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Seasonal allergies aren’t limited to spring. For many people, the onset of autumn — and the beginning of ragweed pollination — brings itchy eyes, a stuffy nose, and other telltale allergy symptoms. Here’s more on what triggers fall allergies and the best ways to treat and prevent them.

How to Navigate Fall Allergies

While spring allergies are primarily caused by grass and tree pollen, the main culprit of fall allergies is ragweed pollen, which begins in late summer, peaks in September, and can continue into October or even November.

Other pollen-producing weeds that can cause fall allergy symptoms include:

Mold is another common trigger of fall allergies, with piles of fallen leaves a ripe breeding ground for mold growth.

Like all seasonal allergies, fall allergies have intensified in recent years as a result of climate change. Rising temperatures and higher levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere have extended the pollination of many plants, including ragweed, which allows for a longer allergy season.

Even if you are more prone to allergies than others, there are steps you can take to prevent symptoms. Here are our top prevention tips specifically for fall allergies.

Avoiding known allergens is the best way to prevent an allergic reaction. To limit your exposure to ragweed pollen, shut the windows as much as possible on windy days when pollen counts are high. (You can find your local pollen count online or in a weather app.) If you’re going outside on a high-pollen day, wearing a hat and sunglasses can protect your face from pollen and reduce the chances of symptoms developing.

If you are sensitive to mold, it’s best to have someone else rake the leaves — and be sure to toss those aging jack-o-lanterns well before they start to rot. If you have to do some fall yard work yourself, wear a mask to reduce mold exposure as much as possible.

Be mindful of indoor mold growth as well. Using a dehumidifier can help you keep the humidity in your home at optimal levels.

An outdoor pollen encounter can bring the allergen into your home. To keep the house or apartment pollen-free, change your clothes and take off your shoes as soon as you're inside. Wash clothes and bedding regularly as an additional preventive step.

These precautions are especially important if you have allergy-induced asthma, the most common type of asthma, which occurs when exposure to pollen, mold, or other allergens results in inflammation in the airways.

Although fall allergies are triggered by different substances than spring allergies, they can be treated with the same over-the-counter allergy medications. 

Over-the-counter nasal sprays including Nasacort® (triamcinolone), Flonase® (fluticasone), and Rhinocort® (budesonide) prevent nasal inflammation and reduce stuffiness and sneezing. They may be taken in advance of allergy season to potentially prevent the onset of symptoms altogether.

Eye drops can relieve itchy, red, or watery eyes.

Oral antihistamines including Zyrtec® (cetirizine), Clarinex® (desloratadine), Allegra® (fexofenadine), Alavert® (loratadine), Claritin® (loratadine), Xyzal® (levocetirizine), and Benadryl® (diphenhydramine) can be taken preventatively or on an as-needed basis to reduce sneezing, sniffling, and itching. These medications offer fast relief, going into effect from 15 minutes up to two hours. Benadryl can cause drowsiness and is not recommended to take before driving or other activities that require your attention.

Decongestants including Afrin® and Sudafed® can be taken to relieve stuffiness, however they can worsen symptoms when taken over an extended period of time and should not be used as a long-term treatment.

Many of the above OTC allergy medications are available for purchase at the Essentials Store in the Alto app! To browse the selection, tap the "Store" icon along the bottom of the app or in your account on desktop.

If you have allergy-induced asthma, allergy medications will likely be a part of your asthma treatment plan, but they are not a substitute for asthma medication. In addition to consulting an allergist, speak with your primary care provider as soon as asthma symptoms appear so that you can find the best treatment plan.

If your allergy symptoms persist after trying over-the-counter medications and consulting with your primary care provider, it may be time to see a specialist. Allergists and immunologists have extensive training in allergy treatment. In addition to helping identify specific allergy triggers, these specialists can also facilitate additional treatment options like immunotherapy. This process gradually exposes you to allergens to decrease your sensitivity to them. It can be administered as injections or sublingual tablets placed beneath the tongue. 

