Home Remedies for Sunburns

Tips For Summer Skin Health, Best Farmers' Markets in America Ranked

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In the News: The first day of summer in 2025 falls on Friday June 20th for most of the Northern Hemisphere, marking the summer solstice. On this day, the sun reaches its highest point in the sky at noon, giving us the most daylight hours of the year. It’s a special time when many people celebrate the start of the warm season with outdoor activities or festivals.


In today’s edition:
1. First Day of Summer, Tips for Healing Sunburns
2. Dexcom Recalls More than 2 Million Diabetes Monitors
3. Study: Low Sodium Causes Brain Chemistry Disruption
4. Banking Data Reveals Signs of Early Cognitive Decline
5. Closer Look: Best Farmers Markets in America Ranked

-The Patient Advocate

IN THE NEWS:
Summer Arrives, Home Remedy Tips For Sunburns

The first day of summer is here and everyone is eager to soak up the sun. The summer solstice, the longest day of the year, is happening June 20th in the Northern Hemisphere this year, marking the official start of the season and ushering in longer, sunnier days. With temperatures rising and more time spent outdoors, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy everything summer has to offer, from beach trips to backyard barbecues.

But while the sunshine brings plenty of joy, it also comes with risks. Sunburns can sneak up on you, even on cloudy days, and just one bad burn, especially for kids, can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. Experts recommend applying sunscreen generously and re-applying every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating, to keep your skin protected. Wearing wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and seeking shade during the sun’s peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) are also smart moves to prevent burns and reduce your risk of sun damage.

If you do end up with a sunburn, it’s important to act quickly. Healthgrades has more on home remedies that can help recovery from sunburn here.

PUBLIC SAFETY:
Diabetic Glucose Monitors Recalled

Dexcom, a leading maker of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices, has issued a significant recall affecting more than two million of its handheld receivers. The problem? These devices might not sound an audible alarm when blood sugar levels get dangerously high or low, which is a crucial safety feature for people with diabetes. The recall, classified as the most serious type by the FDA, applies to receivers used with Dexcom’s G7, G6, One, and One+ systems.

While the devices still provide visual and vibration alerts, the missing audible alarm could mean users miss important warnings especially if they’re not looking at the device. Dexcom has received dozens of reports of serious events, including seizures and loss of consciousness, though thankfully reports say everyone has recovered. The issue is due to a manufacturing defect where faulty foam or an assembly error causes the speaker to lose contact, so it doesn’t work properly.

If you use a Dexcom receiver, the company is urging you to check if your device is affected and to contact support for a free replacement. Most users who rely on Dexcom’s mobile app are not impacted, as the recall only affects the standalone receivers. Dexcom also recommends regularly testing your device’s speaker to make sure all alerts are working as expected.

BRAIN HEALTH:
Study: Low Sodium Linked To Anxiety

Scientists have long thought that chronic low sodium in the blood, known as hyponatremia, was mostly harmless, especially if it developed slowly. But new research from Fujita Health University in Japan is changing that view. The study, published in Molecular Neurobiology, shows that even mild, long-lasting low sodium can disrupt brain chemistry and lead to anxiety-like behaviors.

Using a mice model, the research team found that chronic hyponatremia lowers levels of serotonin and dopamine in the amygdala, the brain region responsible for regulating emotions. As these key neurotransmitters dropped, the mice began to show clear signs of anxiety. Importantly, when sodium levels were restored, both the mice’s behavior and their brain chemistry returned to normal—suggesting that the effects are reversible.

These findings highlight that chronic low sodium isn’t just a silent condition; it can have real consequences for mental health, especially in vulnerable groups like the elderly or those with chronic illnesses. The study opens the door for further research into how correcting sodium levels might help prevent or treat anxiety and other neurological symptoms in humans

Read the full study here.

DEMENTIA:
Banking Data Shows Signs Of Early Cognitive Decline

Recent research highlights how banking data can serve as a surprisingly effective early warning system for cognitive decline among older adults. By analyzing patterns such as missed payments, unusual transactions and sudden increases in debt, banks and researchers can spot red flags that may indicate trouble with memory, judgment or decision-making long before a formal diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s. These financial missteps often begin years before other symptoms become obvious, making banking behavior a valuable tool for early detection.

For example, studies show that individuals who later receive a dementia diagnosis often start struggling with money management up to five years beforehand, with some showing signs as early as seven years prior. Common warning signs include late credit card or mortgage payments, a sharp rise in credit card debt (sometimes by more than 50%) and a noticeable drop in credit scores. In some cases, older adults may also become more susceptible to financial scams, another potential indicator of early cognitive issues.

Experts emphasize that these financial changes are sometimes mistaken for normal aging or stress, but they can be critical early signals for family members, caregivers and even financial institutions to take note of. Identifying these patterns early allows for timely medical evaluation and intervention, which can help protect both the individual’s cognitive health and financial security. Banks, in particular, are now being encouraged to monitor such behaviors and, with appropriate safeguards, alert trusted contacts if concerns arise, helping to prevent severe financial consequences like bankruptcy or exploitation.

Read the full study here.

NUTRITION:
Best Farmers Markets in America, Ranked

Farmers markets are having a major moment across America, and it’s easy to see why. With a booming demand for fresh, local food, more than 9,500 markets now dot the U.S. landscape, generating $1.4 billion in sales and offering shoppers not just groceries, but a community experience. Millennials and Gen Z are especially drawn to these markets, with 50% of millennials willing to travel just to visit a destination market. The trend is fueled by a hunger for authenticity, transparency and a connection to the people who grow and make the food, as well as the fun, festival-like atmosphere many markets now cultivate.

Technology and accessibility are also transforming the farmer’s market scene. Digital payments and online presences, think Instagram and Facebook, are now essential for vendors to attract and retain customers. Meanwhile, SNAP (food stamp) spending at markets has surged, making fresh, healthy food more accessible to low-income communities and helping to build stronger local economies. Markets are also expanding their offerings, with rotating vendors, live entertainment and special events that turn shopping into a social outing.

According to a recent Newsweek Reader’s Choice poll, America’s No. 1 farmer’s market is a waterside gem in upstate New York. The top 10 ranked markets include:

  1. Ithaca Farmer’s Market (Ithaca, NY)

  2. Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market (Foley, AL)

  3. Dallas Farmers Market (Dallas, TX)

  4. Santa Fe Farmer’s Market (Santa Fe, NM)

  5. Dane County Farmers’ Market (Madison, WI)

  6. Lancaster Central Market (Lancaster, PA)

  7. Burlington Farmers Market (Burlington, VT)

  8. Pike Place Market (Seattle, WA)

  9. Ann Arbor Farmers Market (Ann Arbor, MI)

  10. Boston Public Market (Boston, MA)

These markets stand out for their vibrant atmospheres, wide variety of local goods and strong community ties, making them must-visit destinations for food lovers nationwide. Whether you’re seeking the freshest produce, unique crafts or a lively place to spend a weekend morning, the farmer’s market trend is here to stay.

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