3 Ways To Be Proactive About Your Health
It seems intuitive in the colder months that you need to be proactive about your health, from religiously washing your hands to prevent catching a nasty bug to making sure you've got the right amount of layers on to stay warm and protect your skin. But it's important to be proactive about your health during the Spring, too. Here are three things you should work on now so that you're ready to embrace lighter, warmer days ahead.
Health Issues to Be Proactive About
Your Skin
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) most people only apply 25 to 50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen. It’s important to use sunscreen every day, and the AAD says that even on cloudy days, up to 80 percent of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate your skin. Cover yourself with one ounce of sunscreen (approximately enough to fill a shot glass) and remember to apply all over – including the tops of your feet, your neck, ears, hands, and the top of your head.
In addition to regularly applying sunscreen, you can prevent dry, itchy skin by remembering to moisturize. The AAD recommends applying ointment or cream immediately after showering, which tend to be more effective than lotion. They also suggest keeping baths and showers short, using warm water instead of hot, and gently patting skin dry after.
Your Teeth
Strong, healthy teeth will help you enjoy springtime staples like ice cream, not to mention prevent tooth sensitivity, which can be uncomfortable and a drag to deal with. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and eating a healthy diet that limits sugary beverages and snacks. Use a toothpaste like Pronamel Strong & Bright Enamel Mint to strengthen acid weakened enamel, help provide sensitivity relief, and polish away stains for a whiter, brighter smile.
In addition to making sure you’re using the right toothpaste, the ADA also recommends that you see a dentist regularly for prevention and treatment of oral disease.
Your Diet
The AAD says that a diet supporting overall health also supports good skin health. The ADA agrees, adding that you can minimize tooth decay as a result of consuming sugar by limiting foods with added sugar in them. But figuring out how to follow a healthy diet can sometimes be confusing, especially with the overload of information that’s available. Start simple by following these recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC), which states that when it comes to your diet, a healthy eating pattern should include fruits, vegetables, protein, dairy, grains, and oils, limiting saturated fats, added sugar, and sodium.