Stock up on allergy essentials in the Alto app

Purchase allergy season essentials like Claritin, Flonase, Zyrtec, Allegra and more right from your Alto account. You can order these over-the-counter products whenever you need them or add them to your next prescription delivery.

If your allergy treatment plan includes prescription medications, we can help. We’ll coordinate with your doctor and insurance to offer your medications at the best price we can find. Our expert pharmacists are available via in-app messaging to answer any questions you may have about symptoms or side effects.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

All third party trademarks (including logos and icons) referenced by Alto Pharmacy remain the property of their respective owners. Unless specifically identified as such, Alto’s use of third party trademarks does not indicate any relationship, sponsorship or endorsement between Alto and the owners of these trademarks.

There’s something to be said for the mentality of “age is just a number,” but it’s a fact that our minds and bodies change with time, and new health considerations arise as we grow older.

A Guide to Healthy Aging

Healthy aging, which encompasses your physical, emotional, and cognitive wellness, is a journey rather than a destination. While it requires an ongoing investment in your well-being, small steps and everyday choices can make a big impact. Here’s what to prioritize.

Access to primary care is a challenge in the US, and 40% of US adults report delaying or going without care due to financial barriers. Skipping a routine screening can be serious: according to the CDC, up to 40% of all fatalities linked to the five leading causes of death in the U.S. — heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, stroke, and unintentional injuries — are preventable.

Since your risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, diabetes, and other common conditions increases as you grow older, staying on track with preventative care is a key component of healthy aging. If you have been diagnosed with any of these conditions or another chronic illness, attending regular doctor’s appointments is also critical to feeling your best.

If you smoke, quitting is one of the most important steps you can take to maintain good health as you grow older. It’s never too late (or too early) to drop the habit: quitting smoking at any age can lower your risk for cancer, heart attack, stroke, and lung disease.

If you’re having difficulty, don’t be discouraged. It often takes multiple attempts to stop smoking for good. Ask your doctor for resources to support your efforts.

Regular physical activity is fundamental to heart-healthy living and to healthy aging. Not only can consistent exercise increase life expectancy, it is also correlated with a better quality of life and less physical discomfort.

Health experts recommend a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical exercise and two days of muscle-strengthening activities each week. The latter is very important for older adults, as muscle mass naturally declines as you age.

Remember that some physical activity is better than none, and you can break up your weekly exercise hours into smaller chunks that feel more manageable. Find additional tips on developing a fitness routine that works for you here.

More than 1 in 3 US adults report getting less than the recommended seven hours of sleep per night. There are several ways that the process of aging can interfere with a good night’s sleep:

Aging-related changes to your brain chemistry affect your circadian rhythms — the 24-hour cycles that control your body’s internal clock and regulate your mood, hunger, and sleep.

Changes in hormone production, like decreased melatonin levels, can also disrupt sleep as you grow older.

Some of the health diseases that are more common in older adults, like heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis, can contribute to poor sleep.

Aging-related lifestyle changes — for example, a less structured routine in retirement — can also result in more difficulty sleeping.

Simple steps can help improve sleep health. Start with the following:

Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, including weekends.

Avoid the use of electronic devices close to bedtime.

Get plenty of natural light and stay physically active during the day, but avoid exercising close to bedtime.

Avoid consuming food or beverages close to bedtime, particularly caffeine, alcohol, and high-sugar or high-fat foods.

Keep your bedroom dark and quiet and maintain a comfortable temperature.

As you prioritize healthy aging, be sure to give your mental well-being plenty of attention. Many age-related physical changes — including the loss of vision and hearing and changes in memory and mobility — can make it challenging to maintain strong social ties. For this reason, older adults face an increased risk of isolation and loneliness.

Good mental health is important in and of itself — after all, each one of us deserves to experience fulfillment at every stage of life. But there are also physical and cognitive benefits of maintaining positive relationships as you age. Loneliness is associated with a greater risk for dementia, and strong, meaningful social connections are linked to better physical health.

To enjoy the later chapters of life — and to support your cognitive and cardiovascular health — stay connected to friends and loved ones, seek community in various forms, and look for opportunities to give back. Remember that small acts of connection go far — and that four-legged companions count too. (We’re serious — having a pet is good for those cholesterol and blood pressure numbers!)

