5 FACTS ABOUT STAYING HEALTHY DURING THE SUMMER

Valerie E. Robinson

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  1. Keeping Cool in the Heat:  When temperatures are 90 degrees and higher, you must be careful not to become victims of heat exposure. Hot, humid temperatures can cause many medical problems:  (a) Heat exhaustion; (b) Heat cramps; and (c) Heat stroke. It is important to check on the homeless, infants, younger children, elderly, disabled relatives, neighbors and friends.  Make sure they drink adequate amount of liquids to prevent dehydration and other heat-related illnesses. 
  2.  Make Sure You Are Eating the Right Salad Combination?:  What is a Salad? A Salad is a mixture of tossed greens (lettuce, romaine, mescalin, spinach, Swiss chard, kale, collards, mixed field greens, beet greens, etc.) topped with fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts, whole grains, and or meats or seafood. The proper salad is served with a dressing, such as vinaigrette, French dressing, ranch dressing, honey mustard, Italian dressing, Thousand Island dressing, or blue cheese dressing. We recommend extra Virgin Olive Oil (flavored orange, lemon, basil, lime, garlic, chili lime, grapefruit, nutty or fruity blends, etc).
  3. The Benefits of Lemon Water: Many people swear that they cannot drink water but there are health and nutritional benefits in drinking water. Try it with Lemon. The primary purpose of the Lemon is a natural strengthening to the liver enzymes, help fix oxygen and calcium levels in the liver. The Health Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water: Helps prevents the growth of pathogenic bacteria, Cleanses the system of impurities, Prevents diseases, Effective in dissolving uric acid and other poisons in the body. Drinking Lemon Juice helps relieve symptoms of indigestion, heartburn, belching and bloating. Additional Health Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water:  Helps purify the blood and control a tendency to bleed, Assists in lowering high blood pressure, Reduces phlegm in the body, Relieves symptoms of asthma, allergies and other respiratory problems, Nourishes brain and nerve cells due to potassium content, Helps dissolves gallstones, calcium deposits, kidney stones, and pancreatic stones, In pregnancy helps build strong bones in the child.
  4. Do You Know What Foods Prematurely Age You? Premature aging is the early appearance of the signs of aging before old age. You are what you eat. Nutrition defines your age. Physical signs of premature aging: Wrinkles, Sagging skin, Skin spots, Uneven skin tone, Dry skin, Irritability, Cravings for salty snacks, Bulge around the mid section. Research shows that 70% of premature aging is not the result of genetics but the result of lifestyle choices you make, including your Diet. Do you really know what Food is? Food is any nourishing substance that is eaten, drunk, or otherwise taken into the body to sustain life, provide energy, and promote growth. Foods That Age You: Sugar, Processed Foods,  Salt, Coffee, Transfat Artificial Sweeteners, Alcohol, Energy Drinks, Carbs, Candy. Today you can prevent premature aging by eating fresh foods - fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins. Limit processed and high metal foods. Your diet determines your health. Eat more natural foods rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants: Blueberries, Blackberries, Raspberries, and Strawberries. Phytonutrients are nutrients found in the skins of several fruits and vegetables which give the food colors, flavor and scent. Drink more water, eat more omega -3 rich foods, CoQ10, vitamin E, proper sleep, and exercise. Aging is the natural process of living. Enjoy it, embrace it! and celebrate aging with health and wellness.
  5. Are You Eating Foods That Hydrate You Throughout the Year? We can hydrate our bodies through the foods we eat as well as through the water and fluids we drink. According to the Institute of Medicine 20 percent of our water intake comes from the foods we eat. Water is required for our bodies to function properly and maintain our energy levels. The Institute of Medicine recommends that men consume three liters (13 cups) of water a day. Women should consume approximately 2.2 liters (9 cups) of water daily. Extra! Extra! Extra! Hydrating Tips: H2O + Electrolytes - Cantaloupe, peaches, strawberries, H2O + Vitamin C - Watermelon, Kiwi, citrus and H2O + Cancer Defense - Tomatoes, broccoli. Watch your daily sodium intake it should be between 2,400 - 3,000. If you have kidney problems under 2,400 is the goal.  Foods and Drinks that can Hydrate your Body/Organs: