As we move into summer, many will want to exercise outdoors to stay active and get some fresh air. That’s great news, as experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week. Working out in hot and humid weather can put extra stress on your body; however, there are simple precautions you can take to protect yourself.

These days most adults and many kids are leading stressful lives. Some have more pressures than others, but stress is relative and depending on our circumstances and overall state of mind, it can have detrimental effects on our health.

​Approximately one in five Americans have some hearing loss. Often unavoidable due to the natural process of aging, hearing loss can also result from exposure to loud noises over time. 

​With the COVID-19 vaccine becoming much more widely available across the country, the topic of returning to in-person work, school and other activities is being discussed constantly. The reopening of the country, though, comes with some uncertainties and may lead to feelings of re-entry anxiety.

​The sun releases energy, called radiation, in various forms: in the sunlight you see, the heat you feel, and the invisible ultraviolet (UV) rays that cause you to get sunburned. UV rays from the sun can also damage your eyes and hurt your vision.

​As summer approaches and the number of hot days increases, you have to pay attention to the temperature gauge and how long your kids are out playing in the sun. 

Heat illness kills hundreds of Americans every year, and it is the number one weather-related killer. Also, heatstroke is the top cause of exercise-related deaths among high school students.  

​More than half of adults in the United States will experience mental illness—which refers to a variety of conditions that affect one’s mood, behavior, feelings or thinking—at some point in their life. Mental illnesses can occur occasionally, while others are chronic. Common mental illnesses include anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. 

​For many workers, their new “normal” routine consists of getting out of bed and logging on to work. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in thousands of employees working from their kitchen tables or living rooms rather than the office.

​Observed every April, Alcohol Awareness Month is meant to raise awareness about alcohol use and break the stigma by discussing how alcohol-use disorders affect individuals, families and communities. This year is especially critical as COVID-19 restrictions and stress can increase your susceptibility to substance misuse, addiction and relapse. In fact, alcohol sales in the United States have grown nearly 30% in the last year. 

Like many other people, you may be thinking about what you would like to accomplish in 2021 or what life changes you could make. Common New Year’s resolutions include losing weight, exercising, getting organized, learning new skills and saving money.