Choose a reliable and flexible pharmacy partner

Alto Pharmacy makes it simple to live your healthiest life by providing an easier, more supportive, and more affordable prescription experience. Our pharmacists are here with information and answers, even during nights and weekends. And the Alto app gives you control and convenience in managing your medications, with auto refills, medication bundling, and custom dosing reminders.

There are many triggers that can lead to allergy symptoms, including certain over-the-counter and prescription medications. Like any type of allergic reaction, a drug allergy is the result of an immune response to a normally harmless substance — in this case, one or more ingredients in a medication.

Medication Allergies, Explained

Drug allergies range from mild to very severe. Generally speaking, the only way to prevent this type of allergic reaction is to avoid taking the medication in question. In some cases symptoms may require treatment with other medications. Make sure that all of your providers and your pharmacist are aware of any known or suspected medication allergies so that they can help you explore alternative options and prevent symptoms.

Below, we share how to recognize drug allergy symptoms and what steps to take if you experience them.

Drug allergies occur when your immune system mistakenly interprets a substance in a medication as an outside invader such as a virus or bacteria. As part of this reaction, your immune system produces antibodies that in turn release histamine, a chemical responsible for typical allergy symptoms.

You typically won’t experience symptoms the first time you take a medication you’re allergic to. This is because in order for an allergic reaction to occur, your immune system has to recognize a substance that it has previously identified as harmful.

Though drug allergy symptoms and medication side effects can sometimes overlap, there is an important distinction between the two, as ordinary side effects don’t involve an immune response.

Any medication can cause an allergic reaction, but certain medications are more frequently associated with them, including:

Antibiotics, particularly penicillin and sulfonamides such as sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Septra® and Bactrim®) and erythromycin-sulfisoxazole (Pediazole®)

Seizure medications, particularly aromatic anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine (Tegretol®) and phenobarbital (Luminal®)

Over-the-counter pain relief medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) and naproxen sodium (Aleve®)

Penicillin is the most frequently reported medication allergy. If you believe you are allergic to penicillin, it is important to seek proper evaluation and diagnosis. (Penicillin is the only medication allergy that can be diagnosed by a simple skin test.) While many people are indeed allergic to this class of antibiotics — and in some cases, to similar alternatives as well — studies have found that penicillin allergies are overreported. A significant percentage of all those who believe they are allergic don’t have the true immune reaction that characterizes a drug allergy. This often results in the unnecessary use of alternative medications that may be less effective or more expensive.

Another reason proper testing is important is that it’s possible to outgrow a penicillin allergy over time. Of all those with a documented penicillin allergy, only an estimated 20% remain allergic after 10 years. If you were diagnosed with a penicillin allergy more than 10 years ago, consult with an allergist to determine if you’re still allergic.

Mild drug allergy cases often produce typical allergy symptoms, which may develop anywhere from hours to weeks after you take the medication. The most common symptoms are itching of the eyes or skin, minor rashes, and hives. Swelling and wheezing may also occur. While these symptoms typically don’t require emergency medical care, seek evaluation from your provider as soon as possible.

Symptoms of severe drug allergies such as anaphylaxis — a potentially life-threatening reaction that blocks breathing — tend to develop more quickly, often immediately after you take a medication or within an hour.

Signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

Respiratory symptoms including wheezing and a persistent cough

Serious drug allergies require emergency medical care. Call 911 immediately if you experience the above signs of anaphylaxis or another severe reaction after taking a medication.

As noted above, penicillin is the only medication allergy that can be diagnosed by skin testing. This is a simple process conducted by an allergist in which your skin is exposed to a small amount of penicillin. A positive result is determined by a red, itchy bump.

It is also relatively easy to identify sensitivity to contrast dye — simply experiencing allergy symptoms after getting an x-ray is typically sufficient diagnostic criteria.

The process for diagnosing other drug allergies is often more complex, but a specialist called an allergist can help identify one through testing and an evaluation of your health history and symptoms.

