The Road To Wellness

Nice to see you! Wishing you a healthy day!

You might be inclined to think that a National Sunscreen Day is a bit over the top, yet one-third of Americans need this reminder of its importance.

First off, of course, being outside is not bad. We need that time in the sun for vitamin D production and for our well-being. We need to feel the sun on our skins, the wind in our hair. It’s part of a healthy lifestyle. Over time, however, the sun damages skin and can lead to more serious conditions, namely skin cancer.

If you are one of those people who burn very easily or perhaps your job keeps you out in the sun a lot, you are more at risk. Avoiding time in the sun unprotected and avoiding the tanning booths are good practices. Clothing doesn’t always protect against the penetrating rays of the sun. Neither does cloud cover. Even on cloudy days, you are still risking overexposure.

Consider these facts:

• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. This statistic is telling. As a whole, we are probably more aware of breast cancer than skin cancer, yet skin cancer tops the the list.
• Skin cancer is preventable. About 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with UV exposure.
• More than 20 Americans die each day from skin cancer.

Sunscreens have come a long way. The SP factor has increased. Formulations are less dense and greasy, therefore easier to apply and definitely more comfortable. If the cancer facts are not enough to convince you, let your vanity rule. Over exposure to the sun leads to early wrinkles.

For yourself, for your skin, don’t forget the sunscreen.
Photo by John-Morgan

Tweet This Post

Today’s motivational tip reaches back into the past. Perhaps you started a healthy lifestyle program. You ate healthy. You lost weight. Maybe distractions and other pressures caused you to veer off the road to wellness. You see yourself now in need of some will power. That’s where your old photographs come in.

Look back to the time that you succeeded, to the time that you were meeting your goals. You figured out exactly what you needed to do. You know the secret recipe. Take that knowledge and move forward. Follow the steps that you know worked. You’ve done it before, you can do it again. Relive your past successes.

Photo by SqueakyMarmot

Tweet This Post

Health issues are a common theme on news website these days. Everyone wants to know how to live longer, live better, live healthier. Recognizing the growing interest in all things health, the media has provided readers with the stories they’re looking for. Unfortunately, many of these stories are taken out of context.

The foundation of science is to experiment and test hypotheses. In order for a hypothesis to go from being just an idea to a theory, the experiment must be able to be replicated and results, observed. Take for instance some stories that have recently made the headlines. Overweight mothers are more likely to have asthmatic children. Diabetes often has an impact on women’s sex life. Of course, no one could have escaped the stories about swine flu.

Media has taken a disturbing liberty with reporting health issues. A report of one study is being touted as fact. This flies in the face of what science teaches us. One experiment does not a theory make. That is why it is imperative to stay informed. If you truly want to understand the impact of stresses on the human body, a good place to start is with an authority such as the A&P Professor. Here you can understand the why behind the what.

The human body is fascinating. Its physiology is both complex and logical, if you consider its purpose. Different aspects of human development and physiology came about as a result of stimuli from the environment. The body developed ways to better succeed in life. Even seemingly minuscule things like fingerprint ridges serve a purpose. Learning and understanding how the human body has reacted to its environment is an interesting story.

It is important to understand human physiology. Understanding your body can help you take information you read online or on the news and make better decisions about your health. Besides, isn’t it time you read the owner’s manual?

Tweet This Post

Today’s motivational tip is about staying on track. It’s easy to get distracted. Estimates say that a distraction such as a phone call, visit, etc., can eat up about 20 minutes from your work. It takes that long to get back on track and into your momentum again.

If you exercise in the middle of the day, chances are you’re creating a distraction. While breaks are good, if you’re in a time crunch that break has to be calculated. I’m not sure who said this, but the best break is a change of work. So, what about your exercising?

Exercising involves its own mindset. You’re perhaps focused on your breathing or your form. It’s more of a right-brain practice maybe than a left-brain one. Rather than try to switch gears during the day, begin your day with your exercise. Use the time to plan your day, decide on your goals for the day. It’s a good opportunity to pick up some bonus motivation. Maybe you’re running faster, longer. You’ve added some reps. Positive reinforcements, to say nothing of the endorphins, will set your day on a good tone. If you’ve done anything that day, you’ve invested time in your health. And that’s a good thing.

Tweet This Post

Without a good varied menu containing all four food groups, it can be hard to get enough of the proper nutrients. Supplements can bridge the gaps, but how much better it would be to get your daily requirements through your diet.

Today will give anyone in need of some extra calcium the perfect means to fill a dietary need. Today, is National Cheese Souffle Day. What better way to celebrate than a souffle with calcium-rich cheese. Complete this light vegetarian meal with a salad.  ‘Food and Wine’s‘ Double-Baked Three Cheese Souffle will help you celebrate. For a lighter meal, substitute 2% milk or half-n-half for the cream. It’s a feast for a king! Bon appetit!

Weekly Goal: Get enough calcium

Photo by *clairity*

Tweet This Post