Since this information is available to you, use it. Get heat advisory alerts on your cell phone with Weather.com or a mobile application such as Weather Bug. If you know the weather will be an issue, you can make good choices for your daily activities.

The combination of heat and humidity can create conditions in which you may find it hard to exercise or just breath while stationary. The increase of air moisture reduces the amount of oxygen you receive with each breath. Therefore, you have to breathe harder in order to get the same amount of oxygen into your body.

The symptoms of heat distress are dizziness, fatigue, increased heart rate and breathing, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Left untreated, it could lead to serious health issues.

It is essential to restore your body temperature to its proper level. Cool water and ice can be lifesavers. You can help yourself cool off by applying either to your wrists, back of your neck, armpits, or groin.

The best solution is prevention. Know when the temperature will create stressful conditions. Maybe that is the day you can catch up on your housework or extra reading.

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Treating and Avoiding Heat Stroke is a post from: The Road To Wellness

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I grew up, as many of you too, with fried chicken as the quintessential summer meal. My current favorite recipe is Deviled Fried Chicken from Epicurious.com, which you can easily make gluten free by using gluten-free flour instead of wheat-based flour. The results either way are outstanding.

For me, fried chicken is the perfect boat food. We spend many summer afternoons on the boat. Lunch, lake side, has become something of an institution with us. Fried chicken fits the bill perfectly.

Fried chicken doesn’t have to be bad for you if you eat it in moderation and choose methods which minimize the oil intake. When you make a recipe containing baking powder, you do just that. The chemical reaction minimizes the oil absorbed by the chicken.

Have a bit of fun this summer. Indulge in  just a bit of fried chicken, using a heart-friendly oil like canola, a low-fat coleslaw recipe, and corn with just a bit of unsalted butter. Summer never tasted so good.

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Indulge, Just This Once is a post from: The Road To Wellness

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We met our family just arriving in Door County for our annual reunion. I had to admit to being a bit dismayed that the first remark from several family members was how red my face was.  We had been hiking earlier on Rock Island. That was the first time I realized that sun exposure was now a big deal for me. From now on, I had to be very careful.

It’s unfortunate that something so enjoyable as being outdoors has to care restrictions, but that is the way of it. Sunlight is good, but only in moderation, as so many other fun things.

However, the warning is well heeded. Who wants the pain of a sunburn? Wrinkles? Forget it! Cancer? I’ll pass. Today, take it as a reminder to take care of your skin, your appearance. Limit your time in the sun, if just during the prime hours to save your skin.

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Take Care When in the Sun is a post from: The Road To Wellness

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July is National Herbal/Prescription Awareness Month, according to BrownieLocks.com. It is as good of a time as ever to assess what supplements you take and their possible effects.

Before you take any herbal supplement, you should do your research. Search authoritative sites such as Drugs.com or consult your doctor regarding any possible drug interactions. Not all will be obvious.

The important thing is to make good decisions. The only way that you can do this is with the proper information. While herbal supplements may offer health benefits, you need to know the proper guidelines for taking them.

Mind Your Supplements is a post from: The Road To Wellness

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Lasagna, I have to say, is my absolute favorite indulgence food. I almost have to thank goodness that it is a relatively expensive and labor-intensive meal. I love a good lasagna, but frankly, I don’t relish making it.

My favorite lasagna has whole milk ricotta. Why skimp? If you’re indulging, you’re indulging. My mom used to make it with cottage cheese. I cringe at the thought today. I prefer a meat sauce, rich with ripe tomatoes. There also has to be plenty of mozzarella cheese. Make it part-skim, if that will make you feel any better.

Of course, lasagna is not complete without a good Chianti. You just haven’t eat Italian food without a good wine. It begs for it.

Today is a day for indulging the Italian in you. Enjoy and eat well!

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Celebrating Your Cheat Meal is a post from: The Road To Wellness

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When you are out in the sun, your eyes are experiencing the same stress. That is why sunglasses are so important. They can protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays in addition to the protection afforded by your contacts, if you use them.

Your sight is too important to treat lightly. Whenever you are outside, wear sunglasses. If anything, they will prevent the wrinkles you might get from squinting.

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Protect Your Eyes is a post from: The Road To Wellness

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How refreshing to know that such a day even exists! Here is a holiday to remember ourselves to slow down. Forget the deadlines. Forget the rushing. Now is the time for a pleasant walk, taking in the sights.

While I do bike, I prefer to walk for my cardio activity. Anything other than walking is too fast for my tastes. I’ll miss the spring wildflowers just coming up or the deer standing still while we pass. I may even miss the $20 bill someone lost while running down this same path.

This is the kind of holiday that I will make it a point to remember and celebrate. Anyone up for a stroll in the park?

Take a Stroll to Ease Stress is a post from: The Road To Wellness

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I’ll admit, corn on the cob is one of those foods that I have been reluctant to break away from the usual way. Always, it is corn on the cob, slathered in plain butter with plenty of salt.

Now, as an adult, I’m ready to break away from the apron strings and try something new. If you’re ready to make the move, here are some recipes to take corn on the cob to the next flavor level.

Mexican Grilled Corn

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Bacon-Wrapped Corn on the Cob

Roasted Corn with Sweet Red Peppers

Fresh Herb Butters for Corn on the Cob

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Play with Your Food is a post from: The Road To Wellness

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Welcome to National Iced Tea Day!

Besides its refreshing quality, tea packs some great health benefits including prevention of cancer and heart disease. Think about that as you are relaxing on your hammock, watching the clouds go by.

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Sip Some Tea and Enjoy Your Day is a post from: The Road To Wellness

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My father had an awful sunburn just after he got married. It was so bad that he couldn’t lay on his back for a week. I have had nothing of that sort, but I have had a few very bad burns. Most of my bad burns have been while I was on the water.

Water is a reflective surface which intensifies the sun’s rays, decreasing your exposure time. Curiously, certain blood pressure medications such as diuretics can increase your risk from exposure, making it important for you to know all the possible side effects and risks from taking prescription medications. In addition to blood pressure meds, birth control pills also increase your risk.

Sun Safety Week reminds you to wear sunscreen and not to ignore the effects of UVA and UVB rays. It doesn’t take a lot to get out of the sun periodically or wear a hat. If the health effects are motivation enough, consider the effects on your face. Do you really want all those wrinkles?

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Slather on the Sunscreen! is a post from: The Road To Wellness

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