Depending on the reaction you’re experiencing, your doctor may recommend treatment options to relieve discomfort and prevent your symptoms from worsening. Common treatments for drug allergy symptoms include:

Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl®), cetirizine (Zyrtec®), and loratadine (Claritin®) for mild symptoms such as rash, hives, and itchiness - purchase these OTC medications from the Essentials store in the Alto app! 

Corticosteroids such as prednisone for itching and inflammation

Epinephrine is used in emergencies to treat anaphylaxis and other severe reactions. It is administered by injection.

A process called desensitization can gradually improve your tolerance of a medication you’re allergic to. During this treatment, which must be performed by an allergist, you are administered increasingly higher doses of the trigger medication. It is typically reserved for cases where there is no appropriate alternative to prescribe. It is often done in a hospital so that immediate medical care is available in the event of complications or a negative reaction.

There is no cure for a medication allergy, though a penicillin allergy may resolve itself with time. In other cases, the only way to prevent an allergic reaction is by avoiding the specific medication. Sometimes it is also necessary to avoid similar medications — for example, if several medications contain the substance that triggered your symptoms.

Given this, make sure that your medical records are up to date — any healthcare provider who treats you should be aware of your full medical history including any drug allergies. You should also inform your pharmacist of allergic reactions to medications.

If you’ve experienced anaphylaxis, it’s critical to wear a medical alert bracelet with information about your allergies, including the trigger, or allergen.

Our expert pharmacists can answer any questions you have about medication allergies, interactions, side effects, or release right in the Alto app. We also offer same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills to help you stay on track with your treatment.

Reach out any time through secure in-app messaging.

Every year, thousands of people in the US develop illnesses that are preventable with vaccines, in some cases resulting in serious health complications or hospitalization. In honor of National Immunization Awareness Month this August, take a moment to learn more about the importance of vaccination and make sure you are up to date with recommended vaccines. 

National Immunization Awareness Month 2023

Vaccines, which were first developed in 1796 for smallpox, provide the best defense against many diseases. They are one of the safest ways to protect your health, as side effects are typically mild and resolve themselves without treatment.

Building on your immune system’s natural function, vaccines lower the risk of getting certain diseases or developing serious complications. And in lowering your chance of spreading these diseases, they also help you keep your loved ones safe.

Immunization remains important throughout your whole life, even if you received routine vaccines as a child. Not only does the protection of some vaccines weaken over time, you may develop new risks for illnesses based on age, occupation, travel, or changes to your overall health.

Many chronic conditions — including type 1 and type 2 diabetes, heart disease, COPD, and asthma — increase your risk of developing serious complications from vaccine-preventable diseases. For this reason, vaccines are a critical part of managing these conditions, even if you are also taking medication to control symptoms. Here’s more on the importance of immunization when living with a chronic illness.

Diabetes can make it more difficult for your immune system to fight infection and illness, putting individuals with the condition at a greater risk for complications of the flu, pneumonia, meningitis, and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Additionally, some of these illnesses can interfere with diabetes management — for example, the flu can drastically increase blood sugar levels.

Like diabetes, heart disease makes it more difficult for your immune system to protect you from illness, leading to a greater risk for complications. The flu can also increase a person’s risk for heart attack and stroke.

COPD and asthma can increase swelling of the airways and lungs. When individuals with these conditions get vaccine-preventable diseases that similarly impact respiratory function, they are more likely to experience complications. Adults with these respiratory conditions also face a greater risk for flu-related complications.

Not sure which vaccines you need? We have helpful information about the CDC’s recommended vaccination schedules below, but be sure to confirm with your provider as well!

The CDC recommends that all adults stay up to date on the following vaccines:

Covid-19 vaccine - currently, everyone ages six years and older needs one dose of the updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna covid-19 vaccine to be up to date. Adults ages 65 and older are eligible to get a second dose of these vaccines.

Flu vaccine - recommended once every year for all infants, children, and adults over the age of six months 

Additional recommendations for specific age ranges include:

19-26 years old: Make sure you’re also up to date on the chickenpox, hepatitis B, HPV, and MMR vaccines. Ask your provider if additional vaccines are recommended, including the MenB vaccine.

