Although I had a fantastic time once I was in Greece, it was extremely difficult for me to make the decision to go on an extended vacation abroad. It’s always difficult to leave daily life, work and children behind. I struggled with the idea of being away from my business and in a different country than my daughters. My friends convinced me that the trip was a necessity, and now I know they were right! I needed the trip to relax, unwind and enjoy myself.  My daughters were fine and my business was still standing upon my return home.

Vacations are so important for your personal health and well-being! People forget the importance of getting away from the daily grind. In 2014 in the United States, employees only used 51% of their vacation time and 15% of people didn’t take any time off at all. Recently, some employers have started to encourage their employees to take vacations given the many health and workplace benefits.

Vacations are good for you — they increase your productivity and they reduce your stress. Vacations allow you to unwind, recuperate, and feel healthier. People even have a reduction in cholesterol after a vacation and feel more satisfied with their lives in general after a vacation.

Given all the perks of vacations, where are you going this summer?

For more healthcare tips for you and your family, check out my workbook for dealing with caring for your children, as well as your aging parents: Life in the Sandwich Generation. Life in the Sandwich Generation is a workbook filled with information, tips and tricks for managing the demands needing to care for your aging parents, as well as taking care of your children. It details how you can involve your children in the process and how to learn more about your parents health and finances, while still making time for yourself and your spouse. You can find it here for only $10!

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Minor injuries can be dealt with at an urgent care. They typically have shorter wait times and you get in and out pretty quickly. Injuries that can be taken care of at an urgent care include UTIs, minor burns, insect and animal bites and wound infections.

More serious injuries warrant a trip to the emergency room. If your child falls out of a tree and breaks a bone, especially if it’s a compound fracture, you must take them to the ER. Breathing issues, allergic reactions and chest pain should also be treated in an emergency room. If you feel as though your loved one has a concussion you should take them to the ER immediately Signs of a concussion include loss of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, headaches and ringing in the ears.

Injuries sustained during sports, such as a sprained ankle, should be taken to the child’s primary care doctor first. Your doctor can determine the severity of the injury and the next steps that should be taken.

It can be difficult to determine the appropriate type of care for a specific injury but these tips should help you make a good decision on where to take your loved one.

For more healthcare tips for you and your family, check out my workbook for dealing with caring for your children as well as your aging parents: Life in Sandwich Generation. Life in the Sandwich Generation is a workbook filled with information, tips and tricks for managing the demands needing to care for your aging parents, as well as taking care of your children. It details how you can involve your children in the process, how to learn more about your parents health and finances, while still making time for yourself and your spouse. You can find it here for only $10!

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First, what is Zika? Zika is a virus which is spread through mosquito bites. The symptoms of the virus are usually fairly mild, and a lot of people may not even know they have it. Those who have symptoms may experience a rash or low grade fever, conjunctivitis or fatigue, as well as muscle and joint pain lasting seven days or less. These symptoms are similar to a mild flu.

Second, how is Zika transmitted. The virus is mainly transmitted through mosquito bites. However, it can also be passed along through urine, saliva or even sexual intercourse. 

Third, how can I prevent getting the Zika virus? The only real way to prevent contracting the virus is to avoid getting mosquito bites. So wear lots of bug spray and use citronella candles.

Fourth, what are the possible ramifications of contracting the virus? One of the main concerns is microcephaly in newborns. Many infants have been born in Brazil with microcephaly in the past months. Some health agencies are also recommending delaying pregnancy at this time due to the increased risks during pregnancy.

Knowing these tips can help to protect you from contracting the Zika virus this summer.

For more healthcare tips for you and your family, check out my workbook for dealing with caring for your children, as well as your aging parents: Life in the Sandwich Generation. Life in the Sandwich Generation is a workbook filled with information, tips and tricks for managing the demands needing to care for your aging parents, as well as taking care of your children. It details how you can involve your children in the process and how to learn more about your parents health and finances, while still making time for yourself and your spouse. You can find it here for only $10!

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First, think lean protein. Opt for grilled chicken or fish over hot dogs which don’t contain enough protein to hold you over. Burgers are an okay choice but make sure you choose a lean beef with a low amount of fat, and don’t choose a burger every time you grill. Opt for healthier options whenever possible.

Second, fill your plate with healthy options first. Don’t start by filling your plate with the potato salad; start by adding salad, grilled veggies, baked beans or other healthy options. This will ensure that you fill up in nutrient-dense foods while still getting a taste of the sides you enjoy such as macaroni and cheese. Also, be mindful of portions. Meat should be about the size of the palm of your hand, a fist is equal to a cup, so choose that amount when grabbing veggies, and the amount of condiments you use should be around the size of your thumb. Knowing how to eye-ball portion sizes is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Third, bring a healthy dish to contribute. The more healthy options there are the easier it will be to stay on track. Bring a tray of cut-up raw veggies with homemade dip, or a napa cabbage salad, or even a seven bean salad. One of my favorite healthy foods is grilled asparagus. You can throw them on the grille with a little salt and Parmesan cheese and you have a perfect healthy side.

Fourth, eat before you go. People always make this mistake. They arrive to a party starving and then end up gorging on potato chips and junk food to fill themselves up.  Arriving shortly after eating will allow you taste everything at the party without totally destroying your diet.

Fifth, keep alcohol to a minimum. Alcohol, especially beer, is calorie dense and will increase your waist line. Make a pact with yourself to only drink once a week, even when you have special events.

Sixth, stay hydrated. Dehydrated can be mistaken for hunger. Keep water on you at all times. This will help to keep you full and prevent you from munching.

Seventh, opt for healthy dessert options. S’mores are a fun treat at cookouts, but leave them for the kids. Instead, try grilling some fruit. It’s high in fiber to hold you over.

Hopefully you found these tips helpful for enjoying BBQ’s and cookouts all summer long. Now, lets eat!

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First, stay hydrated. It’s important to drink a lot of fluid when you’re out in the sun. You don’t want to risk getting dehydrated. Also, drinking water is the best way to flush excess water out of your system. Pack a coconut water in your beach bag to help rebalance those electrolytes. This will help you look slim and toned.

Second, put down that drink. Alcohol dehydrates you. You especially want to avoid beer or sugary drinks like piña coladas. If you have to have a drink stick to vodka mixed with sugar-free juices. Beer and sugar filled cocktails will cause you to bloat and look puffy.

Third, hit the gym. Get in a good sweat session the morning of your trip to the lake. Everyone feels better after a workout. Your muscles will show more once you get your heart pumping and your circulation going. So even if you and the gym haven’t been that close lately, it still won’t hurt to pick up a pair of dumbbells and climb on the stair-master. Knowing you worked out will make you feel extra confident in your bikini.

Fourth, steer clear of salty foods. Foods that are high in sodium can cause you to retain water, leading to unnecessary bloat. Instead, fuel up on lean protein, lots of veggies, and some fruit. You’ll feel fuller longer, with fewer calories.

Fifth, get glowing. Get a spray tan before you put on that swimsuit. Everyone feels more confident with a little bit of color, but tanning beds and tanning outside have dangerous health risks. Stick with a spray or bottled tan for a healthier glow. But don’t forget sunscreen, a fake tan won’t protect your skin from the sun, so you still need to use some SPF. A faux glow will make your legs look long and lean and your waist clinched in.

Sixth, shop for the perfect swimsuit for your shape. Curvy? Try something solid with an underwire. Athletic? Go for something with ruffles and bold colors. You want to add some curves to your frame. Fitting a suit that best fits your frame will give you the boost of confidence you need.

Seventh, remember, you are beautiful just the way you are.

A woman is most attractive when she is comfortable in her own skin. So put on a smile and rock that swimsuit.
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Let’s start with the basics. What is SPF and what does it stand for? SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, measures the amount of protection from UVB rays. There are several types of rays, two of which are UVA and UVB. UVB are the types of rays that cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer. However, that is not to say that UVA rays are not dangerous.

When should you apply sunscreen? Sunscreen should be applied at least 30 minutes prior to any outdoor activity. It should also be reapplied after swimming or physical activity that causes you to sweat. How much sunscreen do I need? About half of a shot glass, per application, is sufficient.

There are several things you should keep in mind when choosing a sunscreen.

First, you need broad spectrum protection. The label should say that it blocks UVA and UVB rays.

Second, choose a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15. Keep in mind that SPF 15 filters out about 93 percent of the sun’s rays, SPF 30 filters out about 97 percent. The protection factor does have its limits, however. Most studies show that it is unnecessary to go above SPF 50 as it does not block any more of the sun’s rays.

Third, sunscreen isn’t waterproof or sweat proof. The FDA ruled that these statements couldn’t be backed up.

Fourth, skip the sprays. With sprays, it’s easy to miss an area of your skin, and you may end up with stripes. It’s best to use a lotion because it’s easier to ensure you don’t miss a spot.

What about natural alternatives? We’ve all read the reports that sunscreen is loaded with harmful chemicals. If you’re looking for an alternative you’re in luck. Many different seeds and oils contain SPF.

• Almond oil – SPF 5
• Coconut oil – SPF 10
• Wheat germ oil – SPF 20
• Carrot seed oil – SPF 40

Now that you’re a sunscreen expert, lather some on and go hit the beach!

For more healthcare news and tips daily follow us on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram.

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First, let’s talk about sunscreen. We all know how important it is to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays. But did you know that having up to five sunburns before the age of 18 dramatically increases your risk for skin cancer later in life? Therefore, it is extremely important to practice safe sun. Not only does sunscreen protect us from the sun, but it also protects our skin from premature aging. One thing to keep in mind is that the ingredients in SPF breakdown over time, so always toss your sunscreen at the end of the summer and buy it new at the beginning of each season. Don’t forget to protect your head, lips and your eyes. These areas are often neglected. And be sure to reapply every couple of hours and after swimming. Choosing the right sunscreen can be difficult and there are surprisingly a lot of things you need to know. Watch for our upcoming blog post on Monday for an in-depth discussion about sunscreen.

Now that you and the kids are lathered up, let’s head outdoors! Summer time brings so many fun outdoor activities. Bike riding, swimming, rollerblading, you name it! But with these activities come risks for injury. It is important that your children always wear a helmet while riding their bike or doing tricks on their scooter. Set a good example and wear your helmet on your next family bike ride. You want to protect your head, too, and this way they don’t feel singled out. Also, get your kids swimming lessons. The sad reality of summer is a lot of children drown because they are left alone near water. Make swim lessons a priority, especially if you have a pool in your yard or vacation on a lake or at a beach. And never leave your child unsupervised by any body of water; it only takes a second for an accident to happen. If you’re going out on a boat make sure your children wear their life jacket the entire time. You can never be too safe.

Being outdoors in the heat can make you work up a sweat. Dehydration is a real concern during scorching summer days. Drink lots of water and eat foods that have high water contents such as cucumbers. Also, be sure to re-balance your electrolytes. Try adding a dash of salt to a slice of watermelon, or slip a bottle of coconut water into your beach bag. Also, stay out of the direct sun during the hottest parts of the day. If you have to be outside in the middle of the afternoon, plan on being around the water. Go to the local pool or set up a sprinkler in the yard, the kids will have a ball. Remember, if you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated!

All of this outdoor activity can wreak havoc on your allergies. Common summertime allergies are pollen, mold and bee stings. First and foremost, you should keep an EpiPen on you at all times, especially if you or a member of your family has severe allergies. Also, keep antihistamines on hand; they will help to calm an allergic reaction. If your symptoms persist, schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Summertime brings fun but it also can bring forward dangerous situations. Keep these points in mind to keep yourself and your family safe all summer long.

For more healthcare tips for you and your family, check out my workbook for dealing with caring for your children as well as your aging parents: Life in Sandwich Generation. Life in the Sandwich Generation is a workbook filled with information, tips and tricks for managing the demands needing to care for your aging parents, as well as taking care of your children. It details how you can involve your children in the process, how to learn more about your parents health and finances, while still making time for yourself and your spouse. You can find it here for only $10!

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