashes in the United States cost about $51 billion every year.
• Male drivers involved in fatal motor vehicle crashes are almost twice as likely as female drivers to be intoxicated with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or greater (NHTSA 2006). It is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08% or higher in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
• In 2005, 16% of drivers ages 16 to 20 who died in motor vehicle crashes had been drinking alcohol (NHTSA 2006).

As you look for gifts for loved ones, think about giving healthy gifts whenever possible. Some suggestions include some unique and/or inexpensive treats. Think about a gift certificate to a spa or a homemade basket of lotions, soaps, and candles for a relaxing experience. Or, consider a private session on nutrition therapy with a registered dietician or a workout consultation with an exercise trainer. It could be the beginning of healthier lifestyle for your loved one and make an excellent gift.

When planning holiday meals, use healthy recipes everyone will remember without sacrificing the great tastes. Recipes for such great treats as carrot cake, brandied pears, and mint chocolate clusters. Healthy holiday recipes can be found on the internet at many locations such as:

UV radiation is the most important environmental factor in the development of skin cancer. This makes skin cancer a largely preventable disease when sun protective practices and behaviors are consistently applied and utilized.

UV Radiation

Any time the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays are able to reach the earth there is a risk for excessive sun exposure. The ultraviolet (UV) portion of sunlight is an invisible form of radiation that can penetrate and change the structure of skin cells.

Exposure to UV rays appears to be the most important environmental factor in the development of skin cancer and has also been associated with various forms of eye damage, such as cataracts.

There are three types of UV rays: ultraviolet A (UVA), ultraviolet B (UVB), and ultraviolet C (UVC).

• UVA is the most abundant source of solar radiation at the earth's surface, and penetrates beyond the top layer of human skin. Scientists now believe that UVA radiation can cause damage to connective tissue and increase a person's risk of developing skin cancer.
• UVB is less abundant at the earth's surface than UVA because a significant portion of UVB is absorbed by the ozone layer. UVB does not penetrate as deep into the skin as UVA does, but, nonetheless, can also be damaging and has been associated with the development of skin cancer.
• UVC radiation is extremely hazardous to skin, but it is completely absorbed by the stratospheric ozone layer and does not reach the surface of the earth.

UV Outlook Index

An ultraviolet (UV) index has been developed to help you prevent overexposure to the sun's rays. The following risk categories are used to identify the levels of skin-damaging UV radiation:

The UV index depends directly on the solar elevation above the horizon. On a daily basis the UV index will be higher around local solar noon (11:00 AM to 1:00 PM) depending on the time zone. Clear sky days in the winter will have lower UV index values than clear sky days in the summer due to the higher solar angles in the summer.

Sun Protection

The effect of the UV radiation on each individual depends on a number of factors, including:

à skin type

à the time of year

à and the amount of sun exposure the person has recently received

Even if you have tanned or been burned before, it's never too late to protect your skin. Sunscreens protect your skin from UV rays and are classified according to the Sun Protection Factor (SPF).

An SPF 4 blocks out 75% of the burning UV rays, while an SPF 15 blocks out 93% of the burning UV rays; an SPF 30 blocks out 97% of the burning UV rays.

Always use sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or greater. For best results, apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before going outside to allow it time to bond with your skin. In addition to protecting you from overexposure to sunlight, sunscreens also help to prevent other problems related to sun exposure including aging skin and precancerous growths.

Sun Safety Tips

Take the following steps to protect yourself:

• When possible, avoid outdoor activities during the hours between 10 AM and 4 PM, when the sun's rays are the strongest.
• Always wear a broad-spectrum (protection against both UVA and UVB) sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
• Be sure to reapply sunscreen frequently, especially after swimming, perspiring heavily or drying off with a towel.
• Wear a hat with a 4-inch brim all around because it protects areas often exposed to the sun, such as the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp.
• Wear clothing to protect as much skin as possible. Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, or long skirts are the most protective. Dark colors provide more protection than light colors by preventing more UV rays from reaching your skin. A tightly woven fabric provides greater protection than loosely woven fabric.
• To protect your eyes from sun damage, wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation.
• Consider wearing cosmetics and lip protectors with an SPF of at least 15 to protect your skin year-round.
• Swimmers should remember to regularly reapply sunscreen. UV rays reflect off water and sand, increasing the intensity of UV radiation and making sun protection especially important.
• Some medications, such as antibiotics, can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about the medicines you take and learn more about extra precautions.
• Children need extra protection from the sun. One or two blistering sunburns before the age of 18 dramatically increase the risk of skin cancer. Encourage children to play in the shade, wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen regularly.  

Additional Resources

More information is available from the American Cancer Society by visiting their website at http://www.cancer.org. Materials may also be ordered through their toll-free number, 1-800-ACS-2345.  Printed materials are available in both English and Spanish.

Source: American Cancer Society

• Poor nutrition hampers academic achievement.
• Proper nutrition enhances academic achievement.
• Increased physical activity leads to higher academic achievement.
• The relationship between academic achievement and fitness was greater in mathematics.
• Higher achievement was associated with higher levels of fitness.

According to Alicia Moag-Stahlberg, the executive director of Action For Healthy Kids, "There absolutely is an association with grades and fitness levels. As schools had more kids in higher fitness levels, they had higher grades - math in particular."

Probably the most significant study was done by the California Department of Education and shows a distinct relationship between academic achievement and the physical fitness of California"s public school students. In the study, reading and mathematics scores were matched with fitness scores of 353,000 fifth graders, 322,000 seventh graders, and 279,000 ninth graders. Higher achievement was associated with higher levels of fitness at each of the three grade levels measured.

Evidence supports the understanding that certain types of exercises can enhance focus and relieve stress. This includes Tai chi which is believed to encourage the brain's right and left hemispheres to work together, enabling the organization of brain functions.

At any rate, schools should recognize and promote the overall health benefits of students' health and physical activity, even if exercise does or does not affect test scores.

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