27-49 years old: Make sure you’re also up to date on the hepatitis B and MMR vaccines. Ask your provider if additional vaccines are recommended, including the chickenpox and HPV vaccines if you haven’t already received them.

50-64 years old: Make sure you’re also up to date on the shingles vaccine. Ask your provider if additional vaccines are recommended, including the hepatitis B and MMR vaccines if you haven’t already received them.

65 years and older: Make sure you’re also up to date on the pneumococcal and shingles vaccines.

CDC vaccine recommendations for children ages six and under

CDC vaccine recommendations for children ages 7 to 18.

Getting the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy gives your baby short-term protection against whooping cough, which can be life-threatening for newborns. Additional vaccines may be recommended before, during, and after pregnancy. Learn more about vaccines and pregnancy here.

Some international travel may require additional vaccines, depending on your itinerary and vaccination history. You can find more information about travel vaccines here.

Most recommended vaccines are offered at doctor’s offices, and your provider is a great place to start. Ask if they offer the vaccines you need. If not, they can give you a referral.

Pharmacies and community health clinics are other common vaccination locations. Some people are even able to get certain vaccines at their workplace.

If you have health insurance, another option is to ask your insurance provider for a list of vaccine providers in your network.

The Vaccines for Children program offers free vaccines to children and adolescents 18 and under who meet any of the following criteria:

Do not have health insurance or coverage of recommended vaccines

The United States continues to make meaningful progress with HIV prevention efforts, as recently released CDC data shows that new infections fell by 12% from 2017 to 2021. Notably, new infections among 13- to 24-year-olds were 34% lower in 2021, contributing significantly to the overall decline.

PrEP Drives Decline in New HIV Infections

The numbers reflect an increase in usage of the HIV prevention medication PrEP — an acronym for pre-exposure prophylaxis — which can lower the risk of sexual transmission by about 99% when taken as prescribed. It is typically recommended for people whose partner is HIV-positive or unsure of their HIV status. 30% of the 1.2 million individuals who could benefit from PrEP were prescribed it in 2021, the CDC reports, in contrast to 13% in 2017.

Despite these gains, HIV continues to disproportionately affect people of color, with the decline in new annual infections lower among young Black and Latinx gay and bisexual men. Equity in HIV prevention is an established challenge. According to 2016 CDC data, white individuals accounted for 69% of PrEP use, while Black and Latinx individuals accounted for 13% and 11%, respectively. The CDC’s latest numbers suggest that PrEP remained underutilized among Black and Latinx people in 2021, indicating that prevention and treatment are not reaching all racial and ethnic groups equitably.

Cost is often a barrier to starting PrEP, but thanks to financial resources and expanded insurance coverage, the medication continues to become more affordable. To learn more about accessing PrEP at the best price, read our post on PrEP affordability resources for all insurance statuses here. You can also take a closer look at state patient assistance programs here.

You can get a prescription for PrEP from your doctor. If you do not have a provider or are unable to get a prescription from them, the resources below can connect you with a PrEP prescriber. Note that negative HIV test results are required to begin taking PrEP, and ongoing medical care, including routine tests for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), is required to continue treatment.

Expert Pharmacist Support for PrEP Treatment

Alto will coordinate with your doctor and your insurance provider to ensure you’re receiving the best PrEP option for your needs at the most affordable price. We offer delivery right to your doorstep, with discrete, private packaging. The app offers a direct line to pharmacists with expertise in HIV treatment and prevention, as well as reminders to help you stay on track.

Interested in learning more about how Alto can support your PrEP treatment? Reach out through secure in-app messaging.

A chronic illness diagnosis is a significant unexpected life event, one that can understandably bring many feelings to the surface, from fear and anger to grief and shame. It often means changes in day-to-day life and potentially shifts in your identity and relationships as well.

Facing a Diagnosis of a Chronic Illness

It’s not uncommon for the uncertainty of a diagnosis to affect a person’s mental health. About one-third of everyone with a serious chronic illness experiences symptoms of depression. Those with a history of depression or who faced significant stress prior to their diagnosis may have a higher risk for mental health issues. But no matter your health history or the specific challenges of your condition, taking good care of yourself and prioritizing your emotional needs can help you adjust to life after a diagnosis.

While learning to live with a condition is an ongoing and personal journey, the tips below can give you a starting point as you move forward and find the coping strategies that work best for you.

Instead of self-blame, focus on moving forward

When facing a challenge or in times of shock, it’s only natural to want to know why, or to think about what we could’ve done differently. Unfortunately, in the context of a chronic illness diagnosis, there isn’t always a satisfying answer to be found. Sometimes a condition runs in your family. In other cases, there may be no explanation of why you developed your illness.

Even if your condition is preventable, considering what you could have done in the past won’t give you more control over present circumstances. The best thing you can do for your health at this moment is to face your diagnosis head-on and move forward.

That means different things to different people, but acknowledging the limitations of a chronic illness while staying hopeful is key. You may not be able to do some of what you could once do easily, and you may need to adjust your responsibilities with work, school, or caregiving. However, that does not mean that everything is beyond your control.

It can be helpful to get literal about what’s changing. One strategy is to make a list of activities or tasks that are challenging to do with your illness and proactively think up solutions or alternatives. Depending on the specific challenges you’re navigating, that could mean asking for assistance with meal prep or taking up gentler forms of exercise.

As important as it is to move forward, it’s okay if it takes you time to do so. You are processing a substantial life change, so give yourself the space that you need.

Your health journey is yours, with options and choices to make about treatment, lifestyle changes, and forms of support. Knowledge can empower you to decide how you want to live with a chronic illness.

Finding a provider that you trust is a crucial first step in learning more about your condition. It’s important that you can openly share your concerns and ask any questions you need to. In addition to looking for a physician with the appropriate expertise and credentials, make sure that you feel comfortable around them.

Though your provider may be treating you for a physical condition, let them know how you feel emotionally as well. Mental health issues can make it more challenging to stay on top of your treatment needs and manage your condition. Your provider is here as a resource and can offer referrals for counseling or medication if needed.

Medication is critical to the management of many chronic conditions. Appropriate medication use is necessary to experience the full therapeutic benefits, but unfortunately, medication is only taken as prescribed 50% of the time.

You’ll likely gain comfort and familiarity with your treatment plan in time, but there may be a learning curve to managing your medications, especially if you take more than one. Here are several tips.

Educate yourself about potential interactions and side effects

You should always know the answers to the following questions about any medication you take — your pharmacist is a great resource for information.

Can I take this medication with other medications?

Should I avoid certain foods or drinks when taking this medication?

Are there known potential medication interactions? If so, what signs should I watch for?

Even if you experience side effects, never stop taking a medication without first consulting your doctor. Rather, keep a log of side effects and share them with your care team. Your doctor may be able to adjust your dosage or help you safely switch to an alternative medication.

Find your preferred medication reminder system

There are a variety of tools to help you remember when to take your medication, from pill organizers to setting alarms and linking the act of taking your medication to another daily activity. The Alto app includes custom medication reminders.

It’s also important to find your preferred system for remembering refills. Our app’s medication management features include auto refills and medication bundling. If you aren’t using a medication management app, check your prescription labels regularly to see how many refills are remaining.

This is your health journey, but you don’t have to go at it alone. One of the best ways to reduce stress during this time is to take some responsibilities off of your plate. That will likely mean leaning more on others, so make sure to surround yourself with supportive and reliable people.

Nonprofits related to your condition can provide additional support and valuable resources. If you feel overwhelmed by the feelings that have arisen, don’t hesitate to ask your provider for referrals to a therapist for individual counseling.

Read Finding Support After a Chronic Illness Diagnosis

Mindfulness and physical activity are both important tools as you navigate this health journey. The former is all about present moment awareness and focusing on what’s happening right now, which is important since you may have many anxieties and fears about the unknown. Studies have also shown that mindfulness practices can help you cope with pain and stress. It doesn’t have to be a big endeavor. Just several minutes of quiet meditation, breathing exercises, guided imagery, or listening to music each day can make a big difference.

