Wednesday – July 23, 2008 | WELLNESS NEWS
• Keep Fit With Midsummer Snacking Tips by Dr. Helen Lee, D.C.
• Tip of the Week: It’s UV Safety Month! Dr. Jeffrey Getzell, O.D., Offers Safety Tips for the Eyes
Keep Fit With Midsummer Snacking Tips by Dr. Helen Lee, D.C.
According to the Food Institute Report, a surprising 80 percent of Americans snack on unhealthy foods more during the summer months. With the great weather and relaxation that summer brings also comes delicious, tempting food.
Chicagohealers.com Practitioner Dr. Helen Lee, D.C., says there are great ways to eat healthy while still enjoying the occasional delight of summer treats. The easiest way is to take advantage of the wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that are available during the summer. Fruits tend to be more cleansing to the internal body and vegetables tend to be more nourishing.
“Summer diets are all about eating lighter for a season when our bodies are naturally more active,” says Dr. Lee. “Eating light and staying active can increase metabolism which helps with weight loss, something many Americans hope for during the summer bathing suit season.”
Dr. Lee provides the following suggestions to help maintain healthy eating throughout the summer:
• Color Matters – Red fruits and vegetables contain more lycopene which improves blood pressure and joint function. Green fruits and vegetables contain chlorophyll, fiber and pthalides which improve sleep, blood pressure, immune function and digestion.
• Avoid Heavy Foods– Meat protein, such as turkey, pork, lamb or beef, is heavy and requires extra digestion. Especially when fried, meat protein creates acid which in turn creates inflammation in the body. This can slow down all the body’s movements.
• Eat Light – Fruits and vegetables tend to be lighter foods because they digest quickly and provide a high quantity of nutrients which fuel the body. Lighter foods allow the body to move better and be more active
• Hydrate – Drink water before getting thirsty in order to avoid dehydration. Once thirst is noticeable, the body has already lost a considerable amount of hydrations. Hydration helps with metabolism, brain, muscle and organ functions.
ChicagoHealers.com Wednesday Experts
Dr. Helen Lee, DC: Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Energy
Dr. Jeffrey Getzell, OD, FCOVD, FCSO: Behavioral Optometry
Tip of the Week: It’s UV Safety Month! Dr. Jeffrey Getzell, O.D.,
Offers Summer Safety Tips for the Eyes
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology the eyes never recover from UV exposure. Summer is the perfect season for being outdoors but extreme sun exposure can seriously damage the eyes.
“Since UV rays are invisible, many people think they won’t suffer the effects, especially on their eyes,” says ChicagoHealers.com Practitioner Dr. Jeffrey Getzell, OD, FCOVD, FCSO. “The long and short term effects of UV rays can be extremely damaging to the eyes.”
If exposed to excessive UV rays over a short period of time, many will experience photokeratitis which is an inflammation of the cornea. It may be painful and create red eyes, a gritty feeling in the eye and excessive tearing. More devastating long term can include cataracts which is very prominent in Americans over the age of 40, cancer of the eyelids and macular degeneration which can cause irreversible vision loss.
Below Dr. Getzell give tips on protecting the eyes from the summer sun:
• Sunglasses – Sunglasses are about more than just fashion. Look for sunglasses that block 99-100 percent of UV rays. Wrap-around sunglasses also provide additional protection from the side.
• Wear a Hat – Wear a wide-brimmed hat during any outdoor summer activity. This adds an extra layer of protection because it blocks UV rays from above.
• Watch for Clouds Too – Don’t be fooled by the clouds. UV rays can pass through thin clouds and haze making sun damage still possible.
• Contact Lenses – Most people don’t even know that UV-blocking contact lenses are available. Always wear sunglasses too since these contacts just provide additional protection.
About ChicagoHealers.com
Chicago Healers (www.chicagohealers.com) is the nation’s pioneer prescreened integrative health care network, offering a comprehensive understanding of each practitioner’s services, approach, and philosophy. Our holistic health experts teach and advocate natural and empowered health and life choices through their practices, the media, educational events, and our website. With close to 200 practitioners and over 300 treatment services, Chicago Healers has provided nearly 400 free educational events for Chicagoans and has been featured in 300+ TV news programs and print publications. For more information, visit www.chicagohealers.com
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