Christmas in July

By HEIDI BALE, RN, BSN

Have you heard of Christmas in July? Friends of mine celebrate their Christmas Holidays in mid-July since this is when their whole family can be together and the airport does not seem to be socked in with snow and fog for those traveling across country.

With that idea in mind, I thought we would take it a step further and treat August as the New Year. The New Year always triggers resolutions, so this month I will share some easy ways to step up your health quotient. I have included some local resources where appropriate.

• Have your hearing checked. All Ears Hearing Care has an office here in South Bend, (875-0577) and another in Hoquiam.  Similar providers are available in the Aberdeen and Hoquiam area. Ask your doctor for a referral.
• Take at least 10-15 minutes a day for you. Sit and relax outside, listen to an audio book or music while driving, take a walk. Enjoy the sights and sound of summer.
• Enjoy all the fresh produce at our local public markets. Honey, vegetables, and farm-fresh eggs are a joy to eat outside for dinner.
• Check out foraging. There are a number of good books at your local Timberland Library. Surprises in your own back yard include Day Lily buds, leaves of Stone Crop Sedum, wild Garlic, Dahlia tubers, and Hosta. Don’t forget to stop and taste some salmon berry, blackberries, and huckleberries this summer. All of them contain antioxidants.
• Get in the habit of a regular bedtime, and a regular schedule. Set a good example for the kids and wake up refreshed.
• Give your feet a break! Set them free from hot, sweaty shoes and let them run naked in the grass and on the beach. Promise them you will wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes and socks from now on. Check out Sagen’s Pharmacy, and Harbor Shoes.
• Get moving. We can still enjoy some long, sunny days outdoors.
• Turn off the gadgets and enjoy some quiet time with friends and family.  Enjoy a local, live performance (Sunday Afternoon Live still has Season Tickets!), join a club (Ma Jongg anyone?), or explore a new hobby.

Have a safe, healthy summer!

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on www.hometowndebate.com 7/5/12. If you would like to respond to this story, go to hometowndebate.com