Quick Links

We hope everyone had a great Memorial Day Weekend. And you know that that means – the official start of summer!

It’s a perfect time to get outside and get active – fresh air and plenty to do in it. There’s running, biking, walking or even just sitting in the shade with a good book. It’s all great for your physical health and can help put your mind at ease.  But it’s also important to remain safe when dealing with those unexpected consequences of the summer heat.

A big, and often times overlooked, risk is eye damage. Strong UV rays in sunlight can damage your eyes and make for some painful beach memories. If you’re going to be out in the sun at all this summer, it’s a good idea to invest in some stylish shades. OK, they don’t have to be stylish, but sunglasses are always a good idea. The investment will pay for itself as eye protection is just as important throughout the winter with the sun refracting off the snow as it is in the summer while sitting on the beach.

It’s important to verify that your sun glasses are in fact 100% UV protective. If they’re not, they will actually help dilate your pupils which will allow more damaging UV rays to enter your eye. Most glasses will have a small information sticker letting you know that you’re good to go.

Another risk many tend to overlook is dehydration. Summer heat means Pina Coladas and pool parties. But as the temperature rises, so does your risk of dehydration.  Your body is about 60% water and that water is needed to help flush out toxins. It’s a safe bet that about 9 glasses of water are needed throughout a normal day so uping that to 12-15 when out in the heat is a good start. Of course the more vigorous your activity the more water is needed. Don’t be afraid to have some sugary drinks in there as well. Electrolytes are just as important to hydration when expending lots of energy out in the sun –  Of course, everything in moderation.

Additionally, if you’re attending that outdoor cocktail party, remember that alcohol can facilitate dehydration. Try having a glass of water in-between drinks to remain on track.

Another great part of summer is the vacation time. Many of us set off for a few days or maybe even a few weeks. But exhaustion is an often overlooked consequence of the summer heat. If you’re going on a long trip, try to keep the driving to reasonable distances. Driving accidents increase during the summer months due to the influx of drivers and increase in exhausting  while on the road. If you’re flying, give yourself some extra time to sit so you don’t have to run from terminal to terminal. These little breaks will give your body the time it needs to recover and make your vacation just that much less stressful.

It’s also important to know the signs of heat stroke while enjoying the summer sun. Keep an eye out for headache, fatigue, muscle cramps, rapid pules, confusion and the lack of sweating even in hot temperatures. Get to a cool place, relax and rehydrate if you think you are experiencing any of these signs.

So, as summer officially starts, let’s get out there and enjoy the weather while it lasts. Be safe and be happy!

There is no time like spring when it comes to healthy eating. The veggies are fresh, it seems like almost everything is in season and the weather makes for the perfect picnic conditions.

Honestly, there’s no better spring activity quite like a nice meal at the park or out on the grass. Picnics are a great way to enjoy being outside and get active when the temperature is right. Staying local means you can ride your bike or go for a walk with all your food packed tight. So we thought we’d share a few of our favorite picnic recipes that are both easy to carry and easy to enjoy.

How about a nice starter? An easy and perfect picnic snack like snow peas can put a little crunch in any meal. To start, add some sliced almonds, a squeeze of lemon juice, a tablespoon of unsalted butter or olive oil and a few bits of diced shallots and you’ve got a great salad that doubles as a finger food.

Maybe you’ve brought some heart-healthy wine for a nice evening under the stars. We’ve got just the thing – Apple-Goat Cheese Bruschetta. Toast some sliced French bread and store it in a zip-top bag. Then in another bag combine 1 chopped red apple, ¼ crumbled goat cheese, some fresh pepper and a little oregano for a nice mix that will compliment any picnic wine. Dip  your bread or spoon it out onto each piece.

Now it’s time for the main course! Chicken is truly versatile and can accompany almost any starter. If you plan on grilling, why not marinade your chicken while on the way to your favorite picnic spot? If not, simply grill the chicken before leaving and you’ve got a great tasting main course that’s easy to carry and won’t spoil in the sun. Put your chicken strips in a bag with some orange and lime juice. Add a little bit of olive oil, some ground cumin, and a little fresh time for the perfect citrus marinade.

Now, everyone’s favorite part, it’s time for dessert. But have no fear, you can hit that sweet tooth without having to worry about what you’re eating. If you’ve got a grill you’re using, try making some fruit kabobs. Skewer your favorite fruits like peaches, pineapple, grapes and strawberries and toss them on the open flame. In a few minutes, the sugars on the outside will start to caramelize leaving some sweet and crunchy grill marks behind. You can sprinkle a little chocolate syrup on at this point as well – we won’t tell anyone.

If you don’t have a grill, just prepare you fruit salad ahead of time and bring a light Angel food cake or whipped topping for the perfect complement to your fruit.

If you’ve got some favorite recipes or fun ideas on how to keep your picnic fun and healthy, let us know! Join the conversation by posting a comment below or reach us on Facebook and Twitter.

With spring in bloom and Memorial Day just around the corner, many are getting excited for the summer weather. And it’s a good thing too. It’s a little known fact that many Americans don’t get enough sun throughout the year – something that normally doesn’t get a lot of attention.

We hear a lot about staying safe while in the sun, and that truly is important. But one thing we don’t often hear is how important the sun can be for both our mental and physical well being.

Did you know that many Americans suffer from a vitamin D Deficiency – a symptom, among many others, often caused by lack adequate sunshine?

Sunshine is loaded with Ultraviolet rays which stimulate the production of Vitamin D – an essential element to our health. Not only does vitamin D allow us to absorb Calcium but it’s even been proven to control immune function and reduce inflammation which is a major factor in the prevention of heart disease. Appropriate amounts of sunshine and vitamin D have even been linked in studies to the prevention of breast and prostate cancer.

And you know that saying, “feeling a little blue”? Well, as it turns out, it may be more literal than we think. Research shows that lack of sunlight directly affects the parts of our brain responsible for depression. Getting out and in the light can literally help keep us happy!

Now, there are great ways to get vitamin D through foods and other supplements like fish liver oil, but there aren’t too many of us who find a way to eat fish every day. That’s where getting our time outside comes in to play.

Receiving roughly 30 minutes of sun-time twice a week can have a huge impact on your vitamin D levels and your overall mental health. It’s important that note that the sun does not have the same effect through glass as it does when we sit outside. Direct sunlight in the appropriate amount will truly help keep us healthy.

We still urge you to be careful whenever in the sun as every body is different. Some may burn more easily and might require less time in the sun and all should take the necessary precautions to stay safe. And, although sunlight is good for you, moderation is the key. Protect yourself from burning and be safe. Perform regular checks of your skin if you do spend long periods of time in the sun and always apply protective lotion at least 30 minutes before heading out.

And with that, we hope you go out and enjoy your time in the light. We think you deserve it!

With spring in full bloom, there are a lot of myths starting to go around about ways to treat seasonal allergies. Here’s one: Did you know that eating local honey can combat seasonal allergies?

Well, as delicious as it sounds, it’s false. Although local honey is made from the pollen bees collect from flowers in your area, the cause of allergies is actually due to pollen from trees, grass and weeds and not necessarily flowers.

Keeping up with your allergies can be frustrating and often requires medication. But we’re here with a few tips that will help curb your allergies and keep you enjoying the spring weather.

Find out exactly what you are allergic to – By contacting your doctor and testing to find out what is bothering you the most, you can more directly target your allergies and receive the right medication for the job. This might include shots and other alternative methods.

Understand your medication – If you are prescribed any medication or are looking to over-the-counter options, make sure you fully understand what you are taking and what they are meant to treat. It’s easy to confuse antihistamines and decongestants but the two perform very different roles. Make sure you know which is right for you.

Wash your hair and clothes regularly – This will be sure to get rid of any pollen or allergens you may have collected while in a certain area that can agitate you later.

Groom pets regularly – This is twofold. First, grooming your pets will help remove any dander that may cause allergies. Second, pets can carry in pollen just as easily as the wind. Keeping them clean will prevent any unwanted pollen from making its way into your home.

Keep an eye on the weather – Many factors play into allergies. High winds and low humidity allow more pollen to carry through the air. If this is the case, try to avoid being outside for long periods of time between 5AM and 10AM, the peak pollen hours of the day.

Try natural cures – The herb butterbur has been found in some studies to work as well as antihistamines do without the drowsy side effects. Explore and see what works for you.

Use a neti pot if things get bad – If you’re suffering from an attack, rinse out your sinus with some saline and wash your face, hands and hair. This will help quell the allergies or get rid of them completely.

We hope these tips will keep you happy and allergy free this spring. Because, let’s face it – there’s no need to stay inside if we don’t have to! If you’ve got a secret that keeps you allergy free, we want to hear it. Join the conversation by commenting below or on Facebook and Twitter.

If there is one thing no one looks forward to this time of year it’s Spring Cleaning. Finally, it’s nice outside and you’re telling me we need to dedicate at least one weekend indoors getting rid of everything we accumulated during our winter hibernation?

Well, yes. But there is some good news – It turns out that cleaning is as good for your health as it is for your house.

To start with, clutter is mentally exhausting. Not only does it make things difficult to find, but it can also accumulate dust and bacteria as well as invite other not-so-welcome critters like mice into your home. Scenarios like this can lead to worsening allergies, illness and increased incidents of friends no longer stopping by. Get rid of the clutter and you can safely get rid of this risk.

Mentally, you will be much more at ease and decrease stress the more you clear out. We think it’s safe to say that there’s at least once closet around the house stuffed to the brim with stuff. Take some time to clear it out. Organizing the materials will help clear your mind, make it easier to find what you’re looking for and free up space for those workout sneakers sitting by the door.

There are also some physical benefits of cleaning. Similar to gardening, even mild exercise like cleaning for 20 minutes can increase the number of calories your body burns throughout the day. Clean the house a few times a month and those burned calories really start to add up.

Lastly, cleaning has been proven to help release endorphins. Maybe it’s the sense of accomplishment, or the fact that you finally found where that smell was coming from inside the refrigerator, either way, you’ll literally be happier once you’re all done.

The great thing about these tips is that they don’t just apply to your home. You can use the same ideas around the office, in the car or even your gym locker. With that in mind, it’s time to get started with the Spring Cleaning – We’re looking at you, desk.