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Protect your body, feed your cells

Awe, those long, warm summer days, the sun filling your heart with joy and ebbing those worries away.

Awe, those long, warm summer days, the sun filling your heart with joy and ebbing those worries away.

No need to think about silly things like health: you’re eating lots of fresh fruits and garden vegetables so skip the vitamins, tanned skin doesn’t need sunscreen, quick summer travel and picnic food is only temporary.

If this sounds like you, then perhaps its time to take a look at what effect these long-term habits may have on your overall health.

Consuming higher amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables is wonderful, but watch out for all the pesticide sprays.

Wash all fruits and vegetables, no matter how fresh, with a mild organic cleanser.

Especially grapes, strawberries, lettuce and melon skins, as these are some of the highest chemical-laden foods.

Just because you may be eating more fresh fruits and vegetables it doesn’t mean your need for vitamin supplementation is reduced. More chemical residue building up in your cells eventually leads to a lower immunity in the long term, so supplementing with antioxidants becomes crucial all throughout the year.

When travelling, drink only filtered or bottled water, don’t trust the water in campgrounds, streams or rivers (unless filtered or boiled first).

Often unfiltered fresh water leads to stomach upset or diarrhea later due to parasites and contaminated bacteria in the water.

Take an acidophilus supplement to prevent stomach upset when travelling.

Vitamin C is great for boosting your immune system and also a natural antihistamine in case of a reaction to an insect bite or bee sting.

It is easy to slip into the quick and convenient food choices with summer camping, holidays and picnics, however; try replacing or adding a fresh salad or cut up raw vegetables.

Bring out the watermelon and fresh berries for desert in lieu of ice-cream.

For long driving trips pack cut up veggies, fruit and nuts/seeds for travelling snacks to avoid the temptation of gas station junk food. Your body will thank you later for the lower calories and extra nutrients.

The importance of protecting your skin from damaging sun rays and the elements is becoming such a common issue everywhere you turn. Even if you already have a tan and therefore don’t burn as easily, you still need to protect your skin. Harmful rays are still penetrating through no matter what colour your skin is!

Natural vitamin D from the sun is important for a few minutes each day, then put the sunscreen on or stay in the shade.

Continuous long sun exposure without sunscreen will lead to weathered and prematurely aged skin.

Apply natural vitamin-enhanced moisturizers daily to replenish sun drenched and extra dry skin cells. Your skin is your body’s largest organ; make sure you take care of it, as it is a huge protector from the environment.

Enjoy a safe, fun and healthy summer by taking a few extra minutes to protect your body and feed your cells.

www.shaklee.ca/jhlifestyles for alternatives to store bought chemical products.

Judy Holt is a freelance columnist from Lacombe.