May, 2016

What to Look for on Sunscreen Labels

You can learn a lot about a bottle of sunscreen just by looking at its label. Specifically, checking the label helps you choose a sunscreen that reduces your risk of sunburn, early aging and skin cancer. Here's a closer look at today's sunscreen labels, with hints on how to make them work for you: Look for broad-spectrum protection. These words mean that the sunscreen helps guard against ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays. Both kinds can damage skin and lead to wrinkles and skin cancer. Only p...

Florida Department of Health Offers Advice on Water Safety

May is Water Safety Awareness Month and Florida residents are encouraged to practice safe swimming this summer. Drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1-4 and Florida has the highest rate of child drownings under the age of 5 in the nation. Polk County has the 12th highest child drowning rate in the State with a count of 25 deaths in 2014. With over 500 lakes in Polk County, our residents spend a significant amount of time in and around the water, especially this time of year, s...

Insect Allergies: When to Get Tested

Questions over potentially fatal allergic reactions persist following the recent death of a Tampa father within an hour of being stung by a swarm of yellow jackets. Unaware of his existing allergy to bee stings, the man was ill-prepared to combat against the devastating effects of their attack, which included severe pain, anaphylaxis and death. While allergy-related fatalities from bee stings only occur around 50 times per year in the United States, it’s important for everyone to recognize...

How to Stress Less

There are a variety of factors which contribute to high blood pressure – smoking, being overweight, lack of physical activity and maintaining a diet high in sodium among them. But one of the major culprits is stress. As uncontrolled high blood pressure can have destructive effects on your health, and lead to conditions like stroke and heart disease, it’s important that you keep track of your numbers and curb your risk factors. Here are some tips that will help you gain control over s...

How Much Exercise is Enough?

You should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity- like brisk walking or tennis- every week. And do muscle-strengthening activities, such as lifting weights or using resistance bands, on two or more days a week. Any movement beats sitting still, but you will gain the most health benefits if you exercise regularly. Staying active could help lift your spirits, trim your waist and lower your risk of: • Heart disease. • Stroke. • Type 2 diabetes. • Some can...

Fitness Inspiration from Competitive Sports

Looking for ways to add more fun to your fitness routine? Turn your eyes to the beloved sporting events you watch on TV. Kickboxing is a popular fitness trend. This feisty whole-body workout blends aerobics with boxing- and martial arts-based jabs and kicks. Walk a marathon-at your pace. Maybe you're not ready to run a real marathon. But don't let that stop you from crossing the finish line like the athletes in track-and-field events. Make it your goal to walk 26.2 miles the length of a marathon...

Exercises for You and Your Dog

Are dog owners typically more physically fit than non-owners? Consider the results of this 2011 study from researchers at Michigan State University. They determined that on average, half of dog owners achieve the recommended 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise on a daily basis. This constitutes a significant improvement over the study subjects who don’t own dogs. This study and several others have found irrefutable connections between dog ownership and the amount of exercise you un...