5 Ways Summer Is Good For Your Health
It's finally the first day of summer, and you might be surprised by some of the healthy perks of summer worth celebrating today.
1. It’s Vacation Season
Of course, you can take a vacation any time of the year. But with school out and the beach calling, many of us opt for a little time off over the summer months. Doing so may be one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Vacations ease stress and improve mood — even after returning to “real” life
2. Your Heart Stays Healthier
People are 26 to 36 percent more likely to die in winter from a heart attack, a stroke, heart failure or some other circulatory disease according to a recent study. That doesn’t mean you can take a break from regular exercise or your nutritious diet. It’s more likely that you’ve gone full steam ahead on your healthiest habits in the summer, giving your heart added protection.
3. You’re Sure To Get A Good Sweat
When conditions are safe enough for outdoor exercise without risking heat-related illness, one thing’s certain: You’re most definitely going to sweat. While it doesn’t exactly detox you, sweating really can help fight infections, since sweat seems to help keep skin clear of bacteria and fungi. Sweating also gives circulation a boost and opens up the pores, which could help your face stay acne-free.
4. Fruit Abounds
Summer wouldn’t be complete without heaping helpings of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cherries, watermelon — the list of in-season fruit goes on and on. The best news is these summer picks are as nutritious as they are delicious. All are loaded with antioxidants and vitamins (and flavor!), for very few calories.
5. Swimming!
Swimming uses all the muscle groups with minimal impact and improves strength, since the water provides natural resistance. People with joint pain or arthritis can often participate in water-based exercise more easily without worsening symptoms, and swimming has also been shown to improve mood and alleviate depression.
The Best Anti-Aging Tips We’ve Ever Heard
1. Use the gold-standard treatment for thinning hair
To keep your hair looking full, try minoxidil, which is FDA-approved to stimulate growth.
2. Invest in your glasses—both sun and otherwise
Look for sunglasses with more opaque lenses and both UVA and UVB protection. They’ll keep you from squinting, which will help you avoid wrinkles and protect the delicate skin around your eyes from sun-induced discoloration.
3. Think about your skin when you’re tempted by processed treats
You know that refined carbohydrates and added sugars are at the top of every nutritionists don’t-eat list, but dermatologists avoid them too. They can lead to wrinkles through a process called glycation—eating refined carbs and sugars creates a quick spike in blood sugar, and when those sugar molecules link up with the collagen in your body, it leads to stiffness in your skin.
These Girl Scout Cookie Baking Mixes Are The Greatest Invention Ever
Pillsbury just released new Girl Scout Cookie baking mixes that allow wannabe scouts to make treats inspired by some of the most iconic cookie flavors. The dough-licious lineup includes:
Thin Mints Cupcake Mix, Caramel & Coconut (aka Samoas) Blondie Mix, Thin Mints Brownie Mix and Caramel & Coconut Cupcake Mix.
They’re a sweet indulgence indeed, with no colors, preservatives or artificial flavors, according to a Pillsbury press release. One blondie has 16 grams of sugar, about a third of the daily limit for added sugar recommended by the U.S. government. (Just be careful not to nibble the whole pan.)
You Really, Really Should Never Comment On Your Child’s Weight
Well-intentioned comments about your daughter’s weight could have long-term negative consequences for her health, according to new research from scientists at Cornell University.
Researchers didn’t make a distinction between positive or negative comments in the study, but they found that any comment a girl remembered hearing about her weight predicted a heavier body mass index and more dissatisfaction with her body as an adult — even if she wasn’t overweight.
The research aligns with previous studies that found women who were put on diets as children were more likely to struggle with obesity and disordered eating. Similarly, researchers have previously found that women who were told they were “too fat” as children were more likely to be obese as adults — even if they were of normal weight to begin with as children.
While these studies only establish correlations, and not cause-and-effect relationships, they do suggest a parent’s concern about their child’s health when it comes to weight may end up backfiring and contributing even more to the problem.
Just for you!
We don’t know what you do for a living, but we do know you likely need a break. And, nearly halfway through the year, we’re challenging you (yes — busy, overworked, financially stretched you) to #TakeABreak. During the month of June, we’ll help you nail down how many vacation days you have at your disposal, figure out where to go, and plan a trip you can actually afford. For 30 days of travel tips, cheap flight hacks, vacation ideas and wanderlust galore, opt in below.
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