5 spring health risks you need to prepare for now

Remember it’s Spring forward to Daylight Saving Time

Most of the United States changes to Daylight Saving Time on the second Sunday of March every year

So you will either be going to bed an hour later than usual, or awakening an hour earlier.

sleep

Either way, your body will tell the difference until your sleep cycle adjusts; I know mine always does.  WebMD offers these tips to make the change easier.

If getting a good night’s sleep is a persistent problem for you, check out the information I shared in this post.

Expert advice to sleep well every night

 

We welcome the  first day of Spring  in the northern hemisphere, with the occurrence of the vernal equinox which occurs around March 20 every year.

This link to The Weather Channel explains what the vernal equinox means.

 

With more hours of sunlight and warmer weather you may spend more time outdoors.While that may mean greater fitness from the physical activity, you will be at risk of several outdoor injuries. Be proactive and prevent warm weather ailments with these tips.

insect bites and stings

Protect yourself against mosquitoes and other insects.

5 insect repellents to keep you safe this summer

 

 

sun exposure

Protect your skin with  sunscreen while you’re outside.

(These are affiliate links placed here for your convenience. This blog can earn a commission from sales from these links. This does not imply endorsement of these products.)

 

blisters and other wounds

Protecting your feet.

Whether walking, jogging,  gardening, or sports, our feet can take a beating from outdoor activity.

You probably don’t worry much about blisters- until you get one. Then the pain can inhibit walking, or even  wearing a shoe.

At worst, blisters can become chronic wounds, get infected, and threaten limbs in susceptible persons like those with diabetes or poor blood flow.

Ways to prevent blisters include-

• Proper fitting shoes, not too tight or too loose
• Breaking shoes in before activity likely to cause a blister, like running, dancing, long walks, sports
• Wearing absorbent cushioned socks, perhaps 2 pair together
• Applying protective padding over pressure points on the feet. Even plain paper tape can accomplish this, according to this study published in the New York Times.

 

 

I own and wear several pairs of Skechers sports shoes. (affiliate link)

 

environmental allergies

What to do about seasonal allergies

Often called “hay fever”, allergic rhinitis doesn’t cause a fever but it can make us miserable with its characteristic symptoms-

• runny nose, sneezing, congestion

scratchy, itchy, or tickly throat

cough

ear itching and pressure

watery, itchy, red eyes

Even those  people who have these symptoms year round may have seasonal exacerbations, usually spring and fall.

Here is information about allergy management from the American College of Allergy to discuss with your doctor.

Seasonal Allergies

exploring the HEART of health this spring

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Dr. Aletha