'wellness' posts

Summer is almost here, so this is a good time to talk about sunscreens.

We all get excited when the sun comes out in our area, but it is always important to remember that everyone should avoid direct sun exposure when it is the harshest -between 10am and 4pm during the summer months,. Everyone should wear sunscreen, hats and covered clothing when exposed to the sun. Cloudy days do not offer too much protection as the UV rays can penetrate through the clouds and affect the skin the same way. Children and adolescents in particular should avoid tanning beds.

What you should know about different types of sunscreen:

With medicine divided into so many specialties nowadays, it may seem like the era of family medicine and the yearly doctor’s visit are long gone. Now we have the internet to diagnose us so we can just go straight to the specialist that can fix us, right? But there is still value in the annual doctor’s visit besides just the lollipop you might get on your way out the door.

The doctor’s office is no longer just the place to go when you’re sick. In fact, people who go for regular check-ups are less likely to get sick! Our bodies are like cars and primary care doctors are our own personal mechanics. Your car’s engine will run better and you’ll likely experience fewer nasty surprises if you get your oil checked regularly and the same goes for your body.

Primary care providers come in many shapes and sizes—family medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, internal medicine, etc.—and each one is a gatekeeper to your optimum health and wellbeing. Like a mechanic, during your yearly check-up, your primary care provider can:

Is the mirror showing a few more wrinkles on your face or a little more sagging than it used to? A combination of physiological changes is responsible for these signs of aging. The elastin and collagen that give our skin its strength and resiliency break down making it more difficult to replenish damaged skin cells with new ones; our skin cell turnover rate slows, causing skin to look dull; gravity contributes to the thinning of our skin; and our glands produce less oil bringing about dryness and accelerating the aging process.

Skin Care By the Numbers

With so many products and services available, how can we know which remedies will actually help slow the effects of aging on our skin? About 50 percent of the way our skin ages is determined by genetics; the other 50 percent we can do something about.

In your 20s:
Leading a healthy lifestyle in your 20s can decrease the effects of aging on your skin. Use a good sunscreen and eat a well-balanced diet that includes antioxidant-rich foods like colorful vegetables and fruits. Also, stay hydrated by limiting alcohol and caffeine and drinking plenty of water; get 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night; exercise; and reduce stress.

In your 30s:
In your 30s, continue a healthy lifestyle and consider using an alphahydroxy acid moisturizer. Changes in hormones and metabolism at this age cause skin to start losing hydration. Use a night cream to hydrate skin during sleep. In your mid to late 30s, consider seeing a skin care professional. Having a chemical peel or laser therapy twice a year will remove dead skin and reveal younger skin. Also, begin using an eye cream if you’re showing wrinkles around the eyes.

40s and beyond:

Dr. Carl Janzen and Dr. Mark Kasper discuss the importance of seeking a second opinion as well as when and why they can be most valuable:

Far too often the word organic is misused and misunderstood. I think it’s most important to understand the reasons behind the difference staring back at you on the price tag, and then only you can decide for yourself whether it’s worth the financial, physiological, and environmental costs.

Educate Yourself

Organic standards prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, fertilizers, antibiotics, growth hormones and genetically modified organisms. Additional organic requirements are set to support the environment, including soil improvements and prevention of soil erosion.

What does this mean for you as a consumer? Potentially a greater chance of a reduction in your exposure to harmful chemicals. As an environmentally-conscious consumer? Hopefully refraining from further contributing to soil erosion, energy use, and water pollution while contributing to biodiversity.

Side tantrum: Just because it’s organic does NOT mean it’s healthy. Organic jelly beans (my favorite) are packed with organic cane sugar, tapioca syrup, and full of fruit juice and natural flavors. Can I consume them obliviously thinking I’m fulfilling my quota of that “rainbow” of fruit and veggie servings for the day? Not exactly. Anything full of sugar (even organic sugar) is not a “healthy” food. I would say the importance of selecting organics is greatest for items in the perimeter of the grocery store (think produce, meats, dairy, eggs). Easy, right?

What’s With the Seal?

The USDAs National Organics Program ensures ...

It’s officially summer and many of us—over 36 million Americans—have embraced international travel recently. For students and families in particular, this is the season for exciting adventures overseas. It may not be very glamorous, but, before heading off with passports in hand, how can we ensure the healthiest trip possible?

Your mother was right: plan ahead

• Check if your health insurance goes beyond the US border. If not, it is easy to purchase a short term travel insurance policy.
• Find out as much as you can about your destination’s health risks or dangers.
• Most diseases are preventable. Talk it over with your doctor or see a travel doctor who specializes in such advice.
• Be certain you have the needed vaccinations and medicines before heading out.
• Don’t let ....

Like most bright ideas, this one was sparked while sipping a mojito – why am I not growing mint? Well, this “little project” turned into a full-blown garden last year. So my challenge this year is to share with you how to grow some culinary herbs.

Why Growing Herbs at Home is Great…

• It’s fun. Trust me, the smell of basil straight from the ground will take your mind on a direct flight to southern Italy.
• It’s economical. How many times have you purchased a ginormous bunch of parsley, only to use a few sprigs? Having live plants means you can take as little (or as much) as you need, when you need it. One $3 basil plant can save you well over $20. You will waste less, and likely will use herbs more frequently since they will always be available.
• It encourages creativity. When you have an assortment of plants begging to be used, you might take a handful of each and add it to the recipe. You can create endless combinations of herbs and spices to a variety of dishes.
• It’s easy. Whether you have an amazing boyfriend that will yank rose bushes to make room for your gardening experiment, a balcony that sees the sun, or just a naked windowsill, you really can grow herbs anywhere.

Getting Started…