Physical exercise isn’t just good for your physical health — it’s also linked to improved mood and mental wellness. If some of your go-to activities are no longer possible because of your illness, there are plenty of alternatives to consider. To ensure that your fitness habits are appropriate for your needs at this time, consult your provider before trying any new exercises.

As a reliable pharmacy partner, we make sure you’re never on your own in navigating the complexities of treatment for a chronic illness. Our pharmacists are here with information and answers, even during nights and weekends. And the Alto app gives you control and convenience in managing your medications, with auto refills, medication bundling, and custom dosing reminders.

Limiting your exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a leading cause of skin cancer, is the most impactful way to protect your skin. This can be easier said than done — a number of misconceptions about UV rays make it difficult to take appropriate precautions and practice true sun safety.

Five Myths About UV Radiation

In honor of UV Safety Awareness Month, observed every July, take a closer look at how this type of radiation actually affects the skin — and one other very important organ, too! 

Before we debunk common misconceptions about UV rays, let’s review what they are.

Radiation refers to the emission of electromagnetic energy from any source. There are many types of radiation, with varying intensity, or frequencies. At one end of the spectrum are the high-energy x-rays and gamma rays. At the other are the long-wavelength, low-energy radio waves. Visible light is also a form of electromagnetic energy — the only one that humans can see — and different colors have different wavelengths.

UV radiation sits in the middle of the spectrum. Since UV rays don’t have enough energy to penetrate the body more deeply, they primarily affect the skin. These rays come from the sun as well as artificial sources like tanning beds. Similar to how there are many colors with distinct wavelengths within the medium-frequency category of visible light, there are different types of UV radiation with different amounts of energy.

UVA and UVB rays are the main types to be mindful of as you consider how to limit your UV exposure. 

Lower-energy UVA rays are primarily associated with skin damage like wrinkles but can also contribute to the development of skin cancer.

Higher-energy UVB rays are the main source of sunburns and skin cancer.

UVC rays exist as well, but they have so much energy that sun-emitted UVC radiation reacts with ozone before it can even reach the ground, let alone your skin. This is why they don’t often surface in conversations about sun protection. However, it’s still possible to be exposed to these UV rays from artificial sources including lamps and lasers.

Myth: You don’t have to worry about UV radiation on cold or cloudy days

You may feel the sun less when temperatures drop, but UV protection is a year-round effort. The sun’s heat comes from infrared rays — another important form of electromagnetic energy — which don’t harm the skin. Lower temperatures might result in less infrared radiation, but not less UV radiation, so any change in the sun’s output on colder days does not affect your risk for sunburn or skin damage. In fact, winter brings an additional risk for UV radiation exposure, as bright snow reflects UV rays, sending them back in your direction.

Meanwhile, cloudy days also require vigilant UV protection. Though it’s true that UV levels are highest on clear, cloudless days, these rays can still make their way to the ground even under gloomy weather.

Myth: UV radiation only damages fair skin

It’s true that skin tone is a factor in your risk for skin cancer, and people with light, fair skin generally face the highest risk. However, skin cancer can affect anyone regardless of age, race, gender, or ethnicity, and the relationship between melanin — the pigment that produces different skin tones — and UV radiation is nuanced.

Darker skin has higher amounts of melanin than lighter skin. Since melanin blocks a certain amount of UV rays, a person with darker skin is less likely to get sunburned. At the same time, having more melanin does not make a person immune to the harmful effects of UV radiation, which can increase the risk of skin cancer without causing a sunburn.

Myth: Regular sunscreen usage causes vitamin D deficiency

Vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium, is essential for strong bone health. It can also boost immunity and support a healthy nervous system. Sunlight is a primary source of vitamin D production, along with vitamin D-rich foods such as trout, salmon, egg yolks, and vitamin-D fortified milk and cereal, and nutritional supplements.

While more sunshine may increase vitamin D production, UV protection doesn’t equal vitamin D deficiency. With other options for consuming this important nutrient, you can practice sun safety and get those vitamins in.

