Here are some health benefits that the Summer Season has to offer:
Seasonal Fruits & Vegetables.
New Jersey is “The Garden State”.  During the Summer a variety of fruits and vegetables, loaded with vitamins and minerals that improve physical and mental health are available.  You don’t need a “green thumb” to enjoy the seasonal fruits and vegetables, we are fortunate to have many local farmers markets to choose from, see link below to find one near you.  This Summer season experiment with different recipes.  Fruits do not always have to be a breakfast or a dessert and vegetables do not always have to be a side dish.  (Be careful when choosing a recipe.  Some recipes turn healthy ingredients into unhealthy meals by adding a lot of sugars and fats.)  Skip the chips and dip, bring a seasonal fruit/vegetable dish to the next BBQ.  Show your loved ones how much you love them by feeding them a meal that nourishes the mind and the body.   http://www.jerseyfresh.nj.gov/agriculture/jerseyfresh/find/community.html

Vitamin D:
Vitamin D plays an important role in our health; it helps our intestines absorb Calcium and Phosphorus that is needed for strong bones and a healthy immune system. Vitamin D can also be found in several foods such as swordfish, salmon and tuna. Vitamin D may also be taken in the form of a supplement. The sun offers free Vitamin D, however it is important to know the risk of skin cancer caused by ultraviolet radiation given off by the sun. While enjoying the warm weather and soaking in some free Vitamin D be sure to take breaks from direct sunlight exposure, wear clothing that provides protection from UV rays and apply sun screen.

Fresh Air:  Going outside and breathing fresh air has great health benefits. Fresh air has a higher percent of oxygen and fewer impurities than the stale air that we breathe indoors.  Fresh air provides more oxygen to your white blood cells. White blood cells require more oxygen when working to kill and destroy bacteria, viruses, and germs. Having enough oxygen will ensure that they are able to function properly and improve your immune system. Increased oxygen levels also improve our mood. The level of oxygen that we breathe alters the level of serotonin in our brains which helps to improve our mood and promote a sense of happiness and well-being. Fresh air will leave you feeling more refreshed and relaxed.

Seize the day! You don’t have to wait until Monday to start that daily walking, running, cycling or swimming activity that you promised yourself all winter. Start improving your cardiovascular health, your mental health and decreasing acute or chronic aches and pains today.

From all of us at Natural Medicine and Rehabilitation we hope you have a safe and healthy summer.

Written by Sean Shoemaker RN, LMT at Natural Medicine and Rehabilitation. Better Health. Better Life.

Call 908.252.0242 if you would like more information about:

• Clinical nutrition and weight management.
•  Improving your body’s natural healing mechanism.
•  Improving your flexibility and strengthening your body.
•  Relieving acute or chronic pain.
•  Stress Management.

NMR is a unique medical practice that emphasizes the enhancement of health over the treatment of disease. NMR is focused on prevention and wellness to achieve Better Health. Better Life.