Heading Outside? Five Tips for Avoiding Too Much Sun

Sep 2, 2025 | Your Health

If you are headed outdoors to play sports or just to relax in the park or go for a walk, it’s important to take precautions. Ultraviolet (UV) exposure during outdoor play can contribute to premature aging and increase your risk of skin cancer, even among when you may feel protected by short outings or staying mostly in shaded areas.

Banu Farabi, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, offers five tips for staying safe in the sun.

“Combining prevention with early detection offers the best protection. Protecting your skin during outdoor activities helps minimize UV damage. Be sure and get regular skin screenings too.  As with all cancers, early detection of skin cancer is key to effective treatment,” she says. “Sunscreen, regular self-monitoring and dermatologist visits are habits that lay the groundwork for long-term skin health.

  1. Broad-Spectrum, Water-Resistant Sunscreen (SPF 30+)

Sunscreen is always your first line of defense. It’s important to choose a broad-spectrum formula with SPF 30 or higher to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply every two hours, and more frequently if you’re sweating. Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin—don’t forget often-missed areas like the ears, neck, and the backs of your hands. UVA rays can prematurely age your skin, causing wrinkles and age spots, while UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. 

  1. UPF Clothing

If you prefer not to reapply sunscreen throughout the day, wearing Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) clothing is one option. A shirt with UPF 50 blocks about 98 percent of UV rays. Athletic wear made from tightly woven fabrics like polyester or nylon offers great natural protection. Darker colors tend to block more UV light than lighter ones. 

  1. SPF Lip Balm

Your lips are just as vulnerable to sun damage as the rest of your skin. “I often see patients who are surprised to learn skin cancer can develop on the lips,” says Dr. Farabi. “Using an SPF 30 or higher lip balm is a small step that makes a big difference.” Reapply during the day, especially after eating or drinking. 

  1. Protective Hat

A hat shields your face, scalp, and neck—areas that can be difficult to protect yourself with sunscreen alone. Bucket hats or wide-brim styles provide the most coverage. If you prefer a cap, it will help to have UPF-rated fabric. Avoid loosely woven straw hats, which let UV light through. 

  1. UV-Blocking Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a necessity. UV rays can damage your eyes and contribute to cataracts and eyelid skin cancer. Choose lenses labeled for 100 percent UVA/UVB protection to keep your vision safe while reducing glare.

Learn more about Dermatology at Mount Sinai

Can a Special Diet Help Those Living With Multiple Sclerosis?

Updated on Sep 26, 2025 | Research, Your Health

For those living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), can a special diet potentially help slow the progression of the disease?

This a question that researchers at the Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis at Mount Sinai are studying, and whether a specific diet could reduce substances in the blood linked to inflammation.

“Ultimately, we want to know if we can offer MS patients a program that will empower them to live healthier by permanently changing their eating habits,” says Ilana Katz Sand, MD, a clinician and researcher who is the Center’s associate director and lead study investigator.

The new study is a randomized controlled trial of a special dietary pattern for MS, and is funded by a National MS Society grant.

Ilana Katz Sand, MDThe Mediterranean-Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) dietary pattern has components “that are of potential benefit in terms of limiting neuroinflammation and promoting neuroprotection,” says Dr. Katz Sand.

Since joining the Center staff in 2013, she has been studying how dietary choices affect MS evolution while seeing patients. She and her research team conducted a pilot study of a modified Mediterranean dietary program a few years ago.

“Preliminary data showed this type of diet is helpful” for MS, says Dr. Katz Sand, who serves as co-director of the Center’s Wellness Program. She is also a Professor of Neurology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

The MIND pattern emphasizes eating fish, green leafy vegetables, lentils, nuts, olive oil, berries, and seeds. Processed foods, particularly red meat, and consuming butter, pastries, and baked goods should be limited.

Neurologists depend on individuals volunteering to participate in research projects that potentially may help advance understanding and treating MS. Dr. Katz Sand’s team is seeking 100 Center patients for the new study. Prospective study participants will first complete a questionnaire about their current eating habits. The study database contains a module that will randomly assign people to either the MIND pattern or to maintaining their current diet for one year.

“Participants hoping to be assigned to one group or the other don’t get to choose. The computer will make the group assignment for us,” she says. This enrollment process reduces potential bias and helps ensure proper distribution by age, gender, and ethnicity between the groups. “It’s really important to us that the study population looks like the population of people who are living with MS,” she says.

Dr. Katz Sand recognizes that asking people to commit to their randomization assignment “for a year is a long time,” but that duration is crucial for evaluating the MIND pattern’s impact on individuals through bloodwork and other assessments. The team is also interested in how difficult participants find it to follow this pattern.

“Ultimately, we want to know we have a nutrition program that people can stick with permanently. It’s really more of a lifestyle than a ‘diet’,” she says.

