2017

The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey has left behind trillions of gallons of water and tons of debris. The ruined possessions are lined up in streams of water in neighborhoods and roads. The damage has been extensive with over 150,000 homes damaged or destroyed. As the water recedes, the road to recovery has begun and it could take days, months, or sadly even, years.

The piles and heaps consisting of furniture, toys, drywall, flooring, clothing, etc., are painful reminders of the losses incurred by residents affected by the hurricane. It is an eyesore and what’s worse is they are a perfect habitation for pests and dangerous animals like snakes. The water is also starting to give off a nasty stench. The wet conditions and the Texas heat are favorable environments for mold to grow.

It raises eyebrows because it is a health hazard that could spiral out of control if not handled with the seriousness it deserves. Floodwater is not your ordinary water. It is highly contaminated with chemicals, sewage, sharp objects, etc. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, standing waters cause chemical hazards, infectious diseases, and injuries.

Efforts have been made to start the cleanup process but it remains a big challenge to do so given the massive piles present; for instance, a single pile of debris belonging to only one home would be enough to fill out a truck. This begs the question; how much time then would it take to do so for an entire street? Sylvester Turner, Houston’s Mayor called for assistance from anyone with equipment suitable for removing heavy debris.

The residents whose houses have been damaged or destroyed have been relocated to shelters to enable the clearing up of the debris in their houses and on the streets. There were concerns about resources being diverted to Hurricane Irma if it caused extensive damage. This would mean a slower cleanup process in Houston. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is covering 90 percent of the costs while the local crew is taking care of the pickups.

Another cause of concern from the environmentalists has been from the suspended environment rules regarding waste removal to quicken disaster recovery process. Trash looters have not been left out forcing homeowners to spray paint some of the items that will be required for insurance claims. Some even posted signs indicating the items are being aired to dry. All these hoping the trash looters will have some ounce of sympathy and move along.

Despite all that, Houston has received overwhelming support and kindness from volunteers. Many people report on how they have come back home from their shelters to find people swarming in their homes. Not looting, but cleaning up. Others are helping in different forms like donations of food, medical supplies, clothing, and all other necessities. Others are helping the elderly wade through the water. Through the unity experienced following this disaster, there is hope for Houston to slowly pick up the pieces and rise again.

The mudflow in the eastern part of Java Island, Indonesia, has got to be one of the strangest natural disasters ever recorded. The mudflow that occurred in 2006 was most likely a result of earthquakes rather than commercial drilling as earlier reported. The earthquake combined forces with unusual geologic formation awakening the mud from underground.

Initially, the probable cause was widely suspected to be triggered by gas drilling by a subsidiary of the EMP energy company. Java in Sidoarjo is located in one of the world’s sensitive geological areas. This is because of the active volcanoes that threatens 62% of Indonesia’s 250 million population. Therefore, the region is considered very unstable.

Since May 2006, the mud volcano has swallowed factories, rice paddles, houses, roads, etc. Over 40,000 residents were displaced and 15 people lost their lives. The eruption is still ongoing and unfortunately, studies predict that it may continue to do so for another two decades. Another study predicts that it could last to up to 87 years.

The mud, which is 144 million cubic meters, has been diverted to a river nearby. Some of it, however, covers an area estimated to be twice the size of the New York City Central Park.   Despite the uncertainty of the exact trigger, the government pressured the Bakrie family, majority owners of the energy company, to contribute to the compensation and mitigation costs. These costs on average have totaled to $767 million, which has taken a great toll on the country’s economy.

Even if measures have been taken to manage it, geologists still fear the eruption of another mud volcano in the region. More data is needed for better research and planning. Until this natural disaster is fully understood, long-term programs in the country cannot be effectively carried out.

Sunscreen helps to prevent our skin from harmful Ultra Violet (UV) rays from the sun. These rays may cause skin cancer, and therefore it is important to take the necessary precautions to protect our skin. So irrespective of gender, age or race, everyone does need to use sunscreen as long as you will be exposed to the sun.

Statistics estimate that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Dermatologists recommend that you apply sunscreen anytime you are outside for more than 20 minutes; even during the winter season. The sun’s rays can begin to cause damage after just 15 minutes.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Sunscreen

• Level of activity

Sun damage is higher in places of elevation such as mountains or reflective surfaces (water, sand, and snow). For these regions, choose one with both UVA/UVB (Ultraviolet A/Ultraviolet B) coverage and with an SPF (Sun protection factor) of 15 or higher. UVA rays cause premature aging and age spots while UVB rays are burning rays that cause sun burns.

Also, intense physical activities will sweat you out removing the sunscreen. Choose one which is water resistant with an SPF of 15 or higher.

• Age

Not for use for children under six months. For six months and older, use the lotion form with a broad spectrum (both UVA and UVB) and an SPF of 15 or higher. Steer clear of alcohol based sunscreen products for this age group.

• Skin

If you have oily skin, use alcohol or gel based sunscreen products. If you have dry skin, use lotions or a cream form of sunscreen. If your skin is inflamed or eczematous, avoid alcohol-based sunscreens,

• Site of Application

For spray sunscreens, keep away from the eyes. For the lips, use a gel based or lip balm with sunscreen. For the ear and nose, use a physical agent of application. Sticks are suitable for use around the eyes.

• Skin Cancer/Skin Aging Alert

If this is listed in the drug facts section, it means that its sole purpose is to prevent against sun burns and does not reduce early skin aging or the risk of skin cancer.

• Expiration Date

Some sunscreens might degrade with time which reduces their effectiveness. Always check for expiry date when choosing one. FDA requires that these agents retain their protective layer for at least three years.

When to Apply Sunscreen

• Apply at least 30 minutes before exposure to the sun for maximum absorption.
• Reapply after strenuous exercise.
• If you work outdoors, apply throughout the day and also wear protective clothing.

How to Apply Sunscreen

• Apply a handful to cover your whole body; particularly the parts exposed to the sun (ears, back, shoulders, legs, back of knees, etc.)
• Make sure to use enough; a thick coating preferably.
• Care should be taken when applying around the eyes. The skin around this area is fragile and therefore, sensitive.
• Dot it directly to your face instead of applying it on your hands first then your face. This will help it absorb quickly.
• Apply the sunscreen before your moisturizer.
• Be consistent with daily applications.
• Touch up your sunscreen after every 90 minutes or so.
• Reapply water resistant sunscreen after swimming or excessive sweating.
• Reapply every time you wash your hands.

Applying Makeup Over Sunscreen

• Use makeup with some SPF protection for optimum protection. However, don’t rely entirely on those.
• Before applying foundation, wait for at least 5 minutes for the sunscreen to set.
• Use minimal pressure when blending in your foundation.
• Powders with sunscreen will work great to add more protection through the day and touch up your makeup.

Surprisingly, you also need sunscreen when you are indoors and when you are driving. The UVA rays penetrate through your window panes, but window glass blocks the UVB rays. There is nothing like a harmless exposure even if it’s just for a few minutes. Those few minutes of walking to your car or going to the grocery store will add up over the years; this will accelerate the aging process or even lead to irreversible damage to your skin.

Eat healthy foods especially those rich in vitamin D, seek shade whenever possible and wear protective clothing such as hats, shades, or long sleeved clothes. Prevention is better than cure.