Myth: High-SPF sunscreen alone will protect your skin from UV rays

That number on every bottle of sunscreen is often misunderstood. SPF, which stands for sun protection factor, is a measure of UV exposure rather than the duration of protection. An SPF number indicates how much UV radiation it would take to burn your skin when using that product as opposed to if you were not wearing any sunscreen.

A higher SPF does provide more protection than lower ones, in terms of the percentage of UV rays you are exposed to. What it won’t do is protect your skin for a longer duration of time, and simply applying an SPF 50 sunscreen or higher does not make you immune to the risks of sun exposure. Other factors affect how much a sunscreen protects you, including when you’re out in the sun — solar energy fluctuates throughout the day, and an hour of UV exposure at 9 am equals 15 minutes at 1 pm — and skin type.

In fact, the false sense of security offered by a higher number can sometimes lead to a sunburn: because of the confusion surrounding sunscreen and SPF numbers, many people spend longer time outdoors when wearing a higher SPF. It’s recommended to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before you go outside and again every two hours, or right after swimming.

One other consideration to be mindful of: standard sunscreen products — including some high SPF options — only protect you from UVB rays. To prevent the skin damage and premature aging caused by UVA rays, opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which offers protection against both types of UV radiation.

Myth: UV ray protection is limited to skincare

Skin isn’t the only organ harmed by UV rays — high exposure can also increase your risk of eye health issues, including cataracts, eye cancers, non-cancerous growths, and snow blindness. Sunglasses are a great defense, but be sure to purchase a pair that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, general sun safety practices like wearing a hat, carefully planning your outdoor time, and avoiding tanning beds will protect your eyes as well as your skin.

It takes a strategy bigger than sunscreen to protect yourself from UV radiation. Here’s what the experts recommend.

Apply sunscreen every day, regardless of temperature or weather conditions. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 or higher. (Don’t forget to reapply every two hours no matter the SPF!)

Supplement sunscreen with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses with UV protection, and sun protective-clothing like long-sleeved shirts with light fabrics. Also, some clothing offers even more effective sun protection — look for options with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) number.

Seek shade and try to stay out of direct sunlight between 10 am to 2 pm, when UV radiation peaks.

Opt for self-tanning products over tanning beds — when it comes to skin health, artificial UV radiation is no less harmful than the sun’s rays.

Be especially vigilant with both skin and eye protection when you’re near reflective surfaces like water, snow, and sand.

Delivering sun protection right to your doorstep

Get sun protection right from your Alto account! Purchase over-the-counter products including sunscreen from our Essentials Store at any time, or add them to your next prescription delivery.  

Summer may be a time to take it easy, but that doesn’t mean letting health and fitness goals slip by the wayside. Not only is the year’s halfway point an opportunity to recommit to your wellness — and perhaps check in with those New Year’s resolutions — there are seasonal health considerations to account for as temperatures rise and you spend more time outside. We’ve rounded up our top summer wellness tips to help you stay safe and healthy amidst the beach days, BBQs, and road trips.

Five Ways to Stay Healthy This Summer

Many of us are familiar with the discomfort of a sunburn after a long summer day outdoors. While the pain and redness are short-lasting, prolonged sun exposure may cause long-term damage to the skin and increase your risk of skin cancer, which is one of the most common types of cancer.

Limiting your exposure to UV rays is the most impactful way to protect your skin. Here are several steps you can take.

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher every day — up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds. If you’re going to spend a lot of time outdoors, opt for an SPF of 30 or higher.

Avoid direct sunlight as much as possible between 10 am to 4 pm daylight savings time (9 am to 3 pm standard time), when UV radiation peaks.

Check the UV Index here for a daily forecast of local UV radiation strength on a scale of 0 to 11. Extra precautions against UV rays are recommended when the index is a three or higher.

Wear protective clothing like long-sleeve shirts and wide-brimmed hats.

Hydration is paramount during summer months, as hot, humid weather decreases the amount of fluid in your body. To prevent dehydration-related issues like heat injury, consume plenty of fluids and take extra precautions during extreme heat or strenuous exercise.

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