Out With The Summer...In With The Flu

While many of us are holding on to our memories of summer's warmth as long as possible, my local pharmacist has already begun to warn us...we are on the cusp of the flu season. For many people the flu is a nuisance inconvenience, but for the young, elderly and individuals with a compromised immune system, the flu can be much more...it can be deadly. According to the CDC, in 2015 influenza and pneumonia were the eighth leading cause of death in the United States, claiming the lives of more than 55,200 people. So the question that struck me is "what accounts for such a high number of fatalities"? The answer...on average only 40-50% of people get the flu vaccine. The reason for this low number varies...with the prevailing reasons being...the shot does not work or getting the shot will cause you to get the flu. Until recently, I did not know the intent of the flu shot is not to prevent you from getting the flu but to help lessen the severity of the flu and associated hospitalizations and to help boost the immune system of younger people and healthy adults.
After having to be hospitalized for 7 days the year I did not get the flu shot, I am a proponent of getting it every year now. I respect everyone's right to choose what they feel is best for them and their family but all of us can begin now to do things which will help boost our immune system. To learn ways to burst your immune system...read"5 Fast Ways to Boost Your Immune System".
Because the flu virus mutates it is important to get the flu shot annually.
Keep up to date on this years flu activity on the CDC's Weekly US Map. Whether you decide to get the shot or take other measures to boost your immune system...remember thorough hand washing and practicing good health habits will help prevent and spreading the flu.
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Eye Safety During the Solar Eclipse

On August 21, 2017 many in the United States will be able to view a total solar eclipse. This for many will be a must see event. According to the Old Farmers Almanac this will be the first total solar eclipse to traverse the United States in nearly a century. If you are one of the many, you need to take steps to protect your vision to avoid permanent eye damage which could lead to total loss of sight. Take a few moments to read the CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention) guidelines on protecting your eyes during a solar eclipse. 
Beware, some of the protective glasses/viewers sold do not meet the requirements to safely protect your eyes. Make reference to the American Astronomical Society for a listing of authorized manufacturers and dealers of glasses and viewers certified as safe.

Happy Feet

Have you noticed that  within less than a mile radius from home or work it is not hard to locate a nail salon where men/women spend on average around $960 annually on a no frills pedicure.  But you have to wonder is this really enough care for one of the most important parts of your body...your feet. I am amazed just how complex the foot really is. According to Wellness Magazine, the foot contains 26 bones, 133 joints, 107 ligaments and 19 muscles. The average wear and tear measured by the distance of a person's lifetime is about 115,000 miles. In order to maintain healthy feet, it takes more than the bi-monthly care we give them. Our feet need us to focus daily on keeping them pain free, protected from bacterial and fungus infections and well hydrated.This becomes even more important as we age.
There are several foot care practices that will not only help protect your feet but also will have some positive benefits for your overall health. You can help maintain healthy feet as you age by the use of the essential oils of eucalyptus and peppermint, tea extract topical, squalene, coconut oil, and shea butter into your daily foot care. Incorporating routine foot massage and reflexology has proven to be also extremely beneficial to not only your feet but to your well being.
Read more about the process of revitalizing your aging feet and the health benefits of foot massage.
Remember we want to have happy feet because if the feet hurt...I can personally vouch...when the feet hurt you will feel like you hurt all over. 

Wellness is Not An All or Nothing Journey

Striving for a healthier lifestyle can become unhealthy if it becomes an obsession. Instead of approaching the task with an open mind...for some it becomes an overwhelming drive to one's view of self perfection. It is important to remember that wellness is a lifetime journey and like any other trip we take detours and traffic jams can happen. Unlike a road trip which we can use a map or navigator to put us back on the right road, we often embark on the wellness journey without mapping out a reasonable and diverse course. For many it becomes all or nothing and we leave no room for a slip or fall.
Millennial's are putting a lot of pressure on themselves for being the leaders of  the new health craze (gluten free, all organic, juicing, vegan diets & exercise junkie) to meet their own expectations of self worth and what they feel others perceive about them. It is causing many to be emotionally stressed and often overwhelmed.
So you may ask...how does one strive to live a healthier lifestyle...for me it was taking baby steps as I focused on one area at a time. I worked on what I ate and what I drank first. I moved next to ways to removed stress from my life which in turn helped with getting more restful sleep since my mind slowed down and was not going 90mph. When I looked for ways to be more active, I choose activities which I enjoyed doing and just needed to commit to doing them on a frequent basis. To create a more environmentally friendly living space I looked for ways to eradicate caustic products in the home. By creating a step method for myself, I never feel overwhelmed. I also realized early in this game the road will be rough at times but it was OK to veer off course from time to time as long as I am willing to jump back on the course.
I'll share a good article which I see is a great template to start "9 Steps To Help Start a Lifelong Journey to Health and Wellness". However you decide to walk the path be sure to enjoy the ride.