United Organ Transplant Association

A Public Benefit Corporation

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New Life

Summer 2004 Volume 8 Issue 2

Shades of Summer
Are you Sun Smart?

Excerpts from Family Circle Magazine

We all know that too much sun is harmful to our skin. As transplant patients on a regime of immunosuppressant drugs, it is more critical than ever that we become "Sun Smart", and avoid sun-induced skin cancer. Sun block really works if you apply it right! So please heed these sun-sense tips:

Did you know...

  • If you're fair and freckled and burn within 10 minutes of sun exposure, an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 will protect you for no more than 150 minutes. No matter what your complexion, reapply sunscreen about every two hours or after swimming.
  • T-Shirts don't protect as well as you may think. The typical tee gives an SPF of 5 or 6 (and half that when wet). T-shirts help, but lotion is better.
  • Donning your lotion when you get to the pool or beach isn't good enough. For best coverage, you should apply it thoroughly at least 30 minutes before venturing out into the sun. It is recommended that transplant patients use sunscreen every morning before venturing outside.
  • You can even get sunburn driving in your car. UVA rays penetrate glass, so lotion up. Also, for those of us with little hair on top, please remember to wear a hat for sun protection.

Be "sun wise" and stay happy and healthy.

UOTA Participates In
California State PTA Convention

By UOTA Staff Writer

Over 5,000 teachers, administrators, and parents were given the opportunity to learn more about the need for organ donation and how to become an organ donor at the California State Parents Teachers Association Convention held in Long Beach, California on May 3rd through the 5th 2004. Members of the United Organ Transplant Association presented organ donor information and materials, answered questions and handed out organ donor cards.

The teachers will take the message about organ donation, making a miracle by giving the gift of life, back to their classrooms. For every teacher we educated about organ donation, twenty or more students will learn of the truly great need for organs to save peoples lives.

Have a Slimmer Summer Tips for Eating Healthier

From Family Circle Magazine

Summer is here, which means it's time for those beloved backyard barbecues, strolls in the park among the shade trees or a trip to an amusement park. If you're not careful, though, all the eating out that goes along with this fun can translate into loading up on calories.

Our eat-less suggestions will show you how to enjoy your warm-weather favorites such as ice cream, pizza and burgers without adding inches to your waistline.

  • Single-portion smarts: What would summer be without a little ice cream now and then? Feel free to choose the richest flavor you want, but stop at a single scoop. One scoop typically has 160 calories and 11 grams (g) of fat.
  • Have your scoop of ice cream in a cup instead of a sugar cone and save 48 calories; save 17 for skipping a wafer cone.
  • Keep it simple: Avoid the hot fudge sauce (each 1/4 cup has 298 calories and 8g fat.
  • Say "no" to toppings: The ice cream parlor is about ice cream, not the nuts and candy, so pass on these toppings. Every tablespoon of these toppings you don't have saves you 50 to 60 calories and 3 or 4g fat.
  • Try frozen yogurt, which can taste just as rich as ice cream but has 55 fewer calories and 7 fewer grams of fat per scoop. Other low-calorie choices include sorbet (54 calories and 1g fat).
  • Stick with the standard size: Whether it's a burger, an order of fries or a milk shake, super-size servings have a super amount of extra calories, so steer clear.
  • Have it plain: Want a hamburger? Have it, but order a single plain one with lettuce and tomato (which has 275 calories and 12g fat) instead of a double-meat bacon cheeseburger with all the toppings (which has 640 calories and 39g fat).
  • Smarter Spreads: Skip the spreads or secret sauce used to top sandwiches, which are often made with regular mayonnaise and are loaded with extra calories. Try fat-free mayonnaise (which has 11 calories and 0g fat), BBQ sauce (20 calories and 1g fat) or salsa (5 calories and 0g fat).
  • Pizza "primavera" pointers: Everyone's favorite food can be nutritious if you pile on vegetable toppings such as peppers, zucchini and broccoli. But don't add extra cheese, sausage or pepperoni or you will up not only the calories, but the fat and cholesterol too. Trim calories even more by seeking out thin-crust pizza instead of thick, stuffed or deep-dish crusts.

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