Tag: sun

5 spring health risks you need to prepare for now

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.

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.

graphic of the earth explaining equinox and solstice
original source not known

 

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
diagram of the nose and sinuses
Allergies commonly affect the nose, throat, sinuses, ears, and eyes.
  • 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

     

    5 spring health risks you need to prepare for now- watercresswords.com

    July Timely Topics- Celebrations and Souvenirs

    Here in the United States, we have our most important holiday of the year-Independence Day, but usually just referred to as the 4th of July. Why do I say it is the most important? Because without it, we wouldn’t be a country!

    On this day in 1776, the North American colonies of England declared political independence, and the rest, as they say, is history.

    Where I live, we just saw the first day of summer, the longest day of the year, come and go. Summer activities are in full swing, with friends either getting back or preparing to leave on vacation.

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    For July topics we’ll look at summer safety and wellness. We often call winter the cold and flu season, so we could call summer the poison ivy, sunburn, and bug bite season. Unfortunately, it’s also the season for drownings and water sports accidents.

    Celebration

    Here in the United States, we have our most important holiday of the year-Independence Day, but usually just referred to as the 4th of July. Why do I say it is the most important? Because without it, we wouldn’t be a country!

    On this day in 1776, the North American colonies of England declared political independence, and the rest, as they say, is history. Much has happened in the almost 250 years since, and the United Kingdom is now an ally.

    An American citizen, former actress Meghan Markle, married into the British royal family. She and Prince Harry have two children, also American citizens, who are in line for the British throne! (Granted, pretty far down.)

    Friendship is worth pursuing between people and countries.

    Statue of Liberty
    Lady Liberty lifting her torch in New York Harbor -photo
    by Dr. Aletha
    Here are links to July’s Timely Topics, or use”search” to find what interests you

    Let’s celebrate Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Health Care

    We Americans may pride ourselves on not having “socialized” medicine or “national healthcare”, but we do have a health care system that is a combination of public and private funding and administration. And even private healthcare must comply with a myriad of local, state, and federal laws and regulations.

    Keep reading

    Don’t Drink the Water- How to Avoid Water-related Illness

    In this post learn how Water can pose health risks beyond drinking, including illnesses from contact during swimming or recreational activities. Drowning is a significant risk, especially for children. Common waterborne illnesses include gastrointestinal and respiratory conditions. Prevention strategies, such as swimming safety skills and avoiding contaminated water, can prevent these dangers.

    Keep reading

    Safe and Healthy Cruising-Keys to an Enjoyable Vacation on a Ship

    In this post I share experiences from visiting the Titanic museum and a subsequent cruise, emphasizing enhanced safety measures unlike those on the Titanic. Observations include thorough safety drills, food allergy considerations, hygiene protocols, and various activities available. While the cruise was enjoyable, potential health risks exist, including sun exposure and noise levels.

    Keep reading

    Summer Reading

    Don’t forget to take some books along on your vacation for those hours in the airport, on the plane, or poolside.

    If you’d rather listen than read, consider a subscription to Audible Plus to access thousands of audiobooks and other media. (affiliate link) .

    My Reader Rewards Club is a great way to earn free books and Bibles for yourself, friends, and family! Your journey to earning free faith-based products starts HERE.
    (When you sign up through these links, I can earn free books too.)

    As a member, you’ll have access to inspiring literature, Bibles, special promotional offers, and much more. Earning points is easy—you’ll receive 25 points just for signing up!

    exploring the HEART of health

    Follow this blog and my Facebook page so you won’t miss new posts and updates to previous posts. Plus health news and tips, and funnies.

    a world globe with two crossed bandaids

    Doctor Aletha