Vitamin D and Sunshine

We all know that we need a little vitamin D in our daily lives and now that summer is upon us that is going to be easier!

Vitamin D comes from sunshine (not just milk) and now is the best time to absorb some. But it is important to remember that you don't need to get a sun burn to make sure you get the proper amount of vitamin D. Just 5 minutes of sunlight every day is more than plenty.

So enjoy the sunshine and it's many benefits, but remember that sunscreen is important for skin health. Have a great summer!

Laugh this spring!

As it turns out humor really is infectious. The sound of laughter is actually contagious. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. Laughter triggers healthy physical changes in the body such as strengthening your immune system, boosting your energy, diminishing pain, and protecting you from the damaging effects of stress. So laugh out loud, who cares if people think its crazy. I know I don't!

Happy Holidays – Traveling With Meds

The holidays means traveling for so many of us. When packing it is hectic and remembering all of your essentials is difficult. On the list of things that generally get left behind is your vitamins and other pills. The good news is some doctors offer samples instead of toting all of your pills with you if you are traveling for a short period of time. If you have to travel with pills you should always make sure to take your pills with you in your carry on and not check them through in case your luggage gets delayed. Always try to remember to take your pills on time. Vacation and holidays are stressful but your health is worth it. Try and take your pills with a beverage you don't usually drink (like chocolate milk or egg nog!) that way you can remember that you had a special beverage and therefore took your pills.

Your Diet Can Impact Your Vision

As many of us know a healthy diet is important to maintaining a healthy body. But what we often don't think about is the fact that eating healthy impacts our whole body. Sure it is easy to think about your waistline or how your pants fit, and in recent years it has become more and more important to think about heart health as it relates to foods. Now it is time to encompass everything else. How you eat can affect your vision. Keeping a healthy diet can help to reduce cataracts and other eye problems. It is imperative not to cut all carbs out of your diet because they are essential nutrients that the body needs, especially the eyes. Protein plays an equally important role in maintaining macular health. Don't stop eating those leafy greens and other vegetables. And carrots are still on the top of the list, too!

Happy eating!

Fighting the Flu

Aside from seasonal flu vaccines we all know to get plenty of rest and drink plenty of fluids, but how else can we keep ourselves healthy during flu season?

When you are healthy avoid contact with sick people. That one is pretty much a given. But if you are sick STAY HOME! Don't run around infecting other people with germs. Always carry tissues so that you aren't forced to wipe your nose on your sleeve.

Washing your hands should take at least 20 seconds of rubbing them together under warm water. Soap helps here, too! Avoid touching your face. Most germs are contracted through the face (gross, but true).

Keep yourself healthy and remember that you can continue to pass on the flu up to seven days after you get sick.

Seasonal Nuts And Health Benefits

During the holiday season it becomes difficult to get the amount of treats you want without all the fat and sodium you don't. A few spices that you can use to keep taste and add a few health benefits to your treats are listed below. Enjoy!

Ginger can stay for 60 days (after peeled) in a ziplock bagged if refrigerated. Ginger is known to reduce inflammation that is associated with arthritis and muscle pain as well as reduce nausea.

Allspice is a blend of many different spices which includes both pepper and cloves which may alleviate muscle pain and relieve toothaches and digestion issues.

Cinnamon is always a beloved treat to add natural sweetness to any food! But did you know it may also hep control blood sugar levels? Fresh ground cinnamon smells delicious, too!

And for all those cranky relatives that you would rather do without during the holiday season add a little nutmeg to their eggnog. Nutmeg has been shown to boost moods in animal studies.

Be sure to keep your protein intake high and your fat intake low to decrease your risk of heart disease, stroke and certain cancers. Make the most of this holiday season!

Vitamin C Deficiency!

Most adults do not get an adequate amount of vitamin C in their diets. Where this deficiency can be linked to scurvy and other such ailments it is important to increase your vitamin C intake especially during the winter months.

Vitamin C also supports the body's normal response to inflammation as well as supporting cardiovascular health, cellular health, prenatal health, eye and skin health and especially immune system health.

How much vitamin C should you get? Studies suggest that 300-500 milligrams of vitamin C daily is the right amount. However, the RDA suggests only 60 milligrams. So unless you eat plenty of fruits and veggies to get all of your daily servings of vitamins you should consider talking to your doctor about increasing your vitamin C intake.

Cheers to better health.