The spring season is when nature revives itself with new blooms and warmer weather. It’s the perfect time of year for us to embrace healthy practices that reinvigorate our wellness and break old habits. Here are a few tips to get started on a healthier you this spring!
Get an assessment of your current health.
One of the most important steps to evaluate your physical wellness is scheduling a free annual checkup with your doctor to get a detailed report of your current health. Depending on your age, gender and medical history, your annual adult wellness exam may include:
• A physical examination to check your overall health. This includes checking your vitals such as your heart and respiration rate, body temperature and body mass index (BMI).
• A discussion of your personal and family medical history. For example, your doctor may ask questions about your lifestyle and behavior to get a clearer picture of your health.
• Health screenings. This may include screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes or osteoporosis. Depending on your risk factors, your doctor may offer additional screenings such as stress, tobacco, alcohol, cancer, or obesity.
Annual Health Checkup Tip: When you schedule your wellness checkup, ask for your “free wellness exam” so you won’t be charged for the visit!
Practice prevention during outdoor activities.
Spring is the perfect season to start a new exercise routine or mindful activity that takes place outdoors. As the weather warms there are more opportunities to go for walks with friends, garden or enjoy other activity outdoors. To protect yourself, it’s important to remember these preventive tips: Use sunscreen daily. Sunscreen is the best protection from the sun’s damaging UV rays that can lead to sunburns, skin cancer and premature aging. To make applying sunscreen part of your daily routine it helps to remember the five W’s of sunscreen:
Who: Everyone under the sun. What: Broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher. When: 30 minutes before outdoor activity. Where and how much: Apply one ounce to cover your body from the neck down, which is about the size of a shot glass. Then apply a dallop of sunscreen about the size of a nickel on your face. Why: Reduce the risk of damage to your skin.
Plan properly for outdoor activities.
Spending extended periods of time in the heat can be dangerous for everyone, especially those with chronic medical conditions. To prevent overheating, you should remember to:
• Bring water with you and stay hydrated. • Keep up with the weather forecast. When the heat is extreme, it’s important to wear appropriate clothing like wide brimmed hats, polarized sunglasses, and clothing with longer sleeves to protect from the sun’s harmful UV rays. • Wear insect repellent with at least 20% to 30% DEET to protect against stings and bites from insects.
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