There’s no better way to experience the flavors of summer than by dining al fresco, and there’s no better way to risk getting food poisoning than by ignoring safe food handling when packing up the picnic. Whether you’re making a list of foodstuffs for a day at the park with your friends for a dodgeball tournament or you’re planning your menu for a festive and flavorful 4th of July barbecue, eating outdoors requires safe food handling in order to prevent foodborne bacteria from flourishing, and foodborne bacteria increases during the summer heat, especially at temperatures from 90 degrees to 110...
Precautions to Take to Keep Mosquitoes and Ticks at Bay
Summer is for hiking, camping, the beach, and too-many-to-count fun outdoor destinations and activities. But summer is also for bothersome bugs. While most bug bites are harmless, mosquitoes and ticks can be different. Mosquitoes can carry diseases such as dengue fever, Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), and West Nile virus. Ticks can carry diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Luckily there are some things you can do to keep mosquitoes and ticks at bay. Here are some tips:
Have long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and socks handy if you’ll be outdoors. If you’re outside a...
How to Make a Roadside Emergency Kit
Whether you’re planning a summer road trip across the U.S. or you’re heading out for a night of stargazing just outside the city limits, a roadside emergency kit is peace of mind. Have you ever found yourself on the side of a road with a flat tire and no spare? A roadside emergency kit can make the difference between getting you home versus waiting for someone to come to your rescue. Here are some must-haves for a roadside emergency kit, much of which can be stored in plastic containers in the trunk of your car:
Adjustable wrench
Antifreeze (one...
Aromatherapy, Hot Stone, and Swedish Massages
In addition to bliss, massages offer so many wonderful benefits, from energizing our minds to reducing stress. If you have never experienced a professional massage, you may want to consider one of these three for your first massage. And you cannot go wrong with any one of them.
Aromatherapy Massage. If you have an affinity for scent, you’ll love aromatherapy massage. This is a Swedish massage with essential oils added into the mix. Whether you’re seeking energy, relaxation, or to reduce stress, there are essential oils that focus on each of these. Ask your massage therapist about oils and their...
Midlife Crisis or Awakening?
Some people call it a midlife crisis while others call it an awakening. The term ‘midlife crisis’ was introduced by Elliott Jaques and focuses on the phase of life where there are critical periods of transition in people between the ages of 40 to 60. During this phase, there are events that happen in life that might trigger unstable emotional or mental health. Some of these life events may include a decline in physical abilities, deaths of loved ones, and the thought ‘my life is at midpoint and I still have unrealized goals.’ While the term ‘midlife crisis’ is well...
Moles 101
Made up of melanocyte cells and mostly harmless, moles vary in color, shape, and size. Most moles develop from birth to the age of 30, and if moles are common in your family, you are likely to have and develop moles. If you have a lot of small moles, you may have spent a lot of time in the sun. Aging, teenage years, and pregnancy can sometimes cause moles to change in appearance or number due to hormonal changes. And EVERYONE has moles! Here are some mole types and things to look for when checking your skin.
Blue Naevi: Rarer,...
Dust Allergy 101
Sneezing. Runny nose. Itchy, red, and watery eyes. Sound familiar? People with dust allergies know these symptoms all too well, especially after doing chores like dusting, sweeping, or vacuuming. This is because particles—from animals, dust mites, mold, and pollen—get stirred up and into the air.
And particles are just about everywhere in the home. Here are common places where dust particles are found:
Animals can trigger allergic reactions because their dander, saliva, and urine can be found in their fur, on clothing, on walls, and in the air.
Dust mite particles are found in carpeting, mattresses, pillows, and upholstered furniture....
Six Steps to Better Digestion
Bloating. Belching. Gassiness. Stomach pain. Ugh. It’s just not fair to have to experience uncomfortableness after eating foods you love. If you experience indigestion, here are some tips and tricks to keep it at bay:
1) After eating wait, at least, three hours before lying down. If you’re full and you lie down, the acid in your stomach might be forced up into your esophagus, causing heartburn.
2) Don’t eat too fast. Eating too quickly can lead to you swallowing a lot of air, which can upset the digestive process.
3) Increase fiber into your diet, slowly. When adding fiber...
Excessive Sweating and Hyperhidrosis
Remember that tagline ‘never let them see you sweat’? We all know that’s sometimes easier said than done, especially when we’re exercising, it’s hot outside, we’re embarrassed, or we’re angry. But for some people, sweating can happen at the drop of a hat, even when they’re not exerting any energy and when the temperature is cold. Excessive, unpredictable sweating might be caused by hyperhidrosis.
What’s the cause of hyperhidrosis? Overactive sweat glands. Excessive sweating might only affect the armpits, feet, and hands. This is known as focal or primary hyperhidrosis. Secondary hyperhidrosis is a condition due to another medical condition,...
Four Popular Classes for Getting Fit
Remember Jane Fonda exercise videos, leg warmers, and headbands? Exercise has changed a lot since the 1980s! Today you can take a multitude of exercise classes to match your level of fitness. Here are four fitness classes to consider:
1) Boot Camps. If you think “boot camp” sounds hard-core, you’re right! This class is not for the faint of heart. Boot camps offer a mix of cardio and strength training.
2) Barre. Targeting the butt, core, and legs, barre workouts are inspired by ballet and great for anyone who desires a dancer’s body. Generally an hour, barre classes may also...