Participants randomly selected to follow the MIND diet will receive a welcome kit that includes a variety of spices, a large bottle of high-quality olive oil, walnuts, and other helpful food items, a MIND cookbook developed by Center dietitian Jessica Gelman, RD, and a one-year Fresh Direct delivery pass.

“We hope those items will make incorporating changes into their diet a little easier,” says Dr. Katz Sand. In addition, the MIND pattern group will come together for monthly educational sessions and online discussions with her and Ms. Gelman about aspects of the diet and sharing with one another what is going well and what is challenging with the program.

For patients randomly assigned to maintain their current eating habits, online educational seminars will cover a number of topics, including emerging disease modifying therapies.

At the end of the year, those who were assigned to maintain their regular eating habits will also receive the MIND welcome kit and grocery membership so they can adapt to following the MIND pattern.

Several Mount Sinai labs will be involved due to the size and scope of this study. The primary endpoint of the study is a blood biomarker called neurofilament light chain (NfL) that is a measure of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration important to assessing MS worsening.

“Everyone has NfL in their blood, with a set of reference values by age. This marker grows with increasing age. The value tends to be higher in people who have MS, and greater in times of more active inflammation,” says Dr. Katz Sand. “We are hoping the dietary intervention will help decrease the NfL levels.”

To more fully understand what happens to the body when making a big dietary change, other labs specializing in metabolomics, gut microbiota, immune phenotyping, and telomeres will examine the MIND dietary pattern’s impact. The team also will assess the diet’s effect on fatigue, mobility, mood, quality of life, and preventing disease progression in MS.

Dr. Katz Sand anticipates the study “will show the MIND dietary pattern makes a positive difference in the lives of people living with MS.” Information garnered will enable MS providers “to advocate for our patients, to get people the support they need to improve their diet and thereby their health.”

Enrollment will continue through October 2026. The deadline for collecting and processing all lab work is October 2027. The final report with analyses of the study’s findings will be delivered by spring 2028.

To apply to participate, contact Claire Wigley, the lead clinical research coordinator, at claire.wigley@mssm.edu.

By Kenneth Bandler, a multiple sclerosis patient, advocate, and member of the Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis Advisory Board

 

Learn more about the Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis

Back to School Tips for Parents and Kids

Updated on Aug 26, 2025 | Children's Health, Your Health

Starting a new school year can be a very exciting time but also a stressful one for parents and students.

For parents with questions or concerns, here are some basic tips to help you and your family prepare, and ensure that everyone has a happy and successful year. These tips come from two experts,  Monica Amoo-Achampong, MD, and Erica Brody, MD, both pediatricians at Mount Sinai Health System.

Schedule an annual checkup

It’s one of the best ways to ensure your children’s health and well-being. Making sure your children are up to date on all their vaccines can keep them from getting sick from serious illness. This includes COVID-19 and flu vaccines for children above six months of age. Older children need their meningitis and HPV vaccines in addition to a booster shot for tetanus and whooping cough.

Good hand hygiene

A great way to prevent germs from spreading is to remind your kids about proper handwashing techniques and teach children to avoid touching their face.

Stick to a healthy diet and meal schedule

Most kids could use more vegetables, like spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, squash, or carrots, and less junk foods, such as chips, cookies, and candy bars.  Lean proteins are also important, like grilled chicken or fish, shellfish, beans, nonfat Greek yogurt, and eggs.  Try to limit junk food and sugary drinks to occasional treats. Breakfast is critical to boost our morning energy levels, and also get us hydrated to start the day. A lunch that includes a vegetable, a protein, and lots of water, while also avoiding junk food and excessive carbs, is ideal. Make dinnertime a family affair and eat together as often as able. A regular meal schedule keeps our energy levels steady, while also helping to maintain healthy portion sizes. Skipping meals can make children irritable and less focused. Eating too late may contribute to obesity and poor sleep schedules.

Develop healthy sleep habits

With a consistent and early bedtime, kids learn faster and feel happier. For younger kids, a regular routine is key, with softer lights and sounds around bedtime. For older kids, daily vigorous exercise earlier in the day will help them fall asleep more easily. For all ages, screen time should end at least an hour before bedtime. In general, the earlier children go to bed, the easier it will be for them to wake up in the morning.

Stay active

Kids need a daily exercise routine. Even when they can’t get outside, an exercise video or family dance session can do the trick.

Manage anxiety and keep calm

Kids may have different worries than adults, but they’re just as real.  Find time each day to check in, listen to their feelings, and remind them that they’re supported.  If there are lots of negative emotions, consider discussing your concerns with your pediatrician. 

Learn more about Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital

How Much Do You Know About Breast Cancer? Take the Quiz

Updated on Oct 20, 2025 | Breast Cancer, Cancer, Women's Health, Your Health

 

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in the United States, yet there are many misconceptions about the disease. Improving your knowledge is one way you can fight it.

Can you separate myth from fact? Take the quiz below, then click “Done” to see your score and correct answers.

The following quiz is based on Seven Common Misconceptions About Breast Cancer published in Mount Sinai Today.

Create your own user feedback survey

Schedule a mammogram at Mount Sinai
Learn more about the causes of breast cancer and risk factors

How Can I Manage Social Anxiety? Three Tips From a Mount Sinai Psychologist

Aug 18, 2025 | Psychiatry, Your Health

Avoiding other people from time to time is normal. But if you isolate yourself out of fear of embarrassment or rejection, you may have social anxiety disorder.

Charissa Chamorro, PhD

In this Q&A, Charissa Chamorro, PhD, a Mount Sinai clinical psychologist, explains how to know if you might have social anxiety disorder and what you can do to be more confident around others.

“Treatment isn’t about getting rid of anxiety—it’s about learning you can feel anxious and still engage meaningfully. The more you approach instead of avoiding, the more confidence you build,” says Dr. Chamorro, Assistant Clinical Professor, Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

What is the difference between being shy and having social anxiety disorder?

Social anxiety disorder is a diagnosable mental health condition. Shyness is considered a personality trait that can be shaped by temperament and experiences. While shyness usually involves mild discomfort in social settings, social anxiety involves a persistent, intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected.

Unlike shyness, social anxiety interferes with your life. If you avoid situations you actually want to be part of or cancel plans because of discomfort, you may have social anxiety disorder.

What causes social anxiety disorder?

The causes are thought to be a combination of biological and environmental factors, but not necessarily due to bullying or poor parenting. Some people are more prone to anxiety, and experiences like negative social feedback can reinforce that.

What are signs I might have social anxiety disorder?

  • Avoiding social interactions: Not just avoiding parties, but isolating yourself at work or having a hard time starting conversations with co-workers.
  • Going blank in conversations: You may blame yourself—thinking, “Why can’t I think of something to say?”—but this can be part of your body’s fight, flight, or freeze response to anxiety.
  • Over-apologizing and deferring to others instead of stating your own preferences: People with social anxiety often seek social approval.
  • Rumination: Replaying past conversations, focusing on something you think went wrong, or feeling that you were really embarrassing. Thinking about social interactions is normal, but if it causes distress and is hard to control, you may have social anxiety.
  • Perfectionism: Feeling that you have to know the perfect thing to say before you can speak.
  • Hiding behind your phone in public: Not for work or enjoyment, but to avoid engaging with others.

How can I become more confident in social situations?

Here are three tips you might find useful:

  • Remind yourself that everyone feels awkward sometimes. That normalizes the experience and helps you feel less alone.
  • Vocalize your feelings. For example, if you’re giving a speech, you might say, “I’m feeling nervous because I really want this to go well.” Naming it can disarm others and help you feel more confident.
  • Reframing your thoughts can build confidence. Instead of telling yourself, “I’m so awkward,” tell yourself, “A part of me feels anxious, and that’s okay. I’m going to do my best.” Coaching yourself with more balanced, supportive thoughts can make a difference.

How can a mental health professional help me with social anxiety?

Social anxiety is highly treatable, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the gold standard. CBT helps you identify thoughts contributing to anxiety and use cognitive restructuring to examine them.

How does a therapist use cognitive behavioral therapy to treat social anxiety?

I would ask you to recall positive social experiences to challenge self-critical thoughts, like “I can never connect with people.” Cognitive behavioral therapists work on helping you create more balanced thoughts—for example, “Sometimes I feel awkward, but I’ve also connected with others before.”

Therapists also assign gradual behavioral exposures—small tasks like ordering coffee and making eye contact with the cashier, then building up to things like attending a party. The goal is to break the cycle of avoidance and create opportunities to approach social situations.

Are there medications that treat social anxiety?

CBT is often very effective, but if symptoms remain or access is limited, medication may be a helpful additional support. Depending on how severe your anxiety is—especially if generalized anxiety is also present—we may refer you to a psychiatrist to discuss medication options.

What happens if I continue to avoid social situations?

Avoidance makes anxiety stronger. When you avoid a social situation, anxiety goes down short-term, but you don’t get the chance to learn that you can manage it.

Treatment isn’t about getting rid of anxiety—it’s about learning you can feel anxious and still engage meaningfully. The more you approach instead of avoiding, the more confidence you build.

Schedule an appointment with a Mount Sinai mental health professional

Taking Supplements? Use This Guide to Make Smart Choices

Updated on Aug 20, 2025 | Diet and Nutrition, Your Health


From turmeric capsules to muscle-building powders like creatine, many people are turning to herbal and dietary supplements. While supplements are generally harmless when taken in moderation, some pose health risks, including unpredictable liver problems, especially when taken in large doses. For this reason, you should always talk to your doctor before taking them.

In this Q&A, Meena B. Bansal, MD, a Mount Sinai liver specialist, explains the risks of supplements, what to watch out for, and how to protect your liver while making informed choices about supplements.

We’ve been hearing more about supplements being linked to liver damage. What’s the connection?
This is a growing concern. Over the last 20 years, more people have started taking supplements like turmeric, curcumin, and ashwagandha. Because these are widely available online, more people use them than ever before. With that rise, doctors have seen more cases where these supplements cause liver injury.

Are supplements really that dangerous?
They can be. One big issue is that supplements aren’t regulated like medicines. The labels might say one thing, but there’s no guarantee the product is pure or safe. Some ingredients may be harmful in higher doses or when combined with other supplements.

Key Facts About Supplements

  • While mostly safe, some supplements can cause liver injury, especially in high doses.
  • Supplements aren’t regulated, and labels can’t guarantee safety or purity.
  • LiverTox® (NIH resource) is a trusted tool for checking if a supplement has been linked to liver problems.
  • Whole foods are safer sources of nutrients; supplements should ideally be taken with medical guidance.

Meena B. Bansal, MD

Does this mean something like turmeric, which is often praised for health benefits, could be harmful?
Using turmeric as a spice in food is safe and may have health benefits, but when it’s highly concentrated in pills, and the exact purity is unknown, it has the potential to cause liver injury.

What signs suggest a supplement might be harming your liver?
People usually find out from blood tests showing abnormal liver enzyme levels. These tests might have been normal months before. When doctors ask about new medications or supplements, many patients don’t realize supplements count as medicine and forget to mention them.

Are all liver injuries caused by supplements the same?
No. Some liver damage depends on the dose. One example is acetaminophen (such as Tylenol®), which is extremely safe when taken as directed but can harm your liver if taken in very large doses. Other cases are unpredictable and might happen because of a genetic predisposition. A thousand people may take a supplement without problems, but a few may have serious reactions.

Can liver damage from supplements be severe?
Yes. Mild cases show up as enzyme changes in blood tests. Severe cases can cause jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) and sometimes require a liver transplant, although this is rare. If you have symptoms, schedule an appointment with a Mount Sinai liver specialist: 212-241-7270.

Is there anything on supplement labels that can help me know if they’re safe?
Unfortunately, no. Supplements aren’t regulated, so companies can put whatever they want on labels. Even certifications from a “third party” agency or organization (companies that claim to check the purity of the ingredients) are not a full guarantee.

Is there an online resource that can help me identify whether a supplement is potentially harmful?
Yes—LiverTox®, a resource available through the National Institutes of Health, provides a trusted list of medications and supplements that are potentially harmful to your liver.

What if I want to keep taking supplements?
I discuss the risks and benefits with patients. If someone feels a supplement helps, I monitor their liver health closely. Sometimes we stop all supplements and add back just one or two, checking for any problems.

What about creatine, a popular muscle-building supplement?
While many use it without issues, I don’t recommend it. You get creatine naturally from eating meat and fish, which is safer. This may be challenging, however, for those on a vegan diet. There isn’t strong proof that creatine causes liver damage, but some people taking it have higher liver enzymes. Creatine can cause your serum creatinine, a marker of kidney function, to become elevated, but it does not necessarily reflect damage.  Those with pre-existing kidney disease should consult their doctor prior to use.

Therefore, overall, for healthy adults, standard doses of creatinine monohydrate (up to five grams daily) are probably safe, but people with liver and kidney problems should be cautious. Very high doses could be risky and should be avoided until more is known.

What other supplements are associated with liver problems?

Known ones include:

  • Ashwagandha
  • Green tea extract
  • Turmeric (curcumin)
  • Garcinia cambogia
  • Kratom
  • Black cohosh
  • Red yeast rice
  • Chaparral
  • Ephedra
  • Germander
  • Kava
  • Polygonum multiflorum

Multi-ingredient supplements marketed for weight loss or bodybuilding are also associated with liver problems, but the specific toxic component is often unclear due to product variability and mislabeling. Always consult a physician before taking supplements.

Are any supplements considered safe?
Multivitamins and common vitamins like vitamin D and C from trusted stores are usually fine. Be wary of products promising quick fixes like “liver detox” or “rapid weight loss.”

Can I tell if a supplement has harmful contaminants like heavy metals?
No, not without lab testing. Even third-party certifications can’t guarantee a product is free from contaminants.

Is it ever necessary to take supplements?
Some people with certain medical conditions may benefit from supplements, but should check with their physician first. Healthy people are better off getting nutrients from whole foods. Supplements can be costly and sometimes harmful.

Schedule an appointment with a Mount Sinai Primary Care Doctor or Liver Specialist