Exfoliate Daily

Before you go out and in the sun, it can be a good idea to rid of all the dry, dead cells sitting on the surface of your skin. Using a lightly abrasive scrub, towel or loofah will help remove this dried up layer and get you ready to shine. Exfoliating will also help stimulate your skin, encouraging new growth and overall health.

Use the Right Moisturizer

After you exfoliate, shower or shave, it’s always a good idea to moisturizing your skin. It’s important to find the brand that works for you. If it ends up clogging your pores, you’re going to have a harder time keeping your skin rash and complexion free once you hit the heat outside. Read the ingredients and experiment with different types to find the one you like the most.

Always Use Sun Block

Some people think they’re going to get a great tan by not applying any sunscreen – this approach will leave your skin dry, damaged and worse for wear. You should always apply at least SPF 15 before stepping outside for long periods of time. The trick is to find the right level of protection along with a formula that works best for you. Sunburn, heat rash and hives are definitely not summer fun.

Quick Tip for sunburn – try soaking a paper towel in green tea and applying to the burnt area. This will prevent any damage to the skin cells from taking place. As for cooling off the burn – aloe, aloe and more aloe.

Drink Plenty of Water

Your skin is the largest organ of the human body. And considering we’re made of almost 70% water, it’s a good idea to stay hydrated. Water will help keep your skin looking great and even help cool it down. If you think your skin is taking a beating, find a nice shady spot and kick back with a glass of water. A book and hammock are optional.

The most important thing is to stay safe and enjoy the summer weather while it lasts. Take care of your skin and you’ll be looking as great as you feel.

Relieve Mosquito Bites

It’s inevitable – if you’re going outside, you’re going to get stung. But don’t worry, next time your scratching away at that bite, try a little toothpaste or vinegar right on the bump. Within a few minutes, you’ll forget it’s there. Another option is to crush some aspirin and add a few drops of water – rub on the bite and done. You can stop scratching and get back to horseshoes.

Save a Soaked Cellphone

Oh no. You jumped in head first and forgot your phone was in your pocket. It happens. Try quickly dropping your soaked electronic device it in some uncooked rice. The rice will absorb all of the surrounding moisture and, hopefully, draw all the water away from the vital sections of your phone until completely dry. In some really severe cases where phones are all but lost to water, try spraying them down with some WD-40. WD-40 actually stands for Water Displacement Formula Number 40 – so it’s designed to repel water. It may buy you enough time to dry out the phone before it’s lost.

Repel Bugs Cheaply and Safely

Bug repellents can get costly and often contain some rather unwanted chemicals. So why not make your own bug repellents at home? Start off with some soy wax, melt it in a double boiler, add some citronella oil (found at most health food stores) and pour into an empty jar or old can with a wick. Now you have your own citronella candle, perfect for keeping off the bugs. Add some different scents and colored crayons to your mix for a more pleasant candle.

Don’t like the idea of candles, some plants will naturally protect against mosquito and other bugs. Flowers like citronella (for obvious reasons), catnip, rosemary, and marigolds all repel bugs. And, as it turns out, Mosquito hate soap. So next time you’re in the backyard, hang some dryer sheets on the deck or set up a bubble blowing machine. Independent research shows these can really cut down on the number of unwanted bug visitors.

Clean the Grill without Harsh Chemicals

It was a long winter. And we’re willing to guess that those grill grates prove that fact. Or maybe it’s just been a few years since they’ve had a good scrub. Well, not many of us have a pressure washer to blast that grit away and chemicals that close to food just seems like a bad idea. Don’t worry – there’s an easy fix. Use a halved onion face down on a heated grill to remove grit and grime without the use of harsh chemicals or expensive pressure washers. If onions bring tears to your eyes, you can also use a balled up piece of aluminum foil to get the stuck on grease right off.

So there are some of our tips for having a perfect summer. If you have any tips, let us know by sounding off in the comments below, on Facebook or through Twitter. Have a great summer!

Much of our creating and accessing a memory day-to-day is based upon pattern separation. Although we might eat oatmeal for breakfast or park in the same area each morning before work, we tend to recognize the smaller differences in each day. This helps separate and “file” our memories accordingly. You may have had oatmeal three days in a row, but maybe you had it with apples on Monday, yogurt yesterday and cinnamon today. These small, but significant, details help provide a distinct memory.

Age, as we all understand, has a tendency to dull the ability to make these distinctions causing our memories to blur together. That’s because of a degenerative process caused by aging to our dentate gyrus – the part of brain thought to be responsible for the formation of new memories.

But new research has shown that there may be a way to help stimulate this portion of our brain and help stimulate the creation of new brain cells. No, it’s not crossword puzzles or brain teasers –  it’s good, old fashioned exercise.

In a study conducted at the National Institute on Aging, researchers found that mice which regularly and voluntarily exercised using their play wheels showed an increased ability to separate closely spaced images on a screen – a test used monitor pattern recognition and memory in animals. When compared with their sedentary roommates, the mice that ran more frequently also showed more new neurons within their brain’s memory zone.

Although the extent to which exercise can help facilitate this reaction in humans is still unknown, it does lead to some promising theories. The bottom line – exercising can never hurt. So why not try it anyway? Get out and get active. The only problem is remembering where you left your keys.

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.

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!

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.

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.

As home gardening grows in popularity, more people are discovering the benefits of the outdoors. Here are just a few of the ways home gardening can improve your health.

Stress Relief

• Caring for and maintaining a garden can help focus your mind on a productive and gratifying process. All too often, either at work or around the house, we don’t get credit for the hard work we put in just to keep things moving. But with a garden, we can literally eat the fruits of our labor!
• Make your garden your own by filling it with plants, produce or design features that you enjoy. This will make a small, Zen-like space all your own. You can grow what you want, how you want.
• No more shopping for produce only to have it go bad. Now you can pick a tomato as you need it without running to the store!
• A sense of accomplishment. Serving fresh veggies and herbs makes every meal great and will have the whole table asking what your secret ingredient is.

Physical Benefits

• Gardening can actually be quiet the workout. Low impact and moderately paced, maintaining you garden can be a great way to stay active in the heat without overdoing it.
• More strenuous activates (like a complete overhaul of the backyard) can burn up to 600 calories after a full day’s work pulling weeds, digging holes and further improving your garden.
• Gardening has even been found to help improve flexibility by help strengthening underused muscle groups and joints.

Nutrition

• This may be one of the best perks of having your own garden, not only do you get to choose what to grow – but you get to choose how to grow it. Don’t like pesticides or artificial fertilizers? Well, don’t use ‘em. You’ll have organic produce right at your fingertips.
• Feed your family the freshest produce possible. No need for frozen or canned spinach when you have it in the back yard!
• Herbs, spices and other easy-to-grow plants can add some hidden nutritional value to any meal as well as a little flavor. Did you know cilantro is being praised for its anti-inflammatory value? Or that parsley can boost antioxidant levels in your blood? It’s true and they’re easy to grow!

So now that (hopefully) all the April showers are out of the way, let’s get started with the flowers part of spring. You might just be surprised how much you’ll save, how healthy you’ll feel and how much a home garden can benefit your healthy lifestyle.

Well, don’t let the wet weather hold you back. There are still plenty of ideas to keep you busy on those rainy days inside while still enjoying, and protecting, our environment outside.

Eco Cleaning – Spring means spring cleaning. But many household products are terrible for the environment (which also means they may not be good for you). Luckily, there are tons of eco-friendly cleaning products on the market. There are also many home remedies for cleaning that involve no products at all. For example, cut a lemon in half and microwave it on high with a bowl of water. After about 5 minutes, remove the lemon and wipe off any stuck on grease. It’s that easy and no chemicals needed!

Sustainable Cooking – Cooking can be a fun group activity when you’re stuck inside. If the early spring weather is keeping you in – why not spend the time productively? Using locally grown produce and sustainably harvested ingredients is an awesome way to improve the environment and farmland. This will ensure that your favorite foods stick around and can even helping improve soil by retuning vital nutrients to the earth with crop rotation. This is also a great way to take pride in your local community and support the small business within.

Garbage Compacting – OK, this one sounds a little strange, but trust us – it’s fun. The next time you finish dinner, challenge everyone at the table to compact any trash into as dense and tightly wrapped a package they can. Use an empty juice box, any cardboard from dinner or a napkin as the container. This technique is great for camping when the weather gets nice. It saves space in your pack and in the landfill and it can be a lot of fun if enough people are involved.

Start a Compost – Some of your trash is going to be organic, especially during any cooking prep. Things like eggshells, carrot tips and used coffee grounds are great for starting a compost heap. Then, a few weeks later when it’s time to fertilize your garden, you’ve got the perfect, organic mix right in your own backyard.

Bird Watching – Just because you’re stuck inside doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beauty outside. Try looking for the indigenous birds in your area. When you spot one, look it up online or in a bird watching book for details. Then, you can purchase the correct seed for the bird feeder. This will ensure lots of winged friends for the rest of spring.

We hope everyone has had a great April and a perfect spring to come! Remember, Earth Month doesn’t have to end because of the rain!

Now, we know there are some people who were on the fence about signing up to try their hand at 28 days of exercise – it’s not exactly an easy task. But we also know a little motivation can go a long way for next month. With the right mindset, you can accomplish anything.

That’s why we want to hear from you. We want to know how you stay motivated to keep moving in this busy world. And, because it’s still our birthday month, one participant will receive a $50 credit to use at the Apogee White Plains Spa. We think you deserve it after all you do – now let us know how you do it!

It doesn’t have to be about exercise, although if you’re a challenge participant we’d love to know how you keep going! Maybe you finally finished that book that’s been sitting on the coffee table. Or maybe you just found the time to sign up for night classes – whatever it is, we want to know what drives you.

For some it can be as simple as a line of poetry or a favorite movie scene. For others, it’s family and friends that keep them motivated. So do us a favor, spread the motivation and post pictures, type out your favorite poem or link to a video on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

The key to life is happiness and the things that make us happy are what keep us moving. So why not share what drives you and win a $50 spa credit in the process? We can’t wait to see what you got. We’ll get things moving with this:

Always keep moving!