They crawl up

As we begin to spend more time outdoors during the warmer months the threat of contracting a tick-borne disease increases. Personally I have already spotted two deer ticks on my clothing just from walking my dogs. Tick-borne disease pose a major health concern to the public nationally. Most of us are aware of the more common disease associated with tick bites...Lyme disease and spotted fever, but according to the Tick Encounter Resource Center, there are seventeen known tick-borne diseases of which eleven are known to infect humans.
It is important to develop a good plan to help protect yourself and your family members from the wide variety of tick-borne disease. Prevention strategies from a through body examine after being outdoors to the use of repellent sprays, tick repellent clothing or special designed leg covers
are your biggest defense against becoming infected. In addition to protecting yourself don't forget your four legged friends. Consult your vet as to the best treatment for your pet. Treatment for pets should be year round as it is possible for ticks to still be around in colder weather months.
Check out more helpful information and track ticks in your area on the website Tick Encounter Resource Center. 

"Six in one hand...half dozen in the other" Sunscreen &Vitamin D

Just in time as we are about to venture out to take in the spring/summer rays...studies are indicating that our use of sunscreen is contributing to the high incidence of low Vitamin D levels. According to a May, 2017 article in the Daily Mail.com..."three-quarters of the US population are deficient in the 'sunshine vitamin' including 95 percent of African Americans".

This finding definitely necessitates the need for finding a way to continuing the use of sunscreen to protect your skin exposed to sunlight and to maintain healthy Vitamin D levels. The study suggest midday walk in the sun of 5-30 minutes without sunscreen twice weekly and eating foods rich in Vitamin D may help maintain normal Vitamin D levels. The exposure time is dependent on where you live geographically and the pigmentation of your skin. Lighter skin synthesizes more Vitamin D than a darker pigmented person.

It is best to discuss your Vitamin D level with your physician who can guide you on the best solution for you.

Striving for a Healthy Mind, Body, and Soul

Putting self first had long been viewed as being very selfish. However, you may find if you never incorporate an attitude of self care first, your efforts to achieve optimum health can never be achieved. Many seek our sense of serenity from things around them but the core of such a sense of peace is the alignment of the mind, body and soul. Explore how to incorporate 10 practices to have a healthy mind, body and soul.

More Than Screening...A Lifetime Affair

I, perhaps like many of you, received a mailing from Life Line Screening, which when read may seem like a smart preventive healthier living strategy. Who would not you want to know if they are at risk for a stroke, aneurysm or other life threatening vascular disease? They outline however that they only do the testing and if any of your test results are abnormal, you will need to see your own personal physician. The results are provided in the format of "normal", mild risk, moderate risk, significant risk or normal/abnormal. None of the test they offer are insurance covered but the seemingly low cost of the screenings and the ease of receiving your online results makes it seem like a bargain.
So, is this really something worth you investing your money in and if not why? Testing not collaborated between you and your primary care physician is not wise. If your Life Line Screening has any abnormal result, your primary care physician will need to evaluate your personal risk factors and if warranted order testing that will be covered by your insurance company. Mass screenings done by private entities can do more harm than good. To get a more en-depth perspective read  "Don't Reach for Life Script Screenings".
Preventive health focuses on taking measure to prevent disease as opposed to treating disease. Routine screenings based on risk factors, family history, and age are a facet of preventive health. However, more importantly, it is vital to establish a working relationship with a medical professional (primary care physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant) who can help evaluate, coordinate and monitor your healthcare. Striving to make healthier food choices, reduction of stress, smoking cessation, adequate sleep and exercise can help reduce your risk of disease. Together you and your practitioner can outline your wellness objectives and seek to achieve them over your lifetime.