Summer is here, blossoms are opening among lovely greens and the sun sets beautifully each night. Perhaps the peaceful calm of summer can coast beside you as make the move to quit smoking. Think of all the summery fun things you can do to keep yourself busy: Go to the lake, go fishing, spend time on the beach, or go to the zoo with yours kids or grandkids. With laughing children around every corner, why not get outside and enjoy the fresh festivities of summer this year. Your health matters. Fresh air is always better with a fresh start.
Community News
Get Too Much Sun?
If you have a sunburn, applying Aloe Vera is a great way to promote healing and get respite from the pain and swelling. Aloe Vera is a tropical medicinal plant that has been used for thousands of years to treat skin conditions, such as wounds and burns. It is so effective at soothing burns that it’s sometimes referred to as the “burn plant.” To treat a sunburn, spread a layer of pure gel extracted from the inside of an Aloe Vera leaf over the burnt skin. You can grow your own plants at home, or you can use a store-bough product, as long as it is 100% Aloe Vera gel.
Dentures and TMJ Disorders
TMJ disorders, or temporomandibular joint disorders, can sometimes be caused by a misaligned bite. When your dentures no longer fit properly because of ridge resorption and worn down tooth anatomy, this can lead to an incorrect bite, which in turn can cause TMJ pain. Symptoms like headaches, popping in the jaw, difficulty moving the jaw, pain in the jaw, neck pain, dizziness, pain in the ears, ringing in your ears, or even hearing loss could occur. If you experience these symptoms, talk with your denturist to see how they can help with this issue. Also, get your dentures checked regularly to prevent further problems.
Sunscreen 101
Summer is in full swing! Have you been protecting yourself against sun exposure? When selecting a sunscreen, go for the “broad spectrum” protection. Sunscreens with this label protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure your sunscreen has a sun protection factor of 30 or higher. The SPF number is the level of protection the sunscreen provides against harmful rays. Higher SPF numbers do mean more protection, but the higher you go, the smaller the difference becomes. Secondly, look at the ingredients. Physical blockers (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide) provide the best protection and cause less skin irritation than chemical sunscreens.
Body Temperature Regulation – Not Just Seasonal
By age 70, the body’s thermoregulatory control diminishes. Sweat glands decrease function, less body fat insulates less, circulation decreases, and the brain has a tougher time responding. Older people, therefore, need to be aware of other symptoms when considering health conditions. Hot or cold skin temperature, dehydration, altered mental status, low blood pressure, fast pulse, and rapid breathing rates are all telltale signs of illness or injury. With subtle symptoms, it’s recommended you call or visit your doctor. More pronounced symptoms are cause for calling 911.
The Benefits of Stretching
Stretching can improve your joint range of motion, balance, flexibility and decrease your risk of injury. Here are some tips to help you stretch:
Warm up your muscles before stretching with 10 minutes of gentle exercise like walking. Hold a sustained stretch for 10 to 30 seconds and don’t bounce when stretching. Only stretch to the point of mild discomfort. If it hurts you’re pushing too hard. Breathe normally when stretching and balance your routine by working opposing muscle groups each time you stretch.
Remember to check with a health professional before stretching if you have or have had an injury, or are unsure how to stretch properly.
Wellness in the Workplace
A clean workplace provides employees with a more pleasant environment, one which encourages staff and customers to be respectful and tidy. Some benefits of having your workplace professionally cleaned would be improved attendance, increased productivity, taking pride in the appearance of the workplace; it shows the company cares about employees and their surroundings. Janitorial companies can offer “Green” cleaning for workplaces without using harsh chemicals. First Impressions are Lasting Impressions. Make a good impression daily with a clean work environment.
The Magic of Magnesium
Have you tried Floatation Therapy yet? Did you know that each tub is filled with over 1000 lbs. of Epsom salt? Floating in this solution allows the body to topically absorb this mineral. Magnesium is responsible for over 300 different cellular functions in your body. It’s ability to help balance the parasympathetic and sympathetic nerve system calms your body. It supports your nervous system, regulates nutrients and even eases constipation. This mineral helps relax the smooth muscle in your heart reducing blood pressure, it can also help with insomnia, muscle aches and migraine headaches. Floating is a natural, safe and healthy way, to absorb magnesium topically.
Natural Product Review
Prairie Naturals® Aqua Greens is the perfect Superfood duo! It is an equal-ratio blend of organic chlorella and organic spirulina powders. Rich in natural antioxidant phytonutrients, chlorophyll, carotenes, protein and essential fats. Aqua Greens support the body’s daily detoxifying process while controlling inflammation, cholesterol, blood sugar and appetite. A natural source of Vitamin B12, prebiotic fibre and disease preventing antioxidants. Made without fillers, binders, excipients or carriers. Perfect for adding to smoothies. Aqua Greens are grown sustainably and organically outside. This product contains NO soy, dairy, eggs, gluten, flavours, colours, preservatives, artificial sweeteners or hidden sugars, GMO ingredients. 100% Vegan. Gluten-free.
Book Club
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones. No matter your goals, Atomic Habits offers a proven framework for improving–every day. James Clear, one of the world’s leading experts on habit formation, reveals practical strategies that will teach you exactly how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.
Plan (Far) Ahead to Protect Loved Ones
Over the course of your life, you’ll need to take steps to protect the financial wellbeing of your loved ones for after you’ve passed away. Consider pre-paying for your cemetery and funeral arrangements. You’ll avoid future price increases associated with burial or cremation and just as importantly, you’ll spare you’re grieving loved ones the necessity of planning your arrangements. None of us can predict the future, so it’s important to do whatever you can, as soon as you can, to protect your